How to Choose the Best Portable Compact Crusher for Your Business

Compact crushers have rapidly become essential tools for small contractors and construction businesses. They’re versatile, portable, and powerful enough to handle various crushing tasks, including recycling concrete, asphalt, and demolition waste. But with so many options available, how do you choose the compact crusher that perfectly suits your business needs?

This guide will walk you through the key considerations when selecting a compact crusher, comparing specific machine models to help you make the best choice for your unique requirements.

Why Choose a Compact Crusher?

Compact crushers are designed to provide big performance in a small footprint. They’re ideal for businesses working in tight spaces or on smaller projects. Their benefits include:

• Portability: Easily transportable to different job sites.
• Efficiency: Crush material on-site, reducing hauling costs.
• Versatility: Handle various materials, from concrete and brick to asphalt and natural stone.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Lower operational and maintenance costs compared to larger crushers.

Now, let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing your compact crusher.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable Compact Crusher

1. Power Source

Compact crushers are powered either by diesel, electric, or a hybrid of the two. Each option comes with its own advantages.

• Diesel crushers (like the Terex EvoQuip Bison 35 and RubbleCrusher RCJ65T) are ideal for remote job sites without access to electricity.
• Electric crushers (such as the CM CR 600) are quieter and more eco-friendly, perfect for urban areas or environmentally conscious projects.
• Hybrid crushers (like the Barford 750J) offer flexibility with both power options, making them a great choice for diverse project needs.

2. Throughput (Tons Per Hour) of Compact Crushers

Your desired tons per hour (tph) not only affects job site productivity but also plays a significant role in cost considerations.

[Learn More Discover the factors that can impact a crusher's tons-per-hour performance Read Blog

• Smaller Projects: For tasks requiring up to 30 tph, machines like the Dragon CR400 are a great option. While they have a smaller output, they are more affordable and cost-effective for smaller-scale projects, making them ideal for operations with tighter budgets or less frequent use.
• Larger Projects: For higher-demand sites, models like the Terex EvoQuip Bison 120 or Barford 750J, delivering 80 tph or more, provide the efficiency and capacity needed for bigger workloads. While these machines come with a higher upfront cost, their robust throughput can save time and money in the long run on larger operations.

3. Static vs. Tracked Portable Compact Crushers

• Tracked crushers (like the Barford 750J and RubbleCrusher RCJ65T) are mobile and can be easily moved between sites, making them perfect for contractors who frequently change locations.

• Static crushers (such as the CM CR 600) are ideal for fixed-site applications, especially for small to medium-sized construction businesses repurposing demolition waste on one site. They’re also a great option for those who regularly crush in one specific place, like at your yard, where material is brought to you. Since static units don’t need to be tracked, they are more affordable than tracked machines. Even though these machines are static, these are still compact, portable and lightweight crushers, that can be easily lifted and repositioned when needed, offering flexibility and cost savings.

4. Portability

For contractors with limited space or who need to transport the crusher to different job sites, portability is key.

• Compact, lightweight models like the Dragon CR400 are perfect for easy loading and quick deployment.
• For a robust yet portable option, the Terex Bison 120 delivers high performance while remaining highly transportable.
• Even larger machines like the Barford 750J and Barford 750J RS are designed to be portable and compact, making them easy to load onto a trailer and move between job sites with ease.

5. Material Considerations

When choosing the right crusher for the job, the material you're crushing plays a vital role in determining the best fit. Not all machines are built to handle every type of material, so it’s important to match the crusher to your specific needs.

Hard Rock Applications

Crushing hard rock requires heavy-duty machines capable of withstanding the intense demands. For these jobs, only the Barford 750J and Barford 750J RS are up to the task. These models are specifically designed for the rigors of hard rock crushing, providing the strength and durability needed to get the job done efficiently.

Jaw Box Functionality

Another key consideration is whether the crusher has a jaw box that can run in reverse. This feature is essential for clearing blockages and improving overall flexibility on the job site. Additionally, only machines with a jaw box that can run in reverse are suitable for crushing asphalt. Models like the Terex EvoQuip Bison 120 and Barford 750J come equipped with this useful capability, making them adaptable, easier to operate, and ideal for handling tough materials like asphalt.

Concrete, Brick, and Pavers

When it comes to concrete, brick, or pavers, all the models mentioned in this article including the Dragon CR400, Terex EvoQuip Bison 120, and the Barford 750J series—are suitable choices. These materials are generally less demanding to crush and thus compatible with compact, lightweight crushers as well as larger, more powerful options.

Crushing Concrete with Rebar

If your concrete contains a significant amount of rebar, this adds an extra layer of complexity. Large pieces of rebar can impact the jaw plates, causing increased wear and potentially reducing the machine's efficiency. For concrete with heavy rebar content, it’s essential to manually remove the extra-large pieces before feeding the material into the crusher.

• Larger, more powerful crushers like the Barford 750J and Barford 750J RS excel in this area. They are capable of handling significant amounts of rebar while still delivering quality crushed material. Equipped with an overband magnet, these machines can automatically remove rebar from the final product, ensuring a cleaner output.
• Smaller crushers can manage light rebar content but are much less forgiving. Excessive rebar in these smaller units may lead to blockages and increased wear, so extra care is required to optimize performance.

By considering these material-specific requirements and features, you can ensure your chosen crusher is perfectly suited for the task, maximized for efficiency, and built to handle the demands of your job site.

6. Input Size, Output Size & Jaw Adjustability

When choosing the right crusher for your project, it's crucial to consider input size, output size, and jaw adjustability. These factors play a major role in ensuring your equipment meets your production needs effectively and efficiently.

Input Size

The input size determines the size of material your crusher can handle. If the input size is too small, you might face challenges fitting in the rocks or concrete you need to process, which could result in additional pre-processing steps or the need for extra equipment. This can significantly impact both your time and budget. Make sure the crusher can accommodate the largest material you plan to process to avoid unnecessary complications.

Output Size

On the other hand, the output size of your crusher must match the requirements of your project. For example, some jobs demand highly specific material sizes, such as 3/4-inch minus material. Not all crushers are capable of crushing down to smaller sizes like this—larger units might struggle, or additional tools like screeners may become necessary. The Barford 750J RS, for instance, offers an onboard screener that allows you to separate larger material and achieve the exact product size you need for your job, saving time and simplifying logistics.

Jaw Adjustability

Jaw adjustability is another critical feature to consider. Adjusting the CSS (close side setting) allows you to control the jaw size and produce material in different dimensions for varying projects. Some modern crushers offer convenient hydraulic jaw adjustment, letting you modify settings effortlessly with the flick of a switch. This is an excellent time-saver if your projects require frequent adjustments. However, if you'll be sticking with a consistent product size, manual adjustment may be sufficient and less of a concern.

By evaluating these factors—input size, output size, and jaw adjustability—carefully, you can ensure your crusher is well-suited to your needs and optimize your investment for greater productivity and success.

7. Availability of Spare Parts - Choose Machinery Partner for Exceptional Service and Support

Consider the availability of replacement parts and technical support when choosing equipment. Downtime from maintenance or repairs can disrupt your workflow, so opt for manufacturers with readily available parts and responsive service. Crushers with simple maintenance requirements can also help reduce delays.

At Machinery Partner, we ensure your equipment stays up and running with excellent service and support. Need spare parts or expert machine engineers? We’ve got you covered. Manufacturers like Terex have U.S. warehouses stocked with parts, and you can order replacements for all machines, including Terex, directly through Machinery Partner. Call (888) 814-2657, and our team will help keep your operation efficient and on track.

Best Compact Portable Crushers for Your Business

To help you find the perfect match, we’ve categorized the top compact crushers based on their unique strengths.

1. Best for Making On-Spec Material - Barford 750J RS

The Barford 750J RS is a compact, powerful crusher built for efficient material processing. Featuring a 28" x 20" single toggle jaw crusher and 34" wide discharge conveyor, it’s ideal for contractors crushing materials on-site. With remote control operation, it ensures convenience and safety while delivering high-quality, on-spec material.

Designed to handle concrete, asphalt, gravel, and hard rock, its compact size allows easy transport between job sites, while the durable build tackles tough projects with ease. For reliable, precise material production, the 750J RS is a top choice across industries.

• Includes a 7' x 3' three-way integrated screen for simultaneous crushing and screening.
• Ideal for producing precise, on-spec material right on site.
• Throughput: 30–150 tph.
• Suitable for rock applications.

2. Best All-Rounder - Terex EvoQuip Bison 120

The Terex EvoQuip Bison 120 is a compact, versatile jaw crusher ideal for small to medium-sized construction projects. Its portable design allows it to excel in tight spaces and urban environments. With a 27" x 16" jaw inlet and up to 80 tph throughput, it’s perfect for crushing concrete, asphalt, bricks, and natural stone. User-friendly features like hydraulic adjustments and intuitive controls ensure easy operation and minimal downtime. Whether for demolition waste, recycling, or aggregates, the Bison 120 delivers reliable performance and efficiency on any job site.

• Compact yet powerful with up to 80 tph throughput.
• Features a hydraulic jaw adjustment for versatility.
• Perfect for contractors needing a crusher suited for concrete, pavers, brick, C&D waste, soft rock, asphalt and more.
• Not suitable for hard rock applications.

3. Best for Small Contractors - Terex EvoQuip Bison 35

The Terex EvoQuip Bison 35 is an ultra-compact and highly portable jaw crusher, designed with small contractors in mind. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport and ideal for jobs with limited space or frequent relocations. Despite its small size, the Bison 35 is robust and packs a powerful punch, providing up to 30 tph throughput. This machine is particularly suited for recycling and demolition jobs, concrete crushing, and processing aggregates like bricks, pavers, and other construction materials. With simple operation and minimal setup time, the Bison 35 ensures you can tackle your workload efficiently, even on the tightest sites.

• Highly compact design, perfect for tight spaces.
• Up to 30 tph throughput, ideal for small-scale on-site crushing.
• Efficient and easy to operate.
• Not suitable for hard rock applications.

4. Best for Tight Urban Spaces - Dragon CR400 Crusher

The Dragon CR400 Crusher delivers powerful performance in a compact, portable design, ideal for smaller projects and tight spaces. Perfect for contractors or businesses with limited space, it’s easy to transport and set up, minimizing downtime so you can start working faster.

Designed for processing materials like concrete, bricks and blocks, it’s a great solution for recycling and aggregate jobs. Whether clearing debris or repurposing materials, the Dragon CR400 ensures efficient, reliable performance.

• Lightweight and extremely portable, with anti-stall technology for smooth operation.
• Perfect for confined workspaces and on-the-go use.
• Throughput of up to 8 tph.
• Not made for rock applications

5. Best for Eco-Conscious Projects - CM CR 600

The CM CR 600 is a compact, efficient electric jaw crusher perfect for small to medium eco-conscious projects. Lightweight and portable, it’s easy to transport and set up, ideal for tight spaces or limited-access areas. Designed to process concrete, bricks, asphalt, and stone into reusable aggregates, it minimizes waste and cuts disposal costs. For sustainable, versatile construction solutions, the CM CR 600 is a game-changer.

• Static crusher powered by a 380V electric motor.
• Quieter and environmentally friendly, ideal for urban construction projects.
• Throughput of 6–44 tph.

6. Best for High-Performance and Versatility - Barford 750J

The Barford 750J is a compact, powerful mobile jaw crusher designed for efficiency and performance. Powered by a durable diesel engine, it’s easy to operate and highly mobile, perfect for tight or challenging sites. Suitable for crushing concrete, asphalt, demolition waste, and natural stone, the 750J combines impressive power with versatility. Ideal for contractors, it processes tough materials efficiently, keeping costs low while delivering reliable performance on any project.

• Save money on fuel: diesel-electric hybrid with dual power options.
• Handles a range of materials, from concrete to rock, with up to 150 tph.
• Suitable for both small and large projects.

7. Best for Recycling Construction and Demolition Waste On Small Projects - RubbleCrusher RCJ65T

The RubbleCrusher RCJ65T is an innovative and highly portable crusher designed specifically for small to medium-sized construction and demolition projects. Its efficiency and reliability allow operators to process materials directly on-site, reducing waste and cutting down hauling costs.

This crusher is particularly suited for processing materials such as concrete, brick and small qualities of cold asphalt, turning them into reusable aggregates. Whether you're tackling demolition waste or creating high-quality materials for reuse, the RCJ65T offers a practical, solution-oriented approach to managing site-generated debris. It’s an ideal choice for contractors looking to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing cost savings.

• Tough, tracked machine designed for on-site recycling.
• Features an overband magnet for metal extraction and anti-clogging systems.
• Perfect for demanding projects like asphalt crushing.

How to Decide on the Right Crusher for Your Business

Choosing the best compact crusher comes down to carefully assessing your business needs and project requirements. Consider factors like material type, job site location, throughput demands, and power source preferences.

Still unsure which crusher suits your needs? Our experts at Machinery Partner are here to help. We’ll guide you through the options, ensuring you invest in a machine guaranteed to maximize your productivity and profits. Contact us today - 888-297-0623