IROCK vs Powerscreen vs McCloskey: Used Jaw Crusher Comparison
A practical comparison of IROCK, Powerscreen, and McCloskey jaw crushers from a heavy equipment broker — build quality, throughput, parts, and which fits which operation.
IROCK vs Powerscreen vs McCloskey: Used Jaw Crusher Comparison
Jaw crushers do not have the brand mythology of excavators. Buyers tend to focus on size and condition more than badge. That is mostly correct — but there are real differences between IROCK, Powerscreen, and McCloskey worth understanding before you spend $200K to $500K.
The short answer
| Factor | IROCK | Powerscreen | McCloskey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Value-oriented, US-built | Premium, global brand | Mid-premium, broad dealer network |
| Build approach | Heavy, simple, fewer electronics | Engineered, refined | Modular, serviceable |
| Throughput per machine class | Comparable to McCloskey | Strongest, especially under continuous load | Comparable to IROCK |
| Used market price | Lowest (-15 to -25% vs Powerscreen) | Highest | Middle |
| Resale value at 5 years | Slightly softer | Holds best | Comparable to IROCK |
| Best fit | Cost-conscious operators, recycling | Aggregate, production crushing | Versatile, mid-size operations |
IROCK: the practical, US-built option
IROCK Crushers is based in Ohio. Their jaw lineup (TJ-2745, TJ-2950, TJ-3055) is favored by recycling operators and contractors who value simplicity and value pricing.
Strengths:
- Built in the US — parts and support inside North America without import dynamics
- Fewer electronic systems means fewer diagnostic surprises
- Heavy-duty frame construction — handles tough recycled feed well
- Best dollar-per-ton-of-capacity in the segment
Weaknesses:
- Smaller dealer network than the other two
- Operator interface is more basic — older-school controls
- Less brand recognition limits resale value slightly
Used pricing today (Mar 2026 view):
- IROCK TJ-2745, 2,500-4,000 hrs: $175K-$240K
- IROCK TJ-2950, 2,500-4,000 hrs: $225K-$295K
- IROCK TJ-3055, 3,000-5,000 hrs: $295K-$385K
Powerscreen: the premium production brand
Powerscreen has been making crushers since 1966. Their Premiertrak, Metrotrak, and XR series cover everything from compact contractor units up to large fixed-production scale.
Strengths:
- Strongest dealer network in North America
- Highest throughput under continuous load
- Strong electronic control systems with good diagnostics
- Holds resale value best of the three brands
Weaknesses:
- Most expensive — both used and new
- Electronic systems mean more potential failure points
- Heavier units are road-permit issues in some states
Used pricing today:
- Powerscreen Metrotrak HA, 3,000-5,000 hrs: $215K-$290K
- Powerscreen Premiertrak 400, 3,000-5,000 hrs: $295K-$385K
- Powerscreen XA400 (legacy XR400), 4,000-7,000 hrs: $185K-$275K
McCloskey: the modular, mid-market brand
McCloskey J-series jaws are designed for serviceability and platform commonality with the rest of their lineup.
Strengths:
- Strong dealer presence everywhere in the US
- Modular design — parts and training carry across model sizes
- Operator interface is well-thought-out
- Mid-market pricing makes it accessible
Weaknesses:
- Throughput slightly below Powerscreen at similar size class
- Astec acquisition (2019) brought stability but also some platform changes worth understanding for older units
Used pricing today:
- McCloskey J35, 2,500-4,000 hrs: $185K-$260K
- McCloskey J45, 3,000-5,000 hrs: $245K-$335K
- McCloskey J50, 3,000-5,000 hrs: $325K-$420K
How to decide
Choose IROCK if: you are cost-conscious, running primarily recycling or mixed contractor work, and value simplicity. Best dollar-per-hour-of-capacity in the segment.
Choose Powerscreen if: you are doing production aggregate work, value the dealer network, and want the strongest resale story for trade-in or sale in 5 years.
Choose McCloskey if: you want strong dealer support without paying Powerscreen prices, and you value operator interface and parts commonality.
Common questions
Q: Are jaw size and feed opening more important than brand?
A: Yes. Match the feed opening to your largest expected feed material. A 27"x45" jaw cannot eat 30" feed material no matter how good the brand.
Q: Closed-side setting (CSS) — what range matters?
A: Most operations run between 1.5" and 4" CSS. Check that your candidate jaw can hit your required output spec without running at the extreme of its adjustment range.
Q: How much wear-part stock should I keep?
A: One set of jaw plates, one set of side plates, plus toggle plate and pitman bearings. Typical wear-part cost runs $4K-$12K per set depending on jaw size.
Q: Cone vs impact as a second machine?
A: Cone for hard rock and abrasive aggregate. Impact for softer material, asphalt, and concrete recycling. Most operators add an impact crusher for recycled aggregate work.
At RPG Equipment
We carry all three brands across the jaw size class. If you are deciding between specific units, call (508) 625-9271. We will give you the honest comparison — including which units we know have problems and which have records we trust.
RPG Equipment is a heavy equipment brokerage based in Worcester, MA specializing in grinders, crushers, screeners, and material processing equipment. Contact us to buy or sell equipment, or browse more articles.