Behind the Scenes at a Quarry: The Equipment That Keeps Operations Moving

Most people don’t think twice about where gravel for roads, crushed rock for foundations, or sand for concrete comes from. But those materials don’t magically appear—they’re carefully processed in quarries using a wide range of powerful, purpose-built equipment. At Rackers Equipment Company, we’ve spent more than three decades working alongside Missouri’s mining and aggregate producers, supplying the heavy-duty machines that make their operations possible.

Heavy and mobile machinery in a quarry to transform stone into construction material

Let’s pull back the curtain and look at how a typical quarry functions—from the first bucket of raw material to the final sorted product—and how the equipment we carry plays a vital role every step of the way.

Feeding the System: It All Starts with a Feeder

Before anything can be crushed, washed, or hauled, raw material needs to be moved from the earth into the processing system. That’s where feeders come in. These machines control the flow of material into the crusher, preventing jams and keeping production moving at a steady pace. Whether you’re working with oversized rock or finer material, the right feeder sets the tone for the entire operation.

Rackers carries several types of feeders, built to handle the rigors of tough environments and designed to work in sync with crushers and screens.

Primary Crushers

Once material enters the system, it heads to the primary crusher—the workhorse of the quarry. This is typically a jaw or gyratory crusher that takes large rocks and breaks them down into more manageable pieces. This stage is all about brute force and volume. The primary crusher is built to take punishment day in and day out.

We offer a selection of reliable primary crushers from proven manufacturers, available both new and used, all ready to handle the toughest jobs Missouri quarries can throw at them.

Secondary Crushers

After the initial breakdown, the material moves to secondary crushers, such as cone or impact crushers. Here, the focus shifts from brute strength to precision—reducing the material down to specific sizes depending on its final use. Whether it’s for road base, asphalt, or another product, the right secondary crusher is critical for consistency and quality.

Our team at Rackers can help match you with the best secondary crusher for your goals and budget, with a constantly updated inventory to choose from.

Conveyors and Bins

Once material is crushed, it doesn’t just sit there—it must be moved, stored, or further processed. Conveyor systems are the lifeline of a quarry, transporting material efficiently across the site. Bins serve as temporary storage points, keeping different grades or types of material organized.

We stock a range of conveyors and bins designed for durability and flexibility, whether you’re building a new site or upgrading your current layout.

Screens and Washers

Before aggregate can be shipped or used, it’s often sorted by size using screens and cleaned with wash equipment. Screens separate material into uniform sizes, while washers remove dirt, clay, and other impurities—especially important for high-spec products like concrete aggregate.

Rackers carries high-performance screening and washing systems built to keep your output clean and your production levels high.

Loaders, Trucks, and Excavators

Throughout the operation, mobile equipment like loaders, trucks, excavators, and backhoes handle raw material, move product, and assist with site prep and cleanup. This equipment fills in the gaps, giving quarry teams the flexibility to manage workflow and respond to day-to-day needs on the ground.

We offer everything from dozers and track loaders to excavators and dump trucks, all ready to get back to work at your site.

Drills, Compressors, and More

Beyond crushing and conveying, many quarries rely on air compressors and drills for blasting and exploration. Water wagons are used to control dust and maintain road conditions, while manlifts, cranes, and forklifts help with maintenance and material handling.

At Rackers, we understand the importance of these “support players” and offer a rotating stock of tools and specialty equipment to keep your quarry operating safely and efficiently.

Why Missouri Quarry Operators Trust Rackers Equipment

Running a quarry is more than just having the right machines—it’s about having the right machines that work, day after day, with minimal downtime. At Rackers Equipment Company, we stand by the quality of every piece we sell. Whether you’re in the market for a used crusher, a new loader, or a full conveyor setup, our team is ready to help you find exactly what you need.

Give us a call at 573-635-8700 or visit us online to browse our current inventory of crushers, screens, feeders, and more. Our experienced staff is always happy to walk through your operation and recommend solutions that fit your goals and budget.