Purchasing aggregate equipment is no easy task. There are so many options out there and making the wrong choice could cost you thousands in lost profits and project downtime. Even a slight decrease in production can have some severe overall effects. To help you avoid these headaches, Sepro Aggregates has put together a list of high priority items that you need to consider when purchasing aggregate equipment. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our experts at Sepro—we’d be happy to help!

The Scope Of Your Project

Before you even look at what aggregate equipment is out there, you need to understand your project scope. This part of your planning process looks at goals, production targets, tasks, deadlines, and details. You should be able to answer simple questions like: 

  • What type of aggregate will you be working with? 
  • What production targets are you trying to hit?
  • What products do you need to create?
  • How long will the project be in operation for?
  • Is a portable plant key for project success?

Once you feel confident that you know what you need, you can match up aggregate equipment with your project’s unique scope.

CAPEX and OPEX Costs

The next major item to consider is your costs. Now, think back to your project scope. How long is your project going to be running for? Is it worthwhile to purchase durable and reliable aggregate equipment like cone crushers and jaw crushers? These components are usually used in tandem on crushing circuits for long-term operations in one location. Purchasing an impact crusher mounted to a portable plant will be cheaper upfront and give you the added benefit of mobility when installed as a portable plant. But, impact crushers have a higher operational cost.

As a general rule of thumb, aggregate equipment with a lower capital cost will be more expensive to maintain and repair in the long run. For this reason, it’s so important to understand your project scope!

Company History

If you have a few companies in mind, take a look at their websites. Find out who they are, what projects they have worked on, and any other relevant information. Are they a new company with no experience? Or have they been in the industry for decades? Look for trusted companies that have a history of success and happy clients. 

Logistical Solutions

Don’t let logistics be a show-stopper. If your next project is in a remote location or a different country, assess whether your aggregate equipment supplier can get you the equipment you need. Look for companies that have offices in other parts of the world or have experience shipping equipment to different countries. This will be your best bet to get the equipment you need, in a timely way, wherever your next project is located.

Technical Support

When you purchase aggregate equipment, you’re not just purchasing a product. You’re also creating a partnership between yourself and the equipment supplier. So, what type of benefits do they offer you? Some things to look for are:

  • Installation supervision to ensure everything is set up properly
  • Startup and operational testing to ensure everything is running optimally
  • Training for your staff to ensure they know how to operate the aggregate equipment safely
  • Responsive customer support

Sure, you’re purchasing aggregate equipment, but what you get in the end is a partnership. Technical support is vital for the ongoing success of any aggregate operation. 

Parts Plans

Look for companies that offer parts plans to keep your operation up and running. If you have to purchase and have parts shipped when your equipment requires maintenance, you won’t be as efficient as you could be. A parts plan increases operating time as critical components are available ahead of time and ready for maintenance on your own schedule. A parts plan can also save you money in delivery costs as fewer overall shipments are needed and you get to avoid any “rush” services. 

It’s all about being proactive instead of reactive. Companies with your best interest in mind should have a comprehensive parts plan. 

  1. Aggregate Equipment Design

Of course, you’ll also need to check out the design of the aggregate equipment you’re purchasing. Try and find some information regarding the following questions:

  • What are the production rates of the equipment?
  • For crushers, what is the final aggregate shape?
  • How simple is standard maintenance and repairs?
  • What innovations are built in? 
  • How long does the equipment last? 
  • What safety measures are taken to ensure that the equipment is safe for your staff to operate? 

These are just a few questions that can help you decide what aggregate equipment to purchase. 
Sepro Aggregates has decades of experience working with operations all over the globe. We’ve proven to our clients that we go above and beyond to keep their operations up and running so they can remain profitable. If you’re looking for aggregate equipment and more, contact the experts at Sepro Aggregates today.