What is the difference between a single-cylinder cone crusher and a multi-cylinder cone crusher?

Single-cylinder and multi-cylinder cone crushers occupy dominant positions in medium and fine crushing stages. Distinct in hydraulic system, crushing force, adjustment mode and adaptability to materials, each has its own applicable advantages. This article elaborates on their major differences for your equipment selection reference.

The differences between single-cylinder and multi-cylinder cone crushers are as follows:

1. Differences in equipment structure
Single-cylinder: Similar to the spring cone crusher, the single-cylinder model features a main shaft and a moving cone assembly supported by a bowl liner; effectively, the main shaft and moving cone are supported from below, while an eccentric sleeve drives the main shaft to generate crushing force.
Multi-cylinder: The multi-cylinder model features a short, thick main shaft—designed with a large diameter—that stands directly on the main frame (rather than inside an eccentric sleeve). Supported directly by the frame, it offers higher load-bearing capacity, with the eccentric sleeve directly driving the moving cone to generate crushing force.
These structural differences result in different stress patterns on the frame during operation: the frame of the single-cylinder model is subjected to tensile stress, whereas the frame of the multi-cylinder model experiences reduced tensile stress, giving the multi-cylinder model a structural advantage.

2. Differences in discharge opening adjustment methods
Single-cylinder hydraulic cone crusher: During operation, oil is pumped into or drained from the main shaft cylinder, causing the main shaft to rise or lower, thereby adjusting the size of the discharge opening.
Multi-cylinder hydraulic cone crusher: A hydraulic pusher or motor adjusts the adjustment cap, driving the adjustment ring to rotate within the support sleeve (causing the concave/fixed cone to move up or down via screw threads); this method offers the advantage of easy locking of the discharge opening.

3. Differences in feeding methods
Generally, both single-cylinder and multi-cylinder hydraulic cone crushers support “choke feeding” (feeding the crusher to capacity). The multi-cylinder model’s high load-bearing capacity easily accommodates this method, enabling the application of the inter-particle crushing (lamination) principle. In this process, stones within the crushing chamber are crushed while simultaneously squeezing against one another; this simultaneous crushing and shaping action results in an excellent product particle shape. However, it is important to note that “full feeding” simply means the crushing chamber is completely filled with material; this state ensures both high crushing efficiency and uniform wear.

4. Differences in Crushing Performance
Single-cylinder hydraulic cone crushers offer high crushing efficiency and a flexible discharge opening that allows for direct adjustment; they excel at secondary crushing and possess high throughput capacity.
Multi-cylinder hydraulic cone crushers utilize inter-particle (lamination) crushing. The faster the gyratory speed, the more effective this lamination crushing becomes. Since multi-cylinder crushers operate at significantly higher gyratory speeds than single-cylinder models, they yield a higher proportion of fine particles and produce a more uniform product size distribution.

The analysis above outlines the differences between the two types of cone crushers to assist in equipment selection. Once the type is chosen, specific specifications and the number of units must be determined based on the configuration with other equipment and anticipated load fluctuations to meet production targets. Currently, Shengbang Machinery manufactures a wide range of cone crusher models capable of meeting diverse crushing requirements.