Whether you are in construction, excavation or landscaping, you can amplify your machine power by adding a rock crusher attachment to your skid steer. A rock crusher will allow you to crush debris, concrete, or rocks into particles. You will be able to combine this with some other attachments if you also have rock wheels, further enhancing the versatility of your skid steer and allowing for precision rock cutting and grinding. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to install a rock crusher on your skid steer in an efficient and productive way.
Understanding Rock Crushers and Rock Wheels for Skid Steers
A rock crusher is a mountable attachment to skid steers that uses the loader’s hydraulic capabilities to crush material into reusable aggregate. This material could be stone, concrete, or demolition. Such attachments typically have heavy-duty wear parts and hydraulic motors.
Rock wheels consist of hydraulic rotary drum cutters with carbide picks, and they are intended for precision cutting, grinding, or milling rock surfaces ahead of or in combination with crushing. Using rock wheels allows the skid steer to perform additional functions that are aided by trenching, profiling, and controlled rock removal.
Step-by-Step Process to Set Up a Rock Crusher On a Skid Steer
Here is a detailed process to help you set up and install your rock crusher for skid steer attachment to operate correctly and efficiently:
Step 1: Choosing a Rock Crusher for Skid Steer
- Check for Compatibility: Make sure that the rock crusher attachment is indeed the correct attachment for the skid steer loader, and check to see that the flow rate, pressure, and mounting brackets are specific to your skid steer loader.
- Check for Size and Capacity: Select the rock crusher for skid steer that fits the work and the weight capacity of your skid steer.
- Check for Material to Crush: Always check that the rock crusher can handle the types of rock or demolition material you will be working with. Examples – natural stone, concrete, asphalt, or brick.
Step 2: Get Your Skid Steer Ready for Installation
- Hydraulic Specs: Make sure you check the pressure and flow rating of your skid steer, as the rock crusher for skid steer will need high-torque hydraulic motors, hence the need to check the flow (GPM) and pressure (PSI) details listed for your rock crusher.
- Mounting System: Ensure that your skid steer has a universal quick-attach mounting system that works with the mount bracket of the crusher.
- Hydraulic Lines and Control: Inspect and prep your hydraulic lines, connectors, and wiring harness for your controls. The routing of the lines is important for reducing potential damage.
Step 3: Install the Rock Crusher for Skid Steer Attachment
- Mounting Physically: Place the attachment plate on the crusher, then quickly attach and secure the plate. Check to ensure the hydraulic couplings are secured correctly and that they are operating at the correct pressure.
- Hydraulic Adjustments: Bleed the hydraulic system if necessary and observe all hydraulic connections for leaks or weak points. Consider using flow control valves to get maximum motor speed and flow torque output.
- Checking its Movements and Operations: Before you begin crushing, the first step is to activate the crusher in a safe location. Whether stationary or driven, when you activate the crusher, you must verify that the rotating components operate freely and without noise.
Step 4: Setting Up Rock Wheels (Optional but Recommended)
A rock crusher for skid steer breaks down large pieces of material and is used for large pieces of debris. Rock wheels (rotary drum cutters) are often used in conjunction with rock crushers to provide precision cutting, grinding, and profiling on the face of the rock. Rock wheels are especially useful for:
- Excavation of rock and trenching, prior to crushing.
- Reduction of disturbance and vibrations for sensitive site work.
- Milling of concrete surfaces and removing hard rock.
Rock wheels may mount on excavators and on custom mounts for skid steers to provide versatility for your equipment.
Step 5: Optimize Operation
- Worksite Safety: Be sure to enforce proper protection for your operators based on the risk. The rock crushers also create dust and noise, so use them in the proper environments or consider implementing control measures.
- Monitor Hydraulic Settings: Always monitor pressure and flow under the recommended values to avoid excess heat generation and diminished performance.
Final Words
Understand your machine’s hydraulic capabilities, safely and responsibly install the attachment, and follow best practices when operating your attachment in order to maximize its life. Adding rock wheels will set up your rock cutting and grinding workflows and develop a well-rounded rock processing workflow on-site.
Looking to enhance your skid steer’s productivity and potential? Check out Rockzone Americas’ finest rock crusher attachments and rock wheels made for skid steers. Talk to the experts at Rockzone Americas today for tailored configuration recommendations and turn your skid steer into a rock-crushing machine!
