A portable HSI (Horizontal Shaft Impact) crusher is a wheeled-mounted impact crushing unit designed for high mobility and rapid deployment.

It consists of a horizontal shaft impact crusher mounted on a wheeled chassis with an integrated axle and towing hitch, allowing transport by truck tractor on public roads. Unlike stationary plants that require extensive foundations, portable HSI crushers arrive on site ready to work. They feature a vibrating grizzly feeder that removes fines early, feeding only material that needs crushing to the impactor, optimizing performance and efficiency.

Portable HSI crushers are ideal for aggregate production, recycling, and demolition applications where mobility between sites is essential.

Portable HSI crushers are versatile and can process a wide range of materials:

Aggregates: Limestone and other soft to medium-hard rocks for aggregate production

Reinforced concrete: Efficiently handles concrete with rebar, enabling recycling of both steel and aggregate

Asphalt: Processes reclaimed asphalt pavement for recycling into new asphalt products

C&D waste: Effective for construction and demolition debris recycling

With a maximum feed size of up to 20 inches, portable HSI crushers are ideal for large-scale aggregate production, recycling, and demolition applications.

The key difference is in how they crush and where they work best.

Crushing action: HSI crushers use impact to shatter material, producing superior cubical shapes. Jaw crushers use compression to squeeze material, which is effective for primary reduction but creates more elongated particles.

Best applications: HSI crushers excel with soft to medium materials like limestone, concrete, and asphalt—ideal for recycling. Jaw crushers handle hard, abrasive materials like granite and basalt with lower wear costs.

Their roles: Jaw crushers are primary units—reducing large rock to manageable sizes. HSI crushers can be primary or secondary, often working after a jaw to shape and refine the product.

In short: Choose HSI for better product shape, softer materials, and recycling. Choose jaw for primary crushing of hard, abrasive rock. Many operations use both.

Yes, portable HSI crushers are available in closed-circuit configurations that combine crushing and screening on a single chassis.

How it works: Material is crushed by the HSI, then screened on an onboard screen. Oversize material is returned via integrated conveyor to the crusher for further reduction—creating a self-contained processing loop.

Key benefits:

All-in-one operation: Crushing and screening in a single plant

Precise product control: Consistent sizing without manual intervention

Reduced handling: Fewer conveyors lower operating costs

Compact footprint: Ideal for space-limited sites

Quick setup: One unit to position instead of multiple

Best for: Aggregate production, recycling, and construction projects requiring consistent product specs with minimal support equipment.