Africa’s mining, aggregates and construction sectors will gain a productivity and efficiency boost with the arrival of the Metso Lokotrack LT400J – now available through Pilot Crushtec.
The advanced high-capacity Metso LT400J marks the next generation of Metso Lokotrack EC range, according to Charl Marais, Sales Manager at Pilot Crushtec. Featuring a diesel-electric drive system, it makes operating costs even more economical.
“The LT400J is designed as a true production machine,” Marais says. “It is built to run for long periods with minimal interruption, while maintaining high throughput and reliability in demanding applications.”
Typical production rates range between 300 and 600 tonnes per hour, depending on application conditions, making it suitable for primary crushing circuits on mines as well as large quarrying or recycling operations. Its energy efficiency and reliability underpin longer work cycles, he explains.
The C120 jaw crusher’s nip angle can be adjusted and with three nip angle adjustments linear utilisation is improved in various feed material conditions and production rates.
“This machine can operate for up to 50 hours before refuelling which reflects a significant fuel saving compared with conventional diesel-hydraulic machines,” he says. “Lower fuel consumption of course also directly reduces operating costs.”
Operational economy is further enhanced by flexibility in power sourcing, as operators have the option to connect directly to grid electricity, reducing fuel usage and emissions even further.
Wayne Warren, Africa Sales Manager at Pilot Crushtec, notes that having all the main process functions electrically driven improves overall efficiency while helping to deliver more consistent performance over time.
“Electric drive systems maintain stable performance regardless of temperature variations, as there is less efficiency loss associated with hydraulic oil heating or component wear,” Warren explains. “This translates directly into improved operational consistency which is a key factor in maintaining steady production rates.”
A major step forward in the Lokotrack LT400J is its expanded digital control architecture, significantly enhancing usability and operational precision. Warren highlights the redesigned remote-control system as one of the most noticeable upgrades.
“The remote is no longer just a basic control unit,” he explains. “It now features an LCD screen that allows the operator to see machine functions in real time and make adjustments directly from where they are standing.”
This reduces the need for two-person coordination during setup or adjustment; traditionally, one operator would be stationed at the machine and another on the controls. With the Metso LT400J, a single operator can monitor and manage key functions more safely and efficiently. The interface is also more intuitive, aligning well with younger operators accustomed to digital devices and touch-based navigation.
Marais adds that the machine’s intelligent remote monitoring systems incorporates more sensors than previous models.
“There is a higher level of feedback from the machine,” he says. “That allows operators to adjust parameters such as crusher settings and conveyor positions without physically intervening which is a significant time-saver and an added safety benefit.”
The digital controls support improved production consistency and preventative maintenance by providing clearer operational data and system status information. Customers can respond more rapidly and conduct quicker troubleshooting, reducing unnecessary stoppages and limiting downtime.
The significant technological advances in the LT400J – in terms of software, sensors and control philosophy -call for a high level of technical understanding for both operation and maintenance. Typical customers are therefore expected to be sophisticated operators with the necessary skills and resources.
“Our strategic relationship with Metso ensures that Pilot Crushtec continuously develops its aftersales support, training and technical readiness for new technologies,” Warren says. “We invest in ensuring that both our teams and our customers are equipped to manage the advanced digital and electrical systems on the crushing solutions we provide.”
For the arrival of the Metso LT400J in South Africa, two senior Metso master technicians, including one from the factory where it was built, were hosted at Pilot Crushtec’s Jet Park facility to conduct in-depth training sessions with the local technical and workshop teams.
“Working directly with the factory specialists allows our technicians to fully understand the machine, its capabilities and its complexities,” he says. “With any new generation machine, there is always an element of training.”
He emphasises that the Pilot Crushtec team is also well equipped to assist customers with upskilling their operators and maintenance teams so they can extract full value from the technology.
Marais highlights how the improvements in design impact both operation and maintenance, reflecting Metso’s broader design philosophy of integrating real-world operational feedback into equipment development. He points to the redesigned extended discharge conveyor as an example.
“The discharge conveyor can operate at three different angles,” he explains. “You can raise it to build a higher stockpile, lower it to feed directly into the next unit in the crushing circuit or drop it horizontally to the ground for maintenance access.”
This last function is particularly significant as it allows technicians easier access to the underside of the jaw crusher – an area that often becomes difficult to inspect or service on conventional machines.
“Liner changes have also been simplified,” he notes. “The LT400J incorporates dedicated lifting tools and improved access around the fixed jaw end, making the removal and replacement of wear liners safer and more efficient.”
In addition, the bypass chute behind the jaw crusher is hydraulically adjustable, allowing it to move away from the service area and improve working space during maintenance. Warren adds that the machine was effectively redesigned from the ground up.
“Every aspect was reviewed and improved where it could be,” he says. “There is now enhanced engine access through large gull-wing doors, for instance, providing clear unobstructed access to service components.”
Combined with reduced hydraulic complexity – including a much smaller hydraulic tank used primarily for tracking and setup – these design improvements help shorten service times, reduce maintenance effort and ultimately increase machine availability in demanding African applications.
Enhancing the value of mobility in crushing, the Metso LT400J’s track-mounted design allows rapid relocation within a site or between sites, enabling operators to respond quickly to changing production requirements.
FACT BOX – METSO LOKOTRACK LT400J
- Track-mounted mobile jaw crusher
- Part of the Metso Lokotrack EC range
- Available in Southern Africa through Pilot Crushtec
- Diesel-electric drive system
- Optional connection to grid electricity
- Production capacity is ±300 to 600 tph (application dependent)
- Up to 50 hours operating time before refuelling
- Electrically driven main process functions
- Advanced digital control architecture with LCD remote
- Expanded sensor integration for real-time monitoring
- Three-position extended discharge conveyor
- Hydraulically adjustable bypass chute
- Reduced hydraulic complexity for simplified maintenance
- Designed for primary crushing in mining, quarrying and recycling applications
