Keestrack Mobile Equipment: The Hybrid Diesel-Electric Pioneer
Keestrack: Belgian Engineering, Hybrid Power
Keestrack is a Belgian manufacturer that has carved out a unique position in the mobile crushing and screening market by pioneering hybrid diesel-electric drive systems. While other manufacturers have added electric options, Keestrack built their entire modern lineup around hybrid power — offering fuel savings of 30-50% compared to conventional hydraulic-drive machines.
Why Hybrid Matters
Traditional mobile crushers and screeners use diesel engines to drive hydraulic pumps that power the equipment. This is inefficient — significant energy is lost in the hydraulic system as heat. Keestrack's approach:
- Diesel engine drives a generator
- Generator produces electricity
- Electric motors drive the crusher, screener, and conveyors directly
- On sites with grid power, the diesel engine can be shut off entirely — running on electric power alone
Fuel savings example: A conventional hydraulic-drive jaw crusher uses 20-25 gallons/hour. A Keestrack hybrid jaw crusher uses 12-16 gallons/hour doing the same work. At $4/gallon and 2,000 hours/year, that's $32,000-$72,000 in annual fuel savings.
Jaw Crushers
| Model | Jaw Opening | Capacity | Power | New Price | Used Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B3 | 32" x 20" | 100 – 250 TPH | Hybrid 235 HP | $375,000 – $475,000 | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| B4 | 40" x 24" | 200 – 400 TPH | Hybrid 330 HP | $475,000 – $600,000 | $275,000 – $450,000 |
| B5 | 47" x 31" | 300 – 550 TPH | Hybrid 430 HP | $600,000 – $750,000 | $375,000 – $575,000 |
Screeners
| Model | Type | Screen Area | New Price | Used Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K3 | Vibrating, 2-deck | 10' x 5' | $225,000 – $300,000 | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| K4 | Vibrating, 3-deck | 14' x 5' | $300,000 – $400,000 | $150,000 – $275,000 |
| K5 | Vibrating, 3-deck | 16' x 5' | $375,000 – $475,000 | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| K6 | Vibrating, 3-deck | 20' x 5' | $450,000 – $575,000 | $275,000 – $425,000 |
Impact Crushers and Cone Crushers
- R3 — Compact impact crusher. 250 TPH. Hybrid drive. $400,000 – $525,000 new.
- R5 — Production impact crusher. 400 TPH. Hybrid drive. $550,000 – $700,000 new.
- H4 — Cone crusher. 250 TPH. Hybrid drive. $475,000 – $600,000 new.
- H6 — Large cone crusher. 400 TPH. Hybrid drive. $600,000 – $775,000 new.
When Keestrack Makes Sense
- High fuel cost areas — The Northeast, where diesel often runs $0.25-$0.50/gallon above national average
- Noise-sensitive sites — Electric mode is significantly quieter than diesel-hydraulic. Critical near residential areas
- Grid-connected sites — Quarries and recycling yards with electric power can run Keestrack machines with zero diesel consumption
- High-hour operations — The fuel savings compound with hours. At 2,500+ hours/year, a Keestrack pays back its premium quickly
Keestrack vs. Conventional Brands
Keestrack machines cost 10-20% more upfront than equivalent McCloskey or Powerscreen units. The breakeven point on fuel savings is typically 18-30 months at average utilization. Beyond that, Keestrack costs less to operate every hour. The resale market for Keestrack is growing but still smaller than McCloskey or Powerscreen — something to consider if you trade equipment frequently.
