Reclaim vs. Underground — Which One Fits Your Operation?
In the demanding world of mining, bulk handling, and aggregate processing, efficiency is everything. Downtime costs money, and inconsistent material flow creates bottlenecks that ripple across your entire operation. That’s why many operations turn to feeder breakers — heavy-duty machines that simplify material handling, improve sizing, and reduce labor demands.
But not all feeder breakers are the same. At Cogar Manufacturing, we offer two powerful, purpose-built options: Reclaim Feeder-Breakers and Underground Feeder-Breakers. Let’s break down what makes each unique — and why Cogar’s solutions are trusted across the U.S. and beyond.
What is a Feeder Breaker?
A feeder breaker is a rugged piece of material handling equipment used to break down large materials and regulate flow onto a conveyor belt or into a processing system. It serves a dual purpose: crushing and feeding — reducing the size of material while delivering it at a controlled rate.
Feeder breakers are especially vital in industries like mining, aggregates, salt, coal preparation, and oil refining, where managing material volume, flow, and sizing directly affects throughput and safety.
Reclaim Feeder-Breakers: Built for Surface Applications
Cogar’s Reclaim Feeder-Breaker is ideal for operations at surface-level environments such as coal prep plants, salt handling, bulk terminals, and even oil refineries processing petroleum coke.
Key Benefits:
- Custom Configurations: Tailor to your truck or rail unloading needs with adaptable hoppers and skid-mounted flexibility.
- Durable Build: Featuring chromium carbide overlay (CCO) decking, a galvanized frame, and high-strength A514 T1 steel flights.
- Drive Flexibility: Choose between Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) or Direct Hydraulic Drive to match throughput targets.
- Labor-Saving Design: A larger loading area minimizes manual handling and stockpile labor.
- Material Control: Integrated breakers and flow gates give you precise sizing and material management.
Whether it’s salt, coal, or pet coke — this system handles bulk material with efficiency, reliability, and minimal operator oversight.
Underground Feeder-Breakers: Built for Below Ground Durability
When it comes to confined-space operations or harsh underground mining, Cogar’s Underground Feeder-Breaker is engineered to thrive. Built for coal, potash, trona, phosphate, and salt mines, this machine is all about mobility, strength, and safety.
Key Benefits:
- Purpose-Built Mobility: Mounted on heavy-duty crawlers with tram speeds up to 35 fpm for flexibility underground.
- Operator Protection: Torque limiter or clutch systems prevent motor damage. Hydraulic jacks ease repositioning and service.
- Powerful Material Handling: A 200 hp motor delivers reliable crushing power through a right-angle reducer.
- Heavy Construction: Just like its reclaim counterpart, it features alloy chains, CCO decking, and reinforced flights to withstand underground abuse.
Designed with direct input from miners and technicians, the Underground Feeder-Breaker keeps safety high and downtime low in the toughest work zones.
How Feeder Breakers Improve Operational Efficiency
Whether above or below ground, Cogar’s feeder breakers streamline operations by:
- Eliminating bottlenecks in material flow
- Reducing manual labor and potential safety hazards
- Enhancing equipment life with smoother, more consistent material handling
- Lowering maintenance requirements through intelligent design
- Increasing uptime with modular, easy-to-service components
Why Cogar Feeder Breakers?
Cogar Manufacturing has over 40 years of experience designing equipment that works in the real world — not just on paper. Every system we build is the result of listening to operators, maintenance personnel, and field engineers to create rugged, field-proven solutions.
Our feeder breakers are:
- Custom-engineered to fit your application — not the other way around
- Built in the U.S.A. with industry-leading lead times
- Backed by 24/7 support and rebuild services
Ready to Improve Your Operation?
Whether you need to manage material flow on the surface or deep underground, Cogar’s feeder breakers are built to move mountains — and keep your production moving forward.
👉 Get a Quote Today — Let us build the solution that works best for your site.