When a jaw crusher stops discharging material, production halts and the machine faces potential damage. Understanding why this happens and knowing how to fix it quickly is essential for any crushing operation.
Common Causes and Practical Solutions
Material-Related Issues
Excessive Moisture or Clay Content
Wet or sticky materials can adhere to the jaw plates and form plugs that block the discharge opening.
Solution: Install screening equipment to remove fines before crushing. Blend wet material with dry feed when possible. Consider washing high-clay materials or covering stockpiles during rainy weather.
Oversized Feed Material
Rocks that exceed the crusher’s design specifications can bridge across the chamber or become lodged, preventing material flow.
Solution: Use grizzly screens to remove oversize material before it enters the crusher. Ensure proper blasting and feeding practices to maintain consistent feed size.
Tramp Metal
Unbreakable objects like drill bits or excavator teeth can jam between the jaws and block discharge.
Solution: Install magnetic separators and metal detectors on feed conveyors. Train operators to spot and remove scrap material before loading.
Operational Issues
Improper Feeding
Overfeeding overwhelms the chamber while uneven feeding causes uneven wear and disrupts material flow.
Solution: Use vibrating feeders to maintain steady, uniform feed distribution. Never exceed the crusher’s rated capacity.
Incorrect Discharge Setting
A discharge opening that is too narrow restricts material flow and causes build-up in the chamber.
Solution: Maintain discharge settings within manufacturer recommendations. Adjust feed rates when changing product size requirements.
Insufficient Power
Low voltage or electrical problems reduce crushing force and slow material movement through the chamber.
Solution: Monitor power quality and ensure electrical systems meet specifications. Consider voltage stabilization equipment in areas with unstable supply.
Mechanical Issues
Most discharge failures can be prevented through proper maintenance, operator training, and adherence to feed specifications. When blockages occur, identify the root cause quickly rather than simply clearing the material and resuming operation. Addressing underlying issues prevents recurrence and extends equipment life.
Luoyang Dahua Heavy Industry is a high-tech enterprise with research & development production, sales, and service. The mobile crushing station has been successfully applied in domestic and foreign mine crushing projects. The company has a professional R & D team, a strong after-sales team, from the equipment selection, site inspection, equipment manufacturing, installation, commissioning, delivery and other aspects for your service.