What is a tub grinder — and do you actually need one, or would a horizontal grinder serve your operation better? What is rock crushing equipment, and which crusher type matches your material and output spec? What is aggregate screening equipment, and how do you size a screen deck without leaving production on the table? What is the purpose of material stackers, and when does a radial stacker pay for itself versus a fixed conveyor setup? These are the questions buyers should be asking before they ever look at a price tag. The wrong machine — even at a great price — costs you more in downtime, fuel, and lost throughput than the savings you think you're capturing. This guide walks through each equipment category, the brands worth knowing, the specs that matter, and the questions to ask before you commit.
A tub grinder is a high-torque grinding machine built to reduce bulk organic material — land clearing debris, stumps, pallets, demolition wood waste, municipal green waste — into chips, mulch, or biomass fuel. The material feeds into a rotating tub that continuously drops feedstock onto a horizontal hammermill. Output size is controlled by grate screens below the mill.
The key specs to evaluate: engine horsepower, rotor width, tub diameter, and screen grate sizing.
Diamond Z is the benchmark in this category. The Diamond Z 1248, for example, runs a CAT 3406B rebuilt to 425hp, produces up to 250 yards per hour, and pairs with a new discharge conveyor — a purpose-built, high-volume machine that doesn't need apologies. If you're processing land clearing debris at scale, a 1248 with a freshly rebuilt engine and new conveyor is a known quantity. Verify the engine rebuild documentation and conveyor belt condition before you wire anything.
Kolberg (now part of the Astec Industries family) has also built tub grinders with strong reputations in municipal and contractor markets. Morbark and Vermeer round out the competitive set, but for pure throughput in heavy woody debris, Diamond Z units with documented engine hours hold value well and move quickly on the secondary market.
Tub grinders wear out hammers and grates fast in abrasive material. Before buying used, check:
Hammer wear (replace at 50% wear or sooner to protect the mill)
Grate screen condition
Tub liner wear
Engine hours vs. rebuild history
The fastest way to overpay on a tub grinder is to buy horsepower without verifying the grinding components. A 425hp engine attached to worn hammers and cracked grates means you're buying a rebuild, not a machine.
Rock crushing equipment reduces large raw material — quarried stone, recycled concrete, demolition rubble, river rock — into sized aggregate for road base, concrete, asphalt, and fill. The three main crusher types are jaw crushers, impact crushers, and cone crushers. Each serves a different application and material hardness range.
Jaw Crushers are primary reduction machines. They take large feed material and break it down through compression between a fixed and a moving jaw plate. Best suited for hard, abrasive rock. If you're running granite, basalt, or rebar-free concrete, a jaw is your primary stage.
Impact Crushers use high-speed rotors with blow bars to fracture material on impact. They produce a cubical product ideal for asphalt and concrete aggregate. Better suited for softer stone, limestone, and recycled concrete than for abrasive hard rock — blow bars wear fast in abrasive material, and replacement costs add up.
Cone Crushers are secondary and tertiary reduction machines. They apply compression through an eccentric gyrating mantle. They produce fine, well-shaped aggregate and handle hard, abrasive material better than impact crushers.
Powerscreen (Terex) builds some of the most widely used track-mounted jaw and impact crushers in the market. The Premiertrak jaw series and Warrior impactor series are common on job sites across North America and Europe. Parts availability is strong. If you're buying used Powerscreen, check the jaw plates, toggle plate, and conveyor belts — these are your first wear items.
McCloskey builds track crushers and screeners with a strong reputation for reliability and dealer support. The J-series jaw crushers and I-series impact crushers are well-regarded in recycled concrete and quarry operations. McCloskey has expanded their dealer network significantly — parts turnaround is generally faster than it was five years ago.
Metso is the gold standard in stationary and mobile crushing. Their Barmac B7150SE VSI (vertical shaft impactor) is a specialist machine — it uses velocity as the crushing method, with rock-on-rock action at the wear surface, to produce extremely cubical fine aggregate. It is especially valued where consistent cubical shapes are needed for asphalt applications. The B7150SE with a spare rotor included is a strong find on the secondary market. VSI rotors are expensive and slow to source. A spare rotor means you can swap and keep running instead of waiting three to six weeks for a rebuild. Verify the rotor condition on both units before closing.
Sandvik competes directly with Metso at the high end of the market. Their cone crushers and jaw crushers are engineered for high-volume quarry operations. When evaluating a used cone unit, choose the crushing cavity to match how it will be applied; some VSC-style designs offer four cavity options: coarse, medium, fine, and superfine. Single-cylinder hydraulic cone crushers are common in mining and construction, while multi-cylinder hydraulic cone crushers can automatically clear blockages. Speed and chamber refinement in newer cone designs often mean capacity increases over older models. Used Sandvik equipment holds value well and is worth the premium over lesser-known brands if your operation runs two shifts or more.
Cedarapids (now under Astec Industries) has a long track record in portable crushing plants. Their jaw and impactor plants built between 2005 and 2015 are common on the used market and parts are readily available through the Astec network. The Symons cone crusher is also widely used in metallurgy and building.
Terex Finlay builds compact track-mounted crushers and screens engineered for recycling and quarry applications. The Terex Finlay J-1175 jaw crusher and I-120 impact crusher are proven performers. Strong resale value in the recycling market. Check the side conveyor and stockpiling conveyor condition on any Finlay unit — these are wear items that buyers frequently overlook.
Komplet occupies the compact crusher segment — small, portable electric and diesel jaw and impact crushers designed for urban demolition recycling, tight job sites, and smaller operations. If your site can't accommodate a full-size track crusher, Komplet is a serious option, not a compromise. Check feed opening, output capacity, and power source before assuming any compact unit fits your application.
Aggregate screening equipment separates crushed or raw material into sized fractions by passing it over vibrating screen decks fitted with wire mesh, polyurethane, or rubber screening media. Output fractions go to stockpile or back to the crusher for further reduction.
The key variables: number of screen decks (typically two or three), screen area (length × width), vibration type (circular motion, elliptical, or horizontal), and mesh/panel sizing.
More screen area equals more capacity. A three-deck screen on a compact chassis sounds efficient — it isn't if the screen area is undersized for your tonnage. Match screen area to your target throughput first, then evaluate the chassis and transport configuration.
Powerscreen — their Chieftain and Warrior screening plants are among the most widely used in North America and Europe. The Chieftain 1400 and 2100 are workhorses in soil separation and aggregate sizing. Parts availability is one of the strongest in the class.
McCloskey S-series screens are built for high-production aggregate and recycling applications. The S190 and S130 three-deck screens are common in quarry operations. Inspect the screen media, side tensioning systems, and drive belts on any used McCloskey screen.
Terex Finlay 9-series and 8-series screens cover compact and mid-range applications. Common in recycling and quarry work. Check the fines conveyor and side conveyor condition.
EZ Screener is a compact, aggressive-screening trommel and flat-deck option used heavily in compost, topsoil, and construction debris separation. Designed for contractors who need a simple, low-maintenance screen. Verify drum/mesh condition and power source compatibility.
Read Screeners build track and wheeled screening plants used in soil separation, compost, and aggregate applications. Common in the UK market but present in North America. Durable, practical machines for mid-volume operations.
Pitbull Screener — compact, portable screening units built for topsoil, mulch, compost, and light aggregate separation. Designed to run off a skid steer or tractor PTO, or with self-contained power. A fast, low-cost screening solution for landscaping contractors and small aggregate producers. Inspect the screen media and drive system for wear.
Lem Track produces tracked screening and crushing equipment designed for compact, tight-access applications. Strong in European recycling markets and growing in North America. Check the undercarriage — track screeners that have run in abrasive material need undercarriage inspection before purchase, every time.
The mistake buyers make with used screeners: they check the engine and ignore the screen media. Worn or torn screen media means your separated material is off-spec. Replacing mesh and panels on a mid-size screen costs $3,000–$12,000 depending on the machine and media type. Factor that into your offer.
Material stackers — radial stackers specifically — move sized aggregate from a crusher or screen discharge point to a finished product stockpile. A radial stacker pivots on a fixed point to build a wide, fan-shaped pile without moving the feeder equipment. This extends your stockpile capacity, reduces loader reclaim cycles, and keeps your primary equipment running longer between moves.
The purpose is simple: maximize the pile you can build from one position, and reduce the time and cost to move and reload.
Fixed-angle conveyors limit your pile size and force more frequent moves. A radial stacker with a 100–150 ft. reach builds a substantially larger stockpile — often 50–80% more material per position. In high-volume aggregate operations, that difference directly translates to tons produced per shift.
Key specs to evaluate on a used stacker:
Conveyor length and discharge height
Belt width and speed
Pivot/swing mechanism condition
Hopper condition and liner wear
Drive motor and gearbox status
Astec (including legacy Kolberg-Pioneer and Johnson Crushers International brands) builds radial stackers across a wide capacity range and has strong parts support through the Astec dealer network.
McCloskey and Powerscreen also offer integrated stacking conveyors as part of their modular plant setups. Buying matched stacker/screen or stacker/crusher combinations simplifies parts sourcing and integration.
Check belt condition, splice integrity, and the pivot pin/bearing assembly on any used radial stacker. These are the failure points that shut you down. A belt replacement on a 150 ft. stacker runs $4,000–$8,000. Price accordingly.
The secondary market for aggregate equipment offers real value — but only if you know what you're buying. Here is what separates a calculated purchase from an expensive mistake.
1. Verify hours against condition, not age.
A 2019 jaw crusher with 6,000 hours and a complete service record tells a better story than a 2022 unit with 1,500 hours and zero documentation. Hours without records are unverifiable. Ask for the dealer service history, the owner's maintenance log, and any third-party inspection reports.
2. Inspect wear components first.
On crushers: jaw plates, blow bars, mantle and bowl liner, toggle plate.
On screens: screen media, tension systems, screen body cracks.
On tub grinders: hammers, grates, tub liner.
On stackers: belt, splice, pivot mechanism.
These components define what you're actually buying. An otherwise strong machine with worn consumables is a rebuild project. Price it as one.
3. Confirm parts availability before committing.
Powerscreen, McCloskey, Metso, Sandvik, Cedarapids, and Astec brands have established North American dealer networks. Parts for niche or discontinued machines can take weeks and cost more than expected. Call the dealer directly and ask for current lead times on the top five wear parts for that specific model.
4. Run it or walk away.
Any seller unwilling to demonstrate a machine under load has a reason. If you can't run it yourself, require a third-party inspection from a qualified heavy equipment mechanic before closing. The cost is $500–$1,500. The alternative is buying an unknown repair bill.
5. Factor transportation into your total cost.
Track crushers and screens are wide, heavy, and slow to transport. A 52,000-lb track crusher may need permits, an escort vehicle, and a specialized lowboy. A $75,000 crusher with $8,000 in transport costs is an $83,000 purchase. Calculate total landed cost, not purchase price alone.
Equipment at this price point — jaw crushers from $60,000 to $400,000, screening plants from $40,000 to $250,000, tub grinders from $45,000 to $120,000 — represents a significant capital commitment. Financing preserves your working capital and allows you to match payment schedules to revenue cycles.
Zero-down equipment financing is available for qualified buyers through programs like those offered at IronMartOnline. Apply before you shop. Knowing your approved amount and terms lets you negotiate from a position of clarity rather than scrambling after you've found the machine you want.
The buyers who get the best deals are the ones who show up with financing in place and can move fast. Sellers of quality used equipment rarely wait.
Browse current aggregate equipment listings — apply for financing today.
Inventory moves. The listings below represent recent availability — confirm current status directly.
Diamond Z 1248 Tub Grinder250 yards/hour, CAT 3406B rebuilt to 425hp, new discharge conveyor. A documented, high-capacity grinding machine ready to work. Verify rebuild paperwork and screen grate condition on inspection. — $69,000
Metso VSI Impact Crusher — Barmac B7150SESpare rotor included. VSI with rock-on-rock crushing for cubical fine aggregate production. Spare rotor is a significant advantage — factor that into your comparison pricing. Confirm rotor condition on both units. — $63,500
LeTourneau 950L Wheel Loader18 yd. bucket, Cummins 1050hp, fire suppression system. A high-capacity loader built for quarry and aggregate handling. Inspect the bucket cutting edges, tires or tracks, and hydraulic system. — $232,000
Cat SS-250 Soil Stabilizer/RecyclerLow hours, 2WD, ready to work. This soil stabilizer/recycler transforms soil into high-grade building material for roads, paths, and similar site work. In stabilization work, binding agents are spread first, then the addition is mixed with soil and water to create the treated layer. Many companies compare these machines by productivity and efficiency gains rather than by hours alone, especially when added capability can bring better results across different products. Inspect the rotor and mixing chamber before purchase, and confirm whether it can be applied in wet conditions and whether operating or support materials are available in English. — $55,000
The fastest way to make a bad equipment purchase is to start with price. Start with your application: material type, feed size, target output spec, required throughput in tons per hour, and site access constraints. Then match equipment to those requirements. Then evaluate price.
Powerscreen, McCloskey, Metso, Sandvik, Cedarapids, Terex Finlay, Astec, Diamond Z, Kolberg, Komplet, EZ Screener, Read Screeners, Pitbull Screener, and Lem Track all build equipment worth considering — each in different niches, at different price points, with different parts support profiles. The brand that's right for your operation is the one whose machine matches your spec, whose dealer is within a reasonable distance, and whose used unit you can verify has been properly maintained.
Inspect every machine. Run every machine. Finance before you browse.
Browse aggregate equipment listings at IronMartOnline and apply for zero-down financing today.
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