McCloskey International: What You Need to Know Before Buying Screening & Crushing Equipment

McCloskey International: A Quick Guide for Buyers & Operators

Look, if you're searching for 'McCloskey,' you're probably in one of two camps: you're about to buy a piece of heavy equipment, or you're already operating one and something just broke. I've been in the middle of both situations. In my role coordinating parts and service for a mid-sized aggregate producer, I've handled dozens of emergency orders for McCloskey gear. This FAQ covers the stuff I wish I'd known from day one.

What exactly is McCloskey International?

McCloskey International is a Canadian manufacturer of mobile screening, crushing, and stacking equipment. Think trommel screens, jaw crushers, cone crushers, and conveyors. They're a big name in the aggregate, mining, and recycling industries. They're not the same as McCloskey Motors (used cars) or McCloskey Varnish (marine coatings). That confusion has caused more than one wrong phone call.

What are the most common McCloskey model numbers I should know?

You'll hear these model numbers on every site I've worked with:

• S190: A popular trommel screen. Good for topsoil, compost, and aggregates. Parts for these are generally easy to find, but a wear part like a screen deck can be a 3-week lead time if not stocked.
• 621: Another common trommel. The '621' is a mid-range unit. The key difference from the S190 is drum size and throughput.
• J44 & J50: Jaw crushers. The J44 is a compact, high-output unit. The J50 is the bigger sibling. Wear parts (like jaw dies) are your biggest cost driver here.
• C3 & C4: Cone crushers. The C3 is a 38-inch cone; the C4 is a 44-inch cone. These are for secondary and tertiary crushing.
• R230: A heavy-duty 'R-Series' screener. Known for high production rates on heavy rock.

How much does a McCloskey trommel screen or crusher cost?

I don't have a definitive price list in front of me—pricing changes quarterly and varies by dealer. But based on invoices I've seen as of Q4 2024:

• A used S190 trommel in good condition: $120,000 - $180,000
• A new J44 jaw crusher: $450,000 - $550,000
• A new C3 cone crusher: $350,000 - $450,000

These are ballpark figures. Freight, setup, and dealer prep can add 15-20% in some cases. Check your local dealer for a quote.

Where can I find McCloskey parts manuals and diagrams?

This is one of the biggest headaches. In my first year, I made the classic rookie mistake: I didn't save the parts manual immediately. Then a breakdown happened on a Friday afternoon.

Here's what works:

• McCloskey International's official website: Their 'Parts & Service' section often has PDF manuals, but they're not always complete for older models.
• Your local dealer: They have the most current parts diagrams. Call them and ask for the 'breakdown' or 'exploded view' for your serial number. Serial number is critical. A 2018 S190 with serial X12345 might have a different conveyor system than a 2020 model with serial Y67890.
• Third-party parts houses: Sites like Quippy or Machinery Trader sometimes have manuals uploaded by sellers. But verify the source.

Are McCloskey parts expensive, and how long do they take to get?

Compared to OEM parts for, say, a Caterpillar or Sandvik unit? McCloskey parts are generally more affordable, but lead times can be frustrating.

I wish I had tracked every part order carefully from the start. What I can say anecdotally from 50+ rush orders is this:

• Common wear parts (screens, belts, filters): Usually in stock. 2-5 business days.
• Specialty parts (hydraulic pumps, custom shafts): 2-6 weeks. This is where you get burned.
• Cost example: A replacement screen deck for an S190 could be $1,500 to $4,000 depending on wire size and material. A jaw die set for a J44 might run $6,000 to $12,000.

Real talk: if you're buying a used McCloskey, ask the seller for a list of recent parts replacements. A machine with a worn-out drum or a failing hydraulic system is a money pit.

Should I buy a used McCloskey or a different brand?

Here's the thing: I'm not saying McCloskey is always the best choice. I'm saying they're a solid mid-tier option with good support in North America.

But prevention beats cure. Before you buy a used unit, check three things:

1. Hours on the engine (and the hour meter's condition). A machine with 8,000 hours is a different beast than one with 3,000 hours.
2. Wear item condition: Screens, belts, rollers, bearings. Replacing these will cost you 10-15% of the machine's purchase price in some cases.
3. Dealer proximity: How far is the nearest McCloskey dealer? Can they service it? This matters more than the brand name. A Deere with a dealer 20 miles away is better than a McCloskey with a dealer 200 miles away.

What's the best way to get a McCloskey parts manual PDF?

Look, I've tested three different methods, and here's what actually works:

• Method 1 (Fastest): Call your dealer's parts desk. Ask them to email you the PDF for your specific model and serial number.
• Method 2 (DIY): Check the McCloskey website's resource center. Some PDFs are posted publicly.
• Method 3 (Last resort): Search 'McCloskey [model number] parts manual PDF' on Google. Be careful—some sites want to charge you $50 for a document you can get free. I've been burned by that once.

And between you and me, keep a digital copy on your phone. I've saved a $2,000 emergency shipping fee by having the part number ready while standing next to the broken machine.