In November 2024, a custom-built extreme-cold crushing production line from Suhman was commissioned at an iron ore mine in Mohe, Heilongjiang Province; by March 2026, it had successfully operated through two full winter heating seasons. Comprising a tracked jaw crusher, a cone crusher, and a screening machine, the line processes approximately 1,800 tons of iron ore daily. It has maintained stable operation in extreme cold reaching -42°C, meeting all standards for startup performance, hydraulic system functionality, and wear-part longevity.

Customer Pain Points

The customer's previous stationary production line would essentially shut down every winter (November through March) due to hydraulic oil freezing, steel components becoming brittle and cracking, and diesel fuel solidifying, resulting in massive losses. With winter temperatures at the new mine site dropping to -42°C, many manufacturers were unwilling to guarantee performance. Suhman was ultimately selected due to its official -40°C certification, empirical data demonstrating the low-temperature crack resistance of its high-chrome steel, and a comprehensive hydraulic temperature control solution.

Three Main Causes of Failure in Extreme Cold

1. Low-temperature embrittlement of standard steel, leading to cracking under impact;

2. Sharp increase in hydraulic oil viscosity, making startup difficult;

3. Solidification of diesel fuel, preventing engine ignition.

Core Solutions (Low-Temperature Configuration)

• Jaw Crusher (SE-1060): 20mm high-chrome alloy frame with impact toughness ≥27J at -50°C; high-chrome cast iron jaw plates with hardness >HRC55 at -40°C; low-temperature hydraulic oil (pour point -45°C) with tank heating; Grade -35 diesel fuel with preheating system and high-capacity battery.

• Cone Crusher (SY-HP300): Independent oil temperature control (preheating/cooling); low-temperature resistant silicone seals (no hardening at -45°C); electric heating for low-temperature lubricating oil. Utilizes inter-particle (lamination) crushing, suitable for high-hardness iron ore with minimal wear.

• Screening Machine (SS-7018): Three-deck screen (40/25/10mm); specialized low-temperature vibration motors; low-temperature treated spring steel screen mesh; low-temperature grease.

•  Auxiliary systems: Fuel heating + fuel tank insulation; electric heating circulation pump for hydraulics; battery insulation box + heating pads; special rubber tracks (flexible down to -40°C).

Actual operational data (Nov. 2025 – Mar. 2026)

• Start-up success rate: Normal start at -10 to -20°C; start within 1 minute after 5-minute preheat at -20 to -30°C; start within 2 minutes after 10-minute preheat at -30 to -40°C; start within 3 minutes after 15-minute preheat below -40°C; 100% success rate across all ranges.

• Production capacity: 190 t/h and 1,900 t/day during the coldest month (January, avg. temp -35°C)—a decrease of approx. 10% compared to normal temperatures; 195–210 t/h during other months. Continuous operation with no frequent shutdowns.

• Wear part lifespan: Jaw plates: 750h actual (vs. 900–1,000h at normal temp); cone liners: 1,100h (vs. 1,300–1,500h); screen mesh: 550h (vs. ~700h). Wear increase at low temperatures was <20%, outperforming industry standards.

• Hydraulic system: Normal operation after preheating from -35°C; operating oil temperature 45–60°C; automatic alarm at 75°C (high-temp protection); oil change interval remained unchanged at 1,000h.

Field test during 5 consecutive days of extreme cold at -42°C (Jan. 12–16): Ambient temp -38 to -42°C; normal operation throughout; preheat time 10–15 minutes; no shutdowns.

Summer performance: Same equipment tested at 45°C in the Hefei factory; hydraulic oil temperature stabilized at 60°C via automatic cooling; no electrical overheating; adaptable across the full temperature range (-40 to 45°C).

Customer feedback: Reliable start-up; no steel cracking; stable hydraulics; year-round usability (no winter production stoppage, resulting in 3 extra months of output); rapid after-sales response in Northeast China.

 Recommendations for Selecting Equipment for Extreme Cold

1. Use low-temperature, high-chromium steel; avoid standard steels like Q235, which are prone to brittle fracture.

2. Hydraulic systems require an integrated approach combining low-temperature oil, heating elements, and circulating pre-heating.

3. Select diesel grades based on temperature; for conditions below -30°C, use Grade -35 fuel and ensure pre-heating capabilities.

4. Seals must be made of low-temperature resistant silicone (maintaining elasticity down to -45°C).

5. Batteries require thermal insulation and heating to prevent capacity loss.

6. Prioritize equipment designed for a full temperature range to avoid redundant investment.

Summary

Suhman equipment operates reliably in extreme conditions ranging from -42°C to +45°C, with proven solutions deployed in frigid regions such as Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Qinghai. Contact us for free technical consultation and customized solutions for crushing equipment designed for extreme environments. Extreme environments are the ultimate test of equipment quality.