No matter what type of project you’re undertaking, selecting the right crusher size directly impacts your productivity, costs, and operational flexibility.
Whether you’re running demolition projects, groundworks, or plant hire operations, understanding the differences between mini and full-size crushers helps you make an informed decision that maximises return on investment.
Understanding jaw crushers
Jaw crushers are the most common choice for primary crushing in construction, demolition, and quarrying operations. They work through compression, breaking down materials between a fixed and moving jaw, making them ideal for processing concrete, brick, granite, limestone, and other aggregates.
At Red Rhino, we manufacture a complete range of British-designed jaw crushers, from compact models for restricted access sites to heavy-duty machines processing up to 100 tonnes per hour. Choosing the right machine depends on key factors including project scale, material characteristics, site access, and throughput requirements.
Mini crushers: compact power
Mini crushers like Red Rhino’s RR 4000 and RR 5000 Plus are compact jaw crushers designed for small to medium-scale operations. Despite their smaller footprint, these machines deliver impressive performance.
Key advantages:
Access and portability – The RR 4000, at just 780mm width, passes through standard doorways, perfect for back garden sites and restricted access projects.
Quick setup – Operational in under 5 minutes. Simply position the crusher, select your product size, and begin crushing.
Easy transport – Lightweight chassis means transport using standard vehicles without specialist haulage.
Cost-effective investment – Lower purchase prices make mini crushers accessible for smaller contractors building their plant fleet.
Ideal for:
- Small-scale demolition
- Landscaping and garden renovation
- Tight access sites
- Processing 6-20 tonnes per hour
- Projects requiring frequent relocation
Full-size crushers: high-capacity performance
For quarry operations, large demolition, and high-volume crushing, full-size crushers like the RR 7000 and RR 8000 are essential. These robust machines are engineered for heavy-duty operation and process significantly larger material volumes.
Key advantages:
Excellent throughput – The RR 8000, with its 800mm x 500mm jaw aperture, processes up to 100 tonnes per hour. This high capacity is crucial for quarrying, mining operations, and major demolition projects where speed impacts profitability.
Advanced features – Hydraulically driven vibrating feeders maintain constant material flow. The RR 8000’s grizzly feeder separates fines before primary crushing, improving efficiency. Wireless remote control allows safe operation from excavator cabs. Both the RR 7000 and RR 8000 can be combined with magnets remove metals, adding value through steel recycling.
Product flexibility– Instant hydraulic adjustable jaws can be modified on the fly, changing product size from 30mm to 120mm without stopping operations. This flexibility reduces downtime and produces different aggregate grades.
Built to last – The RR 8000 features a fully cast crusher box weighing 7.5 tonnes, offering significantly higher strength than fabricated alternatives. This heavy-duty construction ensures reliable performance even with abrasive materials.
Ideal for:
- Quarry operations requiring consistent high output
- Large-scale demolition projects
- Primary crushing applications
- Processing hard or abrasive materials
Key factors in selecting the right crusher for the job
Project scale – Short-term, small projects suit mini crushers. Ongoing quarrying or mining operations justify full-size equipment investment.
Material characteristics – Both crusher types handle concrete, brick, and aggregates. Full-size crushers are better for consistently processing large rocks and abrasive materials at speed.
Site constraints – Assess access, space, and ground conditions. A compact jaw crusher may be your only option for restricted locations.
Transport logistics – Factor in moving equipment between sites. Mini crushers offer flexibility; full-size machines require planning and specialist transport.
Why on-site crushing pays
Whether you choose mini or full-size, processing materials on-site delivers substantial savings. Eliminate recurring skip hire costs, avoid expensive landfill charges, and reduce expenditure on bought-in aggregates and gravel. Raw materials you crush become valuable product, transforming disposal costs into revenue streams.
For demolition contractors and groundworks specialists, recycling concrete and brick into reusable hardcore makes projects more profitable whilst supporting sustainability goals.
Put simply, investing in a crusher is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business. From selling valuable crushed aggregate to hiring out your crusher when not in use, a Red Rhino crusher provides dividends for the long-run.
What crusher size do I need for small demolition projects?
For small demolition projects with restricted access, the Red Rhino RR 4000 is ideal. With a 400mm x 170mm jaw aperture and ability to fit through doorways, it crushes concrete and brick on-site. Processing 6-8 tonnes per hour suits most small-scale operations whilst avoiding skip hire and landfill costs.
How do I choose the right crusher for quarrying?
Quarry operations need high-capacity crushers that are heavy duty and durable. The RR 8000, with 800mm x 500mm jaw and up to 100 TPH throughput, is ideal for quarrying. Key features include wear plates for abrasive materials, a fully cast crusher box durability, and grizzly feeder for separating fines.
Red Rhino: British-built machines that crush it every time
Every Red Rhino crusher benefits from over 60 years of engineering expertise. Each machine is designed and manufactured in our Grantham facility.
Because we make all of our crushers ourselves, we understand the construction of each model inside-out. This allows us to provide technical support whenever you need it.
That being said, our machines are built for ease of use. Operators require minimal training, and maintenance is straightforward. This reduces downtime and keeps projects running.
With machines operating across the UK and in over 10 countries worldwide, Red Rhino has proven expertise helping businesses select the appropriate crusher. Our service engineers are available nationwide and can be on-site within 48 hours if required.
Find the best crusher for your needs: contact Red Rhino today
Unsure which crusher size suits your needs?
Our experienced team is ready to discuss your requirements and recommend the right machine. From free quotes and competitive pricing, our team can get you up and running with the best crusher for the job.
Contact Red Rhino today for a free, no-obligation quote. Fill out our online contact form, call us on +44 1476 590790 or email info@redrhinocrushers.net .
