How to Choose Between Tire and Track Mounted Mobile Crusher
For contractors and quarry operators in Africa and Southeast Asia, deciding between tire‑mounted (wheeled) and track‑mounted mobile crushers affects mobility, cost, and site suitability. Both options offer flexibility, but the choice between tire and track mounted mobile crusher depends on your terrain, relocation frequency, and budget. Below we compare key factors and how OCP Mechanical Company provides both configurations with factory‑direct support.
Mobility and Terrain
The first consideration when you choose between tire and track mounted mobile crusher is the ground condition and how often you move the plant. Track‑mounted units excel on soft, uneven, or muddy ground (common in African rainy seasons). Their low ground pressure (typically 0.5‑0.8 kg/cm²) allows them to operate in conditions where wheeled units would sink.
Tire‑mounted crushers require firm, level surfaces and are more stable on compacted gravel or concrete pads. They are easier and cheaper to transport over long distances (towed by a truck), but they cannot maneuver as well around a site. For projects that stay in one location for 6‑12 months, a wheeled plant is often sufficient. For sites that need to move weekly or operate on soft ground, tracks are preferred.
OCP offers both Type MW (wheeled) and Type MT (track‑mounted) mobile crushers. Note: Product data are constantly updated; for the latest specifications, please contact our online customer service.
Many contractors in Nigeria and Indonesia have chosen track units for riverbed crushing and road construction, while quarries in South Africa and Thailand often use wheeled plants for long‑term aggregate production.
Cost and Maintenance
Another key factor to choose between tire and track mounted mobile crusher is total cost of ownership. A wheeled crusher typically costs 20‑30% less than a track unit of the same capacity because it has simpler undercarriage (axles, tires, leaf springs vs. heavy‑duty tracks, rollers, sprockets, hydraulic drives). For a 150‑200 tph plant, a wheeled model might be $50,000‑$80,000 cheaper upfront.
Track undercarriage maintenance is also more expensive: track pads wear out every 2,000‑4,000 hours (replacement cost $5,000‑$15,000), and final drives can fail. Wheeled plants have lower maintenance costs – tires last 4,000‑8,000 hours and are cheaper to replace. However, track units can turn within their own length, reducing the need for loaders to reposition material.
For projects with limited capital or where the plant will be moved only 2‑3 times per year, a wheeled unit is the more economical choice. For intensive, short‑duration projects on rough terrain, the added mobility of tracks justifies the extra cost.
The above values are for illustration only. OCP continuously improves its products. Contact our online team for the most current data sheet.
Transport and Setup Time
When you choose between tire and track mounted mobile crusher, consider how the plant will move between sites. A wheeled unit can be towed by a standard semi‑truck without special low‑bed trailers (though over‑width permits may be needed). Setup time: 1‑2 days for leveling and connecting utilities.
A track unit requires a low‑bed trailer for transport (higher shipping cost). On arrival, it drives off the trailer and is ready to crush within hours – no leveling or foundations needed. For emergency or short‑notice projects, tracks offer faster startup.
Many customers in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) prefer wheeled plants for road projects because they can be towed between sections by a truck. In contrast, miners in the DRC often choose track units for remote, muddy sites.
OCP’s sales engineers can help you choose between tire and track mounted mobile crusher based on your site access, move frequency, and budget. We provide a free site assessment and a detailed quotation for both options.
Why OCP Is Your Mobile Crusher Partner
Making the right choose between tire and track mounted mobile crusher decision requires advice from an experienced manufacturer. OCP Mechanical Company has over 40 years of history in mobile crushing equipment. We offer:
Free pre‑sale site evaluation to recommend wheeled or tracked based on your ground conditions and project length.
A customized mobile plant (jaw, cone, VSI) on your chosen chassis.
24/7 online technical support for operation and undercarriage maintenance.
Our mobile crushers have been successfully deployed across Africa and Southeast Asia. Customers often highlight the robust build, easy mobility, and economical price.
For a no‑obligation consultation and help to choose between tire and track mounted mobile crusher for your next project, simply click the live chat icon on this page. Our online customer service team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer your technical questions, provide free recommendations, and supply the right mobile crusher for your terrain and budget.
