Preventive Maintenance — The Foundation of Reliability
Preventive maintenance is the most cost-effective way to keep crushing equipment running reliably. A well-planned preventive maintenance program includes regular lubrication, routine inspection, scheduled wear part replacement, and periodic overhaul of key components.
WSHT provides detailed maintenance manuals and recommended spare parts lists with every crusher, screen and grinding mill we supply.
Lubrication — The Single Most Important Maintenance Task
Correct lubrication is critical to crusher reliability. Key lubrication points include bearings, gearboxes, eccentric shafts, toggle plate bearings (jaw crushers) and hydraulic cylinder pivots. Common lubrication mistakes include: using the wrong grease/oil grade, over-greasing, under-greasing, using contaminated lubricant, and failing to follow seasonal lubricant changes in cold or very hot climates.
WSHT recommends using premium-quality extreme-pressure (EP) lubricants matched to the operating temperature range of each machine.
Wear Part Replacement — When and How
Wear parts (jaw plates, cone mantles and concaves, impact crusher blow bars, screen media, mill liners) should be replaced before they are worn completely through — to avoid damage to structural components and excessive loss of production capacity. A visual inspection routine should check: remaining thickness of crushing surfaces, cracking or breakage, tightness of fastening hardware, and overall alignment.
WSHT supplies original wear parts manufactured from high-manganese steel, alloy steel and other wear-resistant materials.
Bearing Care and Vibration Monitoring
Bearing failure is one of the most common causes of unplanned crusher downtime. Good bearing maintenance includes: proper lubrication, sealing and contamination control, regular temperature monitoring, vibration analysis, and periodic alignment checks. Early warning signs of bearing problems include unusual noise, elevated operating temperature, increased vibration levels, and grease discoloration or contamination.
WSHT offers vibration monitoring services and predictive maintenance consultation for large crushing and screening installations.
Common Troubleshooting Procedures
Common crusher issues and their typical causes include: excessive vibration (unbalanced feed, worn bearings, loose foundation bolts), reduced capacity (worn crushing surfaces, incorrect closed-side setting, feed segregation), abnormal noise (loose hardware, worn gears, bearing damage), and hydraulic system problems (leaking seals, low fluid level, contaminated fluid). Always follow the manufacturer's troubleshooting guide and safety procedures when working on crushing equipment.
