Published: April 2026
Does more power mean more production with cone crushers?
Not always.
More horsepower can improve production, but only if the cone is configured and applied in a way that allows it to fully utilize that added power.
To support higher-demand applications, where additional horsepower can be used, Superior recently introduced a 600-horsepower upgrade for the P500 Patriot® Cone Crusher, with that capability now extended to P300 and P400 models as well.
Understanding where that added horsepower makes a difference starts with knowing when a crusher can be pushed and when it shouldn’t, which comes down to three key variables: chamber geometry, hold-down force, and power.
“Those are the factors we look at when evaluating whether a cone is running successfully in an application,” says Jarrod Adcock, crushing product manager.
Reading the Application
In a healthy application, operators choke feed their crushers to keep the chamber full and working efficiently.
They also avoid ring bounce, where the upper frame lifts under excessive load, by staying within the limits of the hydraulic tramp system.
All while power draw is kept close to full load amps without exceeding it.
“If all three are true, your customer is in the proper range for an optimized chamber,” Adcock says. “At that point, they do not need more horsepower.”
In other applications, operators may not be able to choke feed their cone crusher, even while pulling full load amps.
“When the crusher isn’t choke fed, the risk of tramping and ring bounce increases,” Adcock says. “If it’s already pulling full load amps, now additional horsepower can come into play.”
Take a standard P500 as an example. The operator wants to choke feed it, but doing so pushes the crusher to full load amps, limiting how much material it can handle without stalling.
“If you can’t choke feed it, you’re limiting production,” Adcock says. “In some applications, more horsepower raises the amp draw ceiling and creates more room to run optimally."
Click on the image above or this link here to access the recently published sales bulletin detailing the Patriot® Cone's increased horsepower.
More Tools to Compete
Ahead of CONEXPO-CON/AGG, Superior engineers completed the work that gives the P500 a higher power rating within its existing frame.
Additionally, that same redesign was completed to make the P300 rated for 350 horsepower and the P400 rated for 450.
The P500’s upgrade stands out because of its potential in portable applications.
“It’s rare to see a 600-horsepower cone on a portable chassis, and now we’re able to deliver that,” Adcock says. “That added capacity gives operators the flexibility to adjust between sites, allowing them to choke feed and optimize throughput when needed.”
Based on conversations at the show, Adcock says dealers are excited to have another tool to compete with, while end users responded strongly to the idea of a portable 600-horsepower cone.
“Everyone likes bigger, stronger, and more power,” Adcock says. “There’s still a misconception that it will automatically produce more tons, but once it's explained, they understand.”
They see the flexibility and the ability to expand into different applications.
A choke fed cone crusher keeps the chamber full, allowing material to crush against itself for more consistent gradation, higher throughput, and reduced wear on internal components.
Reinforcing the Fundamentals
From Adcock’s view, dealers are already well versed in the principles behind cone crushers, and many have a variety of Patriot Cones installed throughout their territories.
As they continue to push the product, more success depends on ensuring end users understand basic principles:
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If running near full load amps, the crusher is in its optimal range
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If there’s ring bounce, the crusher is exceeding its limits
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If it’s choke fed, material flow is maximized
Remember, more horsepower doesn’t guarantee added production, but in the right application, it can help some of your customers achieve full optimization.