used portable crusher ontario canada

Used Portable Crushers in Ontario, Canada: A Practical Overview

The market for used portable crushers in Ontario, Canada, presents a significant opportunity for contractors, aggregate producers, and mining operations seeking to expand or maintain crushing capacity without the capital expenditure of new equipment. Portable crushers, which include jaw, cone, and impact crushers mounted on wheeled or tracked chassis, offer the flexibility to move between sites or within a large project area. In Ontario's vast and diverse landscape—from northern mining operations to southern urban infrastructure projects—this mobility is a key advantage. Purchasing used equipment can be a cost-effective strategy, but it requires careful evaluation of the machine's condition, maintenance history, and suitability for the intended material and production goals.

Key Considerations When Buying a Used Portable Crusher

Prospective buyers must weigh several factors beyond just the initial purchase price. A thorough inspection and understanding of the machine's past application are crucial.

Consideration Factor	Why It Matters	Key Questions to Ask/Check
Machine Type & Application	Matching the crusher type to your material (e.g., hard rock vs. recycled concrete) is fundamental.	Is it a jaw (primary crushing), cone (secondary), or impactor (for softer/asphalt)? What was its primary duty cycle?
Hours & Maintenance History	This is the most direct indicator of wear and potential remaining life.	Review logbooks for regular servicing (lubrication, filter changes). High hours with poor history is a major red flag.
Structural Integrity	The frame, chassis, and crusher body endure significant stress.	Inspect for cracks, welds, or corrosion on the main frame and crusher housing. Check chassis for damage.
Mechanical & Wear Parts	The condition of liners/mantles, bearings, shafts, and conveyors dictates immediate costs.	Measure remaining wear liner life. Check for play in bearings and gear drives. Inspect conveyor belts and rollers.
Dealer vs. Private Sale	Affects support, warranty potential (even if limited), and reliability of information.	A reputable dealer often provides better inspection reports and may offer short-term guarantees versus a private seller.

Real-World Application Case: Urban Infrastructure Recycling

A mid-sized demolition contractor based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) successfully integrated a used portable jaw crusher into their operations. Their goal was to process concrete and asphalt rubble from building teardowns and road renovations on-site into certified recycled aggregate (RCA). They sourced a well-maintained 2015 model tracked jaw crusher from a reputable Ontario equipment dealer.

The used crusher allowed them to:

1. Reduce Hauling Costs: Crushing material directly at demolition sites eliminated thousands of dollars in trucking fees to distant landfills or stationary processing plants.
2. Create New Revenue Stream: The produced RCA was sold for use as base material for new parking lots and road sub-base on other construction projects.
3. Enhance Bid Competitiveness: By offering on-site recycling and reduced environmental tipping fees, they became more competitive in municipal tender bids that prioritize sustainable practices.

The key to their success was a pre-purchase inspection by their own mechanic focused on the crusher's ability to handle rebar-laden concrete without constant jamming and the health of its hydraulic system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main advantages of choosing a portable crusher over a stationary one in Ontario?
The primary advantage is mobility across Ontario's large project sites or between multiple smaller sites without major setup costs. This is particularly valuable for regional contractors working on scattered infrastructure projects or remote resource exploration sites where setting up fixed infrastructure is impractical or too expensive.

2. Are there specific regulations in Ontario governing the use of portable crushing plants?
Yes operators must comply with several provincial regulations Environmental compliance including air dust emissions monitored by the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) is critical Noise bylaws especially near urban areas must be observed All electrical systems must meet Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards Transporting oversized equipment requires permits from the Ministry of Transportation

3 What are the most common hidden costs associated with buying a used portable crusher?
Beyond the purchase price significant unexpected costs can arise from Immediate wear part replacement e g new liners mantles blow bars which are consumables Major mechanical repairs such as bearing or shaft failure if not identified pre-purchase Re-certification costs for safety devices guarding electrical systems Transport costs which can be substantial for heavy equipment across Ontario

4 How can I verify the service history and hours of a used crusher?
Request detailed maintenance logs from the seller Cross-reference hour meter readings with engine electronic control module ECM data which often provides a more reliable record For dealers ask for any inspection reports they conducted For private sellers request contact information for previous owners if possible to confirm usage patterns

The market for used portable crushers in Ontario remains active driven by cyclical construction demands Purchasing requires diligent research focusing on verifiable maintenance records application history and a thorough physical inspection by qualified personnel When selected wisely a used portable crusher can provide reliable service at an optimal cost supporting profitable operations across the province's diverse industries