How do I know if a head centre will fit my crusher?

Check the crusher model, serial reference, head diameter, bore size and seating profile. If you send those details through the enquiry form, we can match the listed unit more accurately.

Can you supply head centres for shutdown work?

Yes. We handle shutdown sourcing, local collections and delivery so the part can arrive before the planned stop, subject to stock and final condition confirmation.

What condition should I expect on a surplus head centre?

Condition varies by listing. Some units are ready for use, while others are best suited to rebuild or exchange. We note visible wear, any repairs and the storage condition where possible.

Head Centres for Crushers | Crusher Spare Exchange

What a head centre does in a cone crusher

The head centre is the main support body that sits inside the head assembly and carries the wear parts that do the crushing work. In practical terms, it helps keep the mantle seated, transfers load through the crusher head and supports stable crushing under steady feed.

For quarry managers, the value is simple. If the head centre is cracked, worn around the seating faces or out of tolerance, the crusher can lose setting control, run hot or start damaging other components. That means more downtime and higher rebuild costs, especially when a plant is already running through load-shedding or a short maintenance window.

Our listed head centres are suited to stock planning, rebuild programmes and emergency replacement on machines used in hard rock and aggregate production. Each unit is handled as a surplus item with inspection notes so buyers can match it against their own crusher serial, chamber profile and wear package before collection or delivery.

Common sizes, profiles and matching options

Head centres are not one-size-fits-all. The correct unit depends on crusher model, head diameter, liner profile, shaft arrangement and whether the machine runs a coarse, medium or fine chamber. We list head centres for rebuild planning where the buyer needs a usable unit that can be checked against the existing assembly before fitment.

Typical options include standard, heavy duty and exchange-ready units. Some are supplied as bare centres, while others may be paired with matched wear items for convenience during shutdown work. Where possible, we record the casting code, visible wear, seating condition and any repairs already carried out, so your maintenance team can compare it with the existing machine setup.

Head centre diameter and overall height
Top and bottom seating dimensions
Shaft bore and keyway details where applicable
Wear face condition and crack check notes
Compatible chamber or head assembly type

For coastal sites near Pietermaritzburg moving inland stock, or for dusty yards in Kathu, the condition notes matter. They help you decide if the unit is fit for direct use, rebuild work or exchange against scrap value.

Where head centres suit quarry and mine operations

Head centres suit cone crushers used in aggregates, road stone, ballast and ore reduction. They are commonly needed when a plant schedules a full shutdown, runs a second-hand machine, or wants to keep a spare ready for fast turn-around during a breakdown. Mines and quarries in Middelburg, Secunda, eMalahleni and Rustenburg often hold these as strategic spares because lead times on replacement parts can interrupt production for days.

They are also useful for sites that work with variable feed sizes or abrasive rock. If the crusher is regularly pushed hard, the head centre can become a key service item rather than a once-off purchase. On some plants, the maintenance team will keep one unit on hand and one in service so that change-outs can happen during a planned stop instead of after a failure.

Our team also supports shutdown sourcing, so if you are planning a 12 hour or weekend stop, we can help with local collection, inspection and delivery into the yard before the crane is booked.

Installation, lifting and site requirements

Fitting a head centre needs proper lifting gear, correct alignment and a clean work area. A loaded unit is heavy and should be moved with an overhead crane, gantry or suitable mobile lifting equipment. Do not rely on makeshift handling, especially where grease, slurry or dust may cause slippage in the plant.

There is no gas requirement for the part itself, but the installation team should have the right tools, torque control and lock-out procedures in place. A clear inspection bay, adequate lighting and a flat floor help reduce damage during assembly. On busy sites, especially where municipal traffic rules or mine access control are strict, pre-booked delivery and time slots make the change-out easier.

Confirm lifting points before dispatch
Check crane capacity and slinging gear on site
Keep the seating surfaces clean and dry
Verify torque settings and alignment during assembly
Allow for post-installation checks before start-up

Care, storage and servicing between shutdowns

Head centres should be stored on level bearers, kept off bare soil and protected from water ingress. In Middelburg and eMalahleni, dust and fine fines can build up quickly, while in coastal conditions corrosion can become an issue if the unit is left exposed. A light protective coating and regular visual checks go a long way.

During storage, inspect for cracks, fretting around seating faces and any signs of movement from poor stacking. If the item has been palletised and packed for transport, keep the wrap intact until the part is ready for inspection at the receiving plant. Our yard team can store items while buyers finalise their shutdown schedule, which helps when a machine failure happens earlier than planned.

For service history, it helps to note the hours run, previous chamber type and any welding or repair work done. If the unit is being moved between quarries, record the destination and condition on arrival so your maintenance records stay clean and traceable.

What to check before you order

Before confirming a head centre, check the crusher model, serial number and the exact chamber arrangement. The wrong seating profile can cause poor fitment and extra wear on the mantle, arm liners or backing material. If the machine has been rebuilt before, confirm whether it uses standard or modified dimensions.

We recommend confirming the following points with your team before an exchange or purchase:

Crusher make, model and serial reference
Head diameter, bore size and overall height
Condition of seating faces and any previous repairs
Whether you need bare supply, exchange or consignment sale
Delivery point, offloading method and required lead time
Whether the unit is for direct fitment or rebuild use only

If you need a quick answer, use the enquiry form on our contact page with clear photos, measurements and the machine details. That helps us match the right head centre faster and avoids delays once the shutdown starts.

Inspection, exchange and delivery from Middelburg

Crusher Spare Exchange works from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, with inspection, storage and delivery arranged across South Africa. Units can be checked at our yard, logged for condition reporting and moved to sites in Rustenburg, Polokwane, Kathu, Pietermaritzburg and the wider Highveld as needed. We also manage collections from quarries and mines when surplus stock needs to be turned into usable value.

Our process suits buyers who want a practical route for spare parts without holding unnecessary scrap on site. If a head centre is usable, it can be listed for exchange or sale. If it is beyond service limits, we will flag it accordingly so you can decide whether it belongs in the scrap stream instead of the spares stream. That keeps yard space free and helps maintenance budgets stretch further.

Key facts

Product type	Head centre assembly for cone crusher rebuilds
Typical use	Stock planning, shutdown replacement and exchange sourcing
Inspection	Visual check, wear assessment and condition reporting
Handling	Crane or suitable lifting equipment required
Storage	Dry, level yard storage with protective coating
Delivery	Local collections and nationwide delivery from Middelburg

Head Centres

What a head centre does in a cone crusher

Common sizes, profiles and matching options

Where head centres suit quarry and mine operations

Installation, lifting and site requirements

Care, storage and servicing between shutdowns

What to check before you order

Inspection, exchange and delivery from Middelburg

Key facts

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Questions we get asked

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