What is an Apron Feeder?

Apron Feeders are a mechanical type of feeder used for transferring material to a crusher or other piece of downstream equipment at a uniform rate. They are typically used to feed primary crushers, but they can be used in primary, secondary and tertiary applications as a:

• Primary feeder
• Primary crusher discharge feeder
• Stockpile feeder
• Rail unloading feeder
• Storage bin feeder

These types of feeders are ideal for handling very hard, abrasive and tough materials that are beyond the scope of other feeders. Built to withstand extreme impact loading, Apron Feeders can handle larger lumps of material, and both small and large capacities.

Apron Feeders are preferred for several reasons, including:

• Apron Feeders can handle extremely small and extremely large capacities beyond the capacity of other types of feeders.
• Apron Feeders can withstand extreme impact loading beyond the capability of other types of feeders.
• Apron Feeders provide the most accurate feed rate of all the feeders.
• Apron Feeders can meter many types of wet or dry materials, such as mineral, aggregate and recycle, in a variety of sizes and shapes.
• Apron Feeders have the longest service life with the lowest maintenance of all the types of feeders.

Although Apron Feeders can accept the direct load of material, they often receive the dumped loads via a hopper. They can operate horizontally or at an incline to save space and/or lessen the height requirements of the hopper.

The Apron Feeder is the most robust feeder in the mining industry under 24/7 operation, with years between maintenance periods.