
Scrap Metal Crusher for Sale: Hammer Mill Shredder Lines for Car Bodies and Scrap Steel
Factory-Direct Scrap Metal Crusher Lines, 3 to 320 TPH, from HUAXIN
HUAXIN has built scrap recycling machines since 1989. Our scrap metal crusher, also called a scrap metal hammer mill or metal hammer mill shredder, uses high-speed hammers to break car bodies, white goods and bulky light scrap into dense steel that mills accept. Output size is set by the screen, from 30 to 120 mm. It ships as a complete line with feeding, crushing and magnetic separation. Dust removal and non-ferrous sorting are optional.
Buy a scrap metal crusher direct from the HUAXIN factory. Tell us your scrap and tonnage, and we will recommend a model and line layout.
Scrap Metal Crusher Key Specifications
| Item | HUAXIN Scrap Metal Crusher |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3 to 320 tons per hour, depending on model, material and output size |
| Output size | 30 to 120 mm, set by the screen hole diameter. Custom sizes on request. |
| Hammer material | Mn18Cr2 |
| Typical input | Car bodies, white goods, steel drums, thin-gauge light scrap |
| Standard line | Feeding, hammer mill, discharge, magnetic separation |
| Optional systems | Dust removal, non-ferrous sorting |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Delivery time | Within 45 days after payment, unless you ask for something different |
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Our Scrap Metal Crusher Products
What Is a Scrap Metal Crusher (Scrap Metal Hammer Mill)?
A scrap metal crusher is a high-power machine that breaks bulky scrap steel into small, dense pieces. A rotor fitted with heavy hammers spins at high speed inside the chamber and strikes the material again and again until it is small enough to pass through the screen. Magnetic separation then splits the steel from the non-ferrous residue. Many recyclers call the same machine a scrap metal hammer mill, a metal hammer mill or a metal hammer mill shredder.
The main payoff is density. Crushed steel packs far tighter than loose car shells or appliances, so a truck carries more tons per load. Steel mills also prefer it because the pieces are clean and uniform and carry less trapped dirt than baled scrap.
HUAXIN designs and builds these machines as complete lines, from the feeding conveyor to the stockpile belt. That means one supplier is responsible for how the whole line performs.
Scrap Metal Crusher: Other Names You Will See
Buyers search for this machine under many names, and suppliers use them differently. They all point to the same family of equipment: a hammer-type, high-speed impact machine for scrap steel.
| Name | Where you usually see it |
|---|---|
| Scrap metal hammer mill / metal hammer mill | The most common technical name among recyclers and engineers |
| Metal hammer shredder / metal hammer mill shredder | Used when the machine is sold as part of a shredding line |
| Scrap steel crusher / metal crusher machine | Common in quotations and buyer enquiries |
| Hammer mill car shredder / automobile shredder / car body crusher | When the main input is end-of-life vehicles |
| Scrap shredder plant / metal shredding plant / scrap crushing line | When feeding and separation equipment are supplied together |
| Fragmentizer / frag plant | An older, North American term for large automotive shredders |
Do not confuse these with a low-speed double shaft machine. That is a different design, covered on our scrap metal shredder page.
How a Metal Hammer Mill Shredder Works
Scrap goes onto the feeding conveyor and into the feed chute. A hydraulic pre-press roller, driven by a high-torque reducer, compresses bulky shapes such as car shells before they reach the main chamber. Inside, the rotor swings the hammers at speed. They strike the steel and tear it apart, driving it against the chamber until it is small enough to pass through the screen. Hammer pins can be pulled with a pin extractor, so worn hammers are changed without taking the machine apart.
After crushing, a vibrating feeder carries the material to a permanent magnet drum. Steel goes onto the magnetic belt, and everything else goes onto the non-magnetic belt. If you add the optional non-ferrous system, that second stream is sorted again into residue, non-ferrous metals and plastics.
Output Size: How the Screen Sets Your Fragment Size
The size of the finished pieces is mainly set by the screen hole diameter. We usually recommend a screen between 30 mm and 120 mm, and the right choice depends on your material and the tonnage you want. A smaller hole gives denser, finer output, but it lowers throughput and wears parts faster. A larger hole raises throughput and gives bigger fragments. If your buyer or furnace has a size specification, tell us and we will configure the screen to match.
Scrap Metal Crusher vs. Shredder vs. Shear: Which One Do You Need?
These three machines solve different problems, and many yards run more than one. A scrap metal shear cuts long or heavy pieces to length in one stroke. A double shaft shredder tears mixed, irregular material at low speed. A hammer mill crusher is built for volume and the final fragment size.
| Point | Hammer Mill Crusher (PSX) | Double Shaft Shredder (HX-DS) | Scrap Metal Shear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working principle | High-speed hammer impact | Low-speed, high-torque cutting | Hydraulic blade cut |
| Capacity | 3 to 320 TPH | 1 to 60 TPH | Rated per day |
| Output size | 30 to 120 mm, set by screen | 50 to 300 mm, set by blade setup | Cut to length |
| Best fit | High-volume car body and light scrap lines | Mixed scrap, e-waste, drums | Plates, beams, rebar, containers |
A common setup is a shear or pre-shredder first for very bulky input, then a hammer mill for the main throughput. If you are unsure, send us your material list and we will tell you which machine, or which combination, makes sense.
What Is in a HUAXIN Scrap Metal Crusher Line
1. Feeding System
A seamless chain-plate or crawler-type feeding conveyor. It can be combined with a steel grapple, a crane with magnet or a pre-shredder for automatic loading. A variable-frequency drive keeps feeding smooth and saves energy.
2. Hammer Mill Main Machine
The core of the line. It has a feed chute with a hydraulic pre-press roller, the crusher body, a hammer pin extractor, the main shaft and the motor drive. Hammers are made of Mn18Cr2.
3. Discharge System
A vibrating feeder, a magnetic material belt, a non-magnetic material belt and a scrap steel stockpile belt. Crushed steel and non-magnetic material are separated, sorted and stacked automatically.
4. Magnetic Separation
A permanent magnet drum separator pulls steel out of the non-magnetic fraction.
5. Dust Removal (Optional)
Removes the dust produced during crushing and magnetic separation, so the line stays clean and meets environmental requirements.
6. Non-Ferrous Sorting (Optional)
Sorts the non-magnetic fraction into residue, non-ferrous metals and plastics, so you recover more value from every ton.
Built-in Features That Matter on Site
- Environmental package: cooling spray, dust removal and noise reduction systems are designed into the line to meet project permit requirements.
- Monitoring and control: full video monitoring, an integrated automation control system and a remote operation and maintenance system.
- Maintenance-friendly design: the core structure is our own design, with durable, interchangeable parts that are easy to repair.
- Stable feeding: the variable-frequency chain-plate conveyor moves heavy material more smoothly and uses less energy.
Applications of Scrap Metal Crushers and Hammer Mill Shredders
A scrap steel crusher earns its place wherever there is a lot of bulky, low-density steel to move:
End-of-Life Vehicles (Car Body Crusher)
After depollution (fluids, battery, fuel tank and airbags removed), whole car shells go through the machine and come out as dense steel fragments. Magnetic separation recovers the steel, and the non-ferrous stage can recover aluminum and copper from what is left.
White Goods and Appliances
Refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners, once refrigerant gas and compressors are removed. The hammers free the steel from plastic and wiring.
Light and Thin-Gauge Scrap
Sheet-metal offcuts, stamping scrap, steel drums and loose bulky scrap that bales poorly. Crushing raises the bulk density and cuts freight cost per ton.
Steel Mills and Foundries
Uniform crushed scrap loads more easily into furnace charging buckets than bulky shells, and mills value its predictable size.
Scrap Yards and Recycling Centers
Turn mixed incoming scrap into a graded, higher-value product, then sell the steel stream and the non-ferrous stream separately.
Complete Shredding Plants
Run as the second stage behind a pre-shredder or shear in a metal shredding plant, where the first machine handles the oversized pieces and the hammer mill sets the final size.
Scrap Metal Crusher Technical Parameters (PSX Series)
The table lists our current standard PSX models. Capacity is shown as a range, so 3 – 5 means 3 to 5 tons per hour. Models from PSX630 upward use high-voltage main motors. Our range reaches 320 TPH for the largest lines, so if you need more than the PSX6000 offers, contact us and we will propose a configuration.
| Model | Inlet Width (mm) | Main Motor Power (kW) | Capacity (t/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSX200 | 1400 | 200 | 3-5 |
| PSX280 | 1400 | 280 | 5 – 6 |
| PSX315 | 1600 | 315 | 6 – 8 |
| PSX400 | 1600 | 400 | 8 – 12 |
| PSX450 | 1600 | 450 | 9 – 12 |
| PSX560 | 1800 | 560 | 12 – 15 |
| PSX630 | 1800 | 630 (high voltage) | 13 – 16 |
| PSX900 | 2200 | 900 (high voltage) | 20 – 25 |
| PSX1200 | 2200 | 1200 (high voltage) | 25 – 40 |
| PSX1600 | 2500 | 1600 (high voltage) | 30 – 50 |
| PSX3000 | 2600 | 2250 (high voltage) | 40 – 70 |
| PSX4000 | 2600 | 3000 (high voltage) | 50 – 100 |
| PSX6000 | 2700 | 4500 (high voltage) | 80 – 150 |
Capacity depends on material type, bulk density, screen size and how steadily the line is fed. Thin-gauge light scrap runs differently from thick structural steel. Send us your material mix and we will give a realistic figure for your case.
How to Choose the Right Scrap Metal Crusher
Work through these questions in order. They narrow the choice faster than comparing prices.
5.1. Your Input Material
- Whole car bodies and large appliances: choose a model with a wide inlet, and consider a pre-shredder in front.
- Thin light scrap, drums and offcuts: a smaller PSX model usually does the job.
- Thick structural steel or long pieces: cut them to size first with a shear, then crush.
5.2. Hourly Capacity
- Small yards (3 to 12 t/h): PSX280, PSX315, PSX400, PSX450
- Medium lines (10 to 25 t/h): PSX560, PSX630, PSX900
- Large ELV plants (25 to 140 t/h): PSX1200, PSX1600, PSX3000, PSX4000, PSX6000
- Very large projects (up to 320 t/h): contact us with your tonnage target and site details
5.3. Output Size and Screen
Decide what fragment size your buyer or furnace wants. The screen hole diameter sets it, usually between 30 mm and 120 mm. Remember the trade-off: a finer screen gives denser output but lowers throughput.
5.4. Inlet Width
The inlet must be wider than your largest input piece. Inlet widths run from 1400 mm on the PSX280 to 2700 mm on the PSX6000. Measure your biggest car body or appliance before you pick a model.
5.5. Power Supply
From PSX630 upward the main motors are high voltage. Confirm your grid capacity and transformer before ordering, because large lines need real power infrastructure.
5.6. Optional Systems, Site Layout and Total Cost
- Dust removal, which is often required by local permits
- Non-ferrous sorting, which pays off when your scrap carries aluminum, copper or zinc
- Space for feeding, discharge belts and stockpiles. Send us your site dimensions and we will draw a layout.
- Total cost: purchase price, installation, energy use, hammer and liner replacement, and spare-parts availability
Why Choose HUAXIN Scrap Metal Crushers?
🏭 Manufacturing Since 1989
HUAXIN has specialized in scrap metal recycling equipment for over 30 years, and our machines work in more than 30 countries. You deal with the people who design and build the line.
💰 Factory-Direct Pricing
You buy from the factory, with no trading company between you and the engineers. Ask for a quote on the full line, including optional systems, so you can compare like with like.
🔧 Whole-Line Supply
One supplier covers the whole line:
- ✓ Feeding conveyor and pre-press roller
- ✓ Hammer mill main machine with Mn18Cr2 hammers
- ✓ Vibrating feeder and discharge belts
- ✓ Magnetic drum separation
- ✓ Optional dust removal and non-ferrous sorting
📞 Warranty and Support
- 1-year warranty
- Delivery within 45 days after payment, unless you need a different schedule
- Free consultation and model selection guidance
- Layout design for your site
- Remote operation and maintenance through the control system, plus full video monitoring
- Operator training and technical support
Scrap Metal Crusher and Hammer Mill FAQ
Q1: Is a scrap metal crusher the same as a scrap metal hammer mill?
Yes. Scrap metal crusher, scrap metal hammer mill, metal hammer mill, metal hammer shredder and metal hammer mill shredder all describe a high-speed, hammer-type machine for scrap steel. Some suppliers also call large versions an automobile shredder or fragmentizer.
Q2: What is the difference between a hammer mill and a double shaft shredder?
A hammer mill breaks material by high-speed impact and is built for volume and final fragment size. A double shaft shredder cuts at low speed with high torque and suits mixed, irregular input. Many yards use both in sequence.
Q3: What materials can a scrap metal crusher process?
Car bodies after depollution, white goods after hazardous parts are removed, steel drums, sheet-metal offcuts, stamping scrap and other bulky light scrap. Very thick or long structural steel should be cut to size with a shear first.
Q4: What output size does the crusher produce?
The output size is mainly set by the screen hole diameter. We usually recommend 30 mm to 120 mm depending on your material and tonnage, and we can customize it to your requirement. A finer screen gives denser output but lowers throughput.
Q5: What is the capacity of a scrap metal crusher?
Our scrap metal crushers cover 3 to 320 tons per hour. The standard PSX series runs from the PSX280 at 3 to 5 t/h up to the PSX6000 at 80 to 140 t/h. Actual capacity depends on material, bulk density, screen size and feeding. For very large projects, contact us with your target tonnage.
Q6: What are the hammers made of, and how often do they need replacing?
The hammers are made of Mn18Cr2. Wear depends on what you crush, how dirty the scrap is and how many hours you run, so there is no single figure. Tell us your material and daily running hours and we will give you an estimate for your case.
Q7: How much does a scrap metal hammer mill cost?
The price depends on the model, motor voltage, screen size, optional systems such as dust removal and non-ferrous sorting, and your site layout. A PSX280 line and a PSX6000 line are very different projects. Send us your material and target tonnage and we will quote the full line.
Q8: Can a metal hammer mill shredder process whole car bodies?
Yes, that is its main use. The car should be depolluted first. The pre-press roller compresses the body before crushing. Check the inlet width of your chosen model against your largest vehicle.
Q9: Which PSX model should I buy for 10 tons per hour?
PSX560 (10 to 14 t/h) or PSX630 (12 to 15 t/h) is a common starting point. The right choice depends on your material, your screen size and how steadily it is fed, so send us the details for a proper recommendation.
Q10: How long is the delivery time?
Without special requirements, we deliver within 45 days after payment. If you need a custom configuration or a different schedule, tell us when you send your enquiry and we will confirm the timing.
Q11: What warranty do you offer?
We offer a 1-year warranty on the machine. Ask us for the written warranty terms, including what is treated as a wear part, before you place your order.
Q12: Can I recover non-ferrous metals from the line?
Yes. After the magnetic drum removes the steel, the optional non-ferrous sorting system separates residue, non-ferrous metals and plastics from the non-magnetic fraction.
Q13: Does the line include dust control and noise reduction?
The line is designed with cooling spray, dust removal and noise reduction systems to help meet project environmental requirements. Dust removal is optional equipment, so tell us whether your permit requires it.
Q14: Why do large models use high-voltage motors?
From PSX630 upward, main motor power starts at 630 kW and reaches 4,500 kW. High-voltage motors suit that load. Confirm your site grid supply with us before ordering.
Q15: Can the line be monitored remotely?
Yes. It has full video monitoring, an integrated automation control system and a remote operation and maintenance system.
Q16: Do I need a pre-shredder or shear in front of the crusher?
It depends on your input. If you feed very bulky or very thick material, a pre-shredder or shear in front protects the hammer mill and keeps throughput steady. For light scrap and depolluted car shells within the inlet width, the pre-press roller often handles the compression.
Maintenance & Safety Tips for Scrap Metal Crushers
Intervals depend on what you crush and how many hours you run. Follow the manual that ships with your line, and use these as a working checklist.
Before Every Shift
- ✓ Check the infeed for gas cylinders, sealed containers, fuel tanks and other hazardous items
- ✓ Look at hammers and hammer pins for cracks or heavy wear
- ✓ Check the lubrication points and the reducer oil level
- ✓ Test emergency stops and confirm the cooling spray and dust system work
- ✓ Make sure the feeding conveyor, vibrating feeder and discharge belts are clear
Periodic Maintenance
- Inspect the screen and chamber liners and replace worn ones
- Check main shaft bearings for noise, heat and play
- Re-tighten bolts on the frame, motor mount and drive
- Inspect conveyor chains, belts and the magnetic drum
- Check electrical connections and the control cabinet
Hammer and Wear-Part Care
- Use the pin extractor to change Mn18Cr2 hammers, and replace them as a balanced set
- Keep a stock of hammers, pins, screens and liners so a worn part never stops the line
- Keep un-crushable items such as engine blocks and solid steel bars out of the feed
Safety Best Practices
- ⚠ Lock out and tag out the machine before anyone enters the chamber or the feed chute
- ⚠ Depollute every vehicle first: fluids, battery, fuel tank, airbags and refrigerant
- ⚠ Never feed sealed or pressurized containers. They can explode inside a hammer mill.
- ⚠ Keep people away from the infeed and discharge zones while the line runs
- ⚠ Wear safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, a dust mask and hearing protection
- ⚠ Never bypass guards, interlocks or the emergency stop
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Throughput lower than expected | Worn hammers, blocked screen or uneven feeding | Inspect hammers and screen, steady the feed rate |
| Output pieces too large | Worn screen, hammers or liners | Replace worn parts, confirm the screen size |
| Strong vibration | Unbalanced hammer set or loose bolts | Stop the machine, check the hammer set and re-tighten bolts |
| Bearing overheating | Low or wrong lubricant | Check the lubrication and bearing condition |
| Motor trips | Overfeeding or an un-crushable item | Reduce the feed rate and clear the chamber |
| Excess dust | Dust or spray system not working | Check the dust removal and spray equipment |
Customer Success Stories
Case 1: Pre Shredder + 630 kW Crusher Line in Korea
- Machines: HX-PS2200 pre shredder (2×250 kW) + 630 kW crusher
- Material: Whole car bodies (ELV), large white goods, oversized industrial scrap
- Throughput: 20–30 tons/hour (complete line)
- Line: Magnetic separator, eddy current separator and air classifier
- Commissioned: 2016
More customer cases, photos and videos available upon request.
Related Scrap Metal Recycling Equipment
A crusher rarely works alone. See our scrap metal shredders for pre-shredding, our scrap metal shears for oversized steel, our scrap metal balers for compacting, and our fixed grapples for feeding.




