Omega J1065T Review: Electric Crushing at Fox Group

The Omega J1065T tracked jaw crusher promises a different approach to mobile crushing, replacing conventional diesel-hydraulic drive systems with electric motors while retaining the flexibility required for quarrying, mining and recycling applications.

At Fox Group’s Preston operation, the J1065T has been put to work processing material as part of a wider drive to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising productivity.

For a business already heavily invested in recycling and the circular economy, it represented an opportunity to test whether electric crushing could work effectively in a demanding production environment.

Omega J1065T electric drive system

One of the J1065T’s most significant features is its electric drive arrangement.

Every major operating component, including the feeder, jaw crusher, main conveyor and fines conveyor, is powered by an electric motor.

Power can be supplied either by the machine’s onboard generator or through an external mains electricity supply. This dual-power arrangement allows operators to use the crusher where electrical infrastructure is not yet available before switching to mains electricity when the site permits.

At Fox Group’s Preston facility, the J1065T was initially operating from its onboard generator, with plans to connect it to mains power once the necessary infrastructure was in place.

The arrangement also allows other machines within a crushing train to be powered through the J1065T.

Fuel consumption reduced from 25 to 10 litres per hour

The strongest evidence for the electric-drive concept comes from its performance in operation.

According to Omega dealer OnTrax Equipment, the previous diesel-hydraulic crusher at the site consumed approximately 25 litres of fuel per hour.

With the Omega J1065T running from its onboard generator, consumption had fallen to around 10 litres per hour, representing a reported saving of approximately 15 litres every operating hour.

OnTrax calculated the resulting annual fuel saving at around £25,000 to £30,000.

Further savings were expected once Fox Group could connect the machine directly to mains electricity, with potential operating-cost savings estimated at approximately £36,000 annually alongside a substantial reduction in servicing requirements.

The electric drive also brings another advantage within the enclosed area where the crusher operates: reduced noise and fumes compared with the machine it replaced.

Jaw crusher specification

Electric drive is only useful if the crusher itself can deliver the required production.

The J1065T features a 1000mm x 650mm jaw opening, with a heavy-duty shaft and bolted mainframe.

Crusher speed can be adjusted between 270rpm and 310rpm, allowing the setup to be adapted according to the material and application.

Material is fed through a 3.8m³ hopper constructed from Hardox 400, while the declined vibrating feeder incorporates a stepped grizzly section designed to improve material flow. The feeder is also Hardox lined for operation with abrasive and demanding material.

The discharge conveyor uses a 900mm-wide belt together with an overband magnet and motorised head drum pulley.

For applications involving reinforced material, the conveyor can be hydraulically raised and lowered to provide additional rebar clearance. It can also be lowered or removed from the machine when required.

Designed for straightforward site setup

Omega has also paid attention to the practicalities of transporting and setting up the J1065T.

The tracks use proportional hydraulic control, while the hopper incorporates hydraulic folding and locking plates.

Importantly for operators, the relevant setup procedures can be carried out from ground level, helping make the crusher quicker and more straightforward to prepare for work.

Omega J1065T at Fox Group

Fox Group operates across demolition, earthworks, remediation, aggregates, concrete, asphalt and civil engineering, with recycling forming an important part of its business.

Its Preston wash plant alone processes more than 500,000 tonnes of excavation waste each year, producing sands and gravels for reuse in construction.

For Fox Group director Paul Fox, the appeal of the Omega crusher was therefore not simply the prospect of using an electric machine, but doing so without sacrificing production.

“For us, this crusher strikes the right balance between sustainability and productivity.”

He added that reducing fuel use and emissions while maintaining throughput made the machine a strong fit for the business.

After several months operating at Preston, the J1065T provides an interesting real-world example of how electrically driven mobile crushing equipment can reduce reliance on diesel while still giving operators the flexibility of an onboard generator when mains power is unavailable.

For recycling businesses looking to reduce fuel use without immediately committing to a fully grid-dependent crushing operation, that dual-power approach could be one of the Omega J1065T’s most useful characteristics.

Read the full Awesome Earthmovers feature

This article is based on a feature originally published in Issue [XX] of Awesome Earthmovers. Read the complete feature, including the full story and photography, in the digital magazine.

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