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MTI Releases RJ-21 Prototype
Innovative Crusher Pushes Industry to New Levels
The RJ-21 Hyrdra-Crusher, MTI’s new development in hard rock crushing, has brought robust underground mining methods to surface applications. Beginning in May 2011, the redesigned unit will allow surface operators to crush and process material with increased speed and efficiency on site.
“There was a niche to be filled in the surface market,” says product manager Louis Gervais, “our new crusher was designed to be portable. The unit is much lighter, so it can be fitted onto the end of an excavator and can begin production right off the float.”
Mobility is not the RJ-21’s only advantage. With its rotary-actuated jaw, the 4000 lb Hydra-Crusher has doubled the past performance rates of other industry crushers.
“The new rotary blade technology allows for a much more efficient operation,” says Gervais, “where in the past, top speed for cylinder was 160 rpm, our new rotary achieves speeds of 460 rpm.”
Operational Savings
Mechanical Designer Nick Dickson also points out the productivity benefits of the RJ-21.
“An operator who has three different orders for three different materials doesn’t have to change the entire setup. Multiple products can be worked on in a shorter amount of time.
The estimated savings for an owner can be substantial, as shipping and loading aggregate off site can nearly double the production costs of an operation. The mobile unit’s compact design also allows for greater flexibility and adaptability for operators.
“With older model crushers, it becomes a five hour job to lower the jaws and change the shims,” adds Gervais, “the operator can now do that in five minutes, without need for a mechanic.”
The History
The genesis of the project began from a set of crude models and sketches from Gervais’ own work shop.
“In the old type of cylinder technology we were limited by the speed of the cylinder. You just couldn’t get more efficient,” Gervais says.
“With the new rotary design, we ran it continually, ended up doubling the unit’s efficiency and got the crusher up to 460 rpm.”
“Louis approached me with an idea to limit the amount of pulsing created at the end of the cylinder stroke,” says Dickson, “we bounced around a few ideas until we came up with this one.”
“Now we have a reduced pulsing, with no shifting of the cylinder.”
The World Takes Notice
At ConExpo, the world’s largest construction equipment tradeshow, the RJ-21 prototype received an enthusiastic response from industry professionals.
“We were excited just how many people were asking us about the new hydra-crusher,” says True Marketing president Ryan Lipic, “MTI was on a world-wide stage, and the unit generated tons of great press.”
The RJ-21 will easily find its way into different industrial settings worldwide, Lipic adds, “there’s great potential for the prototype- forestry, construction, even small aggregate settings, where the rock is too small for the big equipment.”
Adaptability
Because of its mobility and ergonomic design, the Hydra-Crusher is able to work in much more constricted areas, an adaptive response to operating in Sudbury’s nickel mines.
“Anywhere there is limited access- for example, when a user is excavating or trenching,” Gervais says, “the streamlined unit won’t bump or scratch its surroundings.”
The new design eschews “digging teeth” for a sleeker design and allows for a much smoother operation.
Dickson sees the potential of using a mobile crusher in confined settings.
“Anywhere there are major rebuilding efforts underway. New Zealand, Japan, Haiti, Chile. For infrastructure, demolition or major roadwork projects. Our crusher is the perfect compliment.”
Mining Supply News – October 2011