Let's Be Real: There Is No "Best" Kleemann Model
When I first started looking into Kleemann crushers for our operation back in 2021, I made the classic mistake of searching for "the best one." You know what I found? A lot of forum threads with people arguing, a lot of spec sheets that all looked impressive, and zero clear answers.
Here's the thing—and I'm sure you've run into this too—what works for a limestone quarry in Germany isn't necessarily right for a granite job in India or a recycling site in the UK. So instead of pretending there's one magic model, I'm gonna break this down the way I eventually learned to think about it: by scenario.
Scenario 1: You're Starting from Scratch — Greenfield Site
If you're building a new quarry or crushing site, and you don't have legacy equipment to worry about, you've got the best—and worst—kind of freedom. The best because you can design from scratch. The worst because it's overwhelming.
What I'd Recommend: Start with an EVO model
The Kleemann EVO series (like the MR 110 Z EVO 2 or MR 130 Z EVO 2) is where I'd point you. Here's why: these are designed to be plug-and-play relative to older series. They've got better fuel efficiency, the control system is more intuitive, and spare parts are easier to source because it's their current generation.
When we started our second site in 2022, I had two hours to decide between the MR 110 Z EVO 2 and an older model that was available immediately. Normally I'd do a full comparison, request quotes from three dealers, and probably spend a week overthinking it. But we had a deadline, so I went with the EVO on reputation alone.
In hindsight, I should have waited. Not because the EVO is bad—it's excellent—but because I didn't account for the training curve. My operators were used to a different control layout, and it took longer than expected for them to get comfortable. If I'd factored that in, I might have arranged training before the machine arrived, rather than scrambling after.
Key consideration: Budget for training, not just the purchase price. A $500 training session can save weeks of reduced throughput.
Scenario 2: You're Upgrading Existing Equipment
If you already have a crusher (maybe a competitor's, maybe an older Kleemann), and you're looking to upgrade, your situation is different. You're not wondering "What machine works?" You're wondering "Is it worth it?"
What I'd Recommend: Stick with the same screen size if possible
Here's something I learned the hard way. When we upgraded from a mobile jaw to an impactor, I assumed we could keep our existing screen. Nope. The material flow was completely different, and we ended up buying a new screen anyway. That mistake cost us roughly $18,000 in unexpected expenses and about 3 weeks of downtime.
If you're moving within the Kleemann family—say, from a MR 110 Z to an MR 130 Z—the transition is smoother because the control systems are similar. But if you're switching technologies (jaw to impactor, or impactor to cone), budget for a full system re-evaluation.
Real talk: I still kick myself for not calling Kleemann support before making that decision. They could have warned me. But I was in a rush and didn't want to seem like I didn't know what I was doing. Pride. Costs money.
Scenario 3: You Told Someone You'd Handle "Unique" Material
This is the one that gets people in trouble. You've got a specific material—recycling asphalt with rebar, or processing hard granite, or something with high silica content—and you need a machine that can handle it.
What I'd Recommend: Don't guess. Test.
I know, I know. Nobody has time for testing. But here's the truth: I've seen three different operations buy Kleemann machines for tricky materials without testing, and two of them ended up with the wrong configuration. One needed a different blow bar material. Another should have gone with a jaw instead of an impactor.
Kleemann (like most major manufacturers) offers material testing. You send them a sample, they tell you how their machines perform. It's not free, but compared to the cost of a wrong purchase? It's nothing.
A Quick Comparison: EVO 2 vs. Classic
During my research, I came across this a lot:
- EVO 2 series — Better fuel efficiency (up to 20% less diesel), faster setup times, and the Spective control system. Pricier upfront, but lower total cost if you run it daily.
- Classic series (older models) — Cheaper to buy secondhand, and often simpler to repair. Parts can be harder to find for discontinued models, but there's a strong aftermarket.
I once had to choose between a used classic model at $180,000 and a new EVO 2 at $320,000 (rough pricing, based on quotes from early 2024). I went with the EVO 2 because it came with a warranty and dealer support. Three years in, I don't regret it—but I also know operators who bought used and are happy. It depends on your tolerance for risk and your mechanic's skills.
How to Figure Out Which Scenario You're In
So here's the part where I stop giving advice and start asking you questions. Ask yourself:
- Do I have existing equipment that I need to integrate with? If yes, you're Scenario 2. Prioritize compatibility and technical support calls.
- Is this my first crushing setup? If yes, you're Scenario 1. Start with a newer model and plan for training.
- Is my material unusual (high clay content, heavy rebar, high abrasion)? If yes, consider Scenario 3. Do the testing.
And if you're saying "I relate to all three"—welcome to my world. That's when you need to prioritize. For me, I'd say: if you can only get one thing right, get the screening setup right. A crusher can handle a lot, but if your screen is bottlenecked, nothing else matters.
One Last Bit of Advice (Unasked For, But Here We Are)
I've been doing this purchasing thing for about 5 years now. Processing 60-80 orders annually across various vendors. And the biggest lesson? The quality of your crushing output is literally the face of your business. If your product looks good, clients assume everything else is good. If it's inconsistent, they wonder what else you're cutting corners on.
So yeah, maybe spend the extra on a well-maintained Kleemann. Not because it's fancy, but because your clients will notice the difference. The $50,000 gap between a budget machine and a Kleemann might feel painful now. But three years from now, when you're retaining clients because your aggregate is consistently graded? You'll thank yourself.
And if you end up buying a used Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG Kleemann with your savings? Well, that's on you. But I hear they're nice cars.
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