Purchase or hire crushing jaws? Find out which solution really pays off for your business

If you are planning demolition work or regularly crush concrete on your construction sites, sooner or later the question arises: buying or hiring crushing jaws? The cost differences can be significant, but the decision is not always as obvious as it might seem. In this article, you'll go through the key arguments, viable cost-effectiveness thresholds and practical tips for deciding which is more worthwhile for your business - especially at a time when regulations and the pace of construction work are changing faster than ever.

Buying crushing jaws - an investment that starts to pay off faster than you think

When you decide to buy crushing jaws, you start to operate in full control mode over the equipment that works on your construction sites every day or almost every day. In practice, this means that the equipment is always on hand, without the need to match appointments with the rental company's calendar or worry that 'everything is already rented'. Many companies that carry out repetitive demolition work find that after just a few months of constant use, the equipment really starts to earn its keep. This is particularly noticeable when you are working on several sites at the same time, or are working on contracts that require a quick response and cannot afford downtime due to a lack of available equipment. Having your own jaws simply gives you operational peace of mind, which is difficult to convert into money, but very easy to see in the fluidity of order fulfilment.

It's also worth noting that the cost of the purchase can be spread out through leasing - and in a way that doesn't overburden your budget, while still allowing you to factor each instalment into the cost of doing business. Many entrepreneurs point out that this makes the machine cheaper in practice than renting, when you contrast the monthly leasing instalment with the amount you would have to spend regularly on rentals. On top of this, there are no hidden costs that so often arise with renting - such as extra charges, transport or downtime due to lack of availability. Owning your own equipment means simpler planning, less bureaucracy and the ability to realistically adapt the parameters of the jaws to your excavator, the oil flow or the type of work typically carried out. It's an investment that can pay for itself quicker than you initially assume, especially if you operate the equipment regularly rather than just occasionally.

Renting or buying? Find out which solution will really cut your construction costs

Many contractors wonder whether renting is actually cheaper than buying, but when you look at it from the perspective of the actual number of days the equipment is in operation, the calculation often starts to look different than you initially assume. On regular projects, even if they are not daily contracts, rental totals can exceed 30-40% of the value of the equipment used on an annual basis, which realistically indicates the point at which you start paying extra just for the fact that the equipment is not yours. It's a situation that repeats itself cyclically in many companies: a few larger jobs, on top of that smaller demolition work, and suddenly you find that the amount spent on rental already resembles the cost of purchase, but without any long-term value. This scenario is particularly evident in companies that work with concrete crushing more than a few times a year, because then the rental ceases to be a flexible service and starts to be something like a fixed monthly fee.

Buying, on the other hand, allows you to look at your project budget in a different way. You gain the ability to fine-tune the jaws to the hydraulic parameters of the excavator, which makes a huge difference to productivity and has a real impact on reducing working time on site. This is another element that reduces operating costs - shorter time means less fuel consumption, fewer operator hours and a quicker closure of the work phase. Having your own equipment also gives you an advantage in the context of the new legislation on construction waste segregation, because with jaws you can prepare aggregate directly on site and avoid additional disposal costs. As a result, it's not only a convenience, but also a real saving due to fewer subcontractors and greater independence. And all of this makes purchasing start to become a solution that not only pays for itself, but also makes your offering more competitive.

When does hiring start to overpay and your own crushing jaws work against your profit?

At some point, hiring attachments ceases to be a flexible service and starts to be a fixed cost that is difficult to rationally justify. This is especially the case when orders start to come in on a regular basis and you are increasingly booking equipment for several days or weeks. In such situations, entrepreneurs often find that the profitability of renting ends when the equipment is running for more than 22-26 days a month - a threshold confirmed by many studies. Once you exceed it, each additional rental day is money 'given back' to the landlord in exchange for equipment that you use as your own anyway. If your work is repetitive and the need for concrete or reinforced concrete crushing is due to the nature of your industry, renting quickly reveals its limitations - not only financially, but also logistically. And this means that choosing to own equipment becomes more cost-effective, regardless of whether you buy a new or used model.

A second important factor is the growing market demands for recycling and waste separation. From 2025 onwards, fractional separation obligations will be enforced even more strictly, and this means that having quick access to your own crushing jaws can make it realistically easier for you to meet these requirements already on site. In practice, this means fewer transports, lower disposal costs and the ability to reuse aggregate. Combined with the fact that wear parts, such as jaw plates and wear-resistant steel components, are available at favourable prices, operating your own equipment ceases to be a financial burden and becomes a permanent fixture that adds value to your business. In this way, the equipment works to your profit not only during the crushing itself, but also by reducing the costs of the entire demolition and construction logistics.

How do you choose crushing jaws to keep them working for years? A practical guide for companies that rely on buying

Choosing the right demolition shears and demolition jaws for excavators has a huge impact on their lifespan and the cost-effectiveness of the purchase, so it is worth approaching the process with great awareness. It is crucial to match the technical parameters to the weight and performance of your excavator, as mismatched jaws will work less efficiently and, in extreme cases, can put strain on the equipment's hydraulic system. It's also worth noting the differences between rotary and non-rotary models - the former are great for hard-to-reach areas and more precise work, while non-rotary jaws are cheaper and usually easier to service. If you're concerned about the longevity of your equipment, it's also a good idea to check the availability of spare parts made from high-quality manganese steel and how often a particular model requires jaw plates to be replaced.

The second consideration is service and operation. Even the best equipment requires regular inspection, so it is worth choosing models for which replacement parts are available on the Polish market and not just in foreign distribution. This will avoid long downtimes and allow you to respond to wear and tear more quickly and cheaply. Remember that well-maintained crusher jaws can work for a really long time - especially if you use lubrication according to the manufacturer's recommendations, monitor the hydraulic oil level and react to the first signs of wear. If you look after your equipment systematically, its service life can increase by up to several tens of per cent, which translates directly into value for money. And this means that by choosing the right model, you are actually planning not a few months, but many years of stable and predictable operation.

If, after analysing all the arguments, you see that your own crushing jaws are a real saving of time, money and nerves, it is worth betting on equipment from a proven supplier. At Techna Poland, you'll find models to suit different classes of excavator, proven in design and available off-the-shelf without long waits. This is the place to choose attachments for excavators that are durable, easy to service and ready to work in demanding construction conditions. This way, you are not only investing in equipment, but more importantly in the smooth execution of your projects and full operational independence. If you want to work faster, more stably and more cost-effectively - starting your shopping right there would be the best step.

FAQ

Does it pay more to buy crushing jaws than to rent?

Yes, if the equipment will be used regularly for at least several months. In such a scenario, the total cost of purchase is usually much lower than long-term rental.

When is it better to opt for renting crushing jaws?

Renting makes sense for short projects lasting up to a few weeks. It's also a good option when you want to test different models before buying.

Do the cutting shears need regular maintenance?

Yes, minor maintenance and replacement of working parts are necessary to keep the equipment running efficiently. However, maintenance costs are relatively low compared to long-term rental costs.

How much does it cost to purchase cutting shears for an excavator?

Prices depend on the tonnage of the machine and the model, but are most often in the range of a dozen to tens of thousands of dollars. You can find specific models with up-to-date pricing on the Techna Poland website.

How quickly does the investment in my own crushing jaws pay off?

With regular use, payback can occur in as little as 12-18 months. This is much faster than assumed by most companies that previously used only rental.

Does having your own attachments help speed up the execution of orders?

Yes, because you have full control over the schedule and do not have to adjust to the availability of the rental company. As a result, you avoid downtime and can react more quickly to changes in the project.

Are there any additional formalities involved in purchasing the equipment?

Apart from the standard invoice and possible equipment insurance, there are no additional obligations. Techna Poland also assists in matching the right model and installation.

Where is the best place to buy concrete crushing jaws and cutting & crushing shears?

It is safest to choose reliable suppliers offering branded, certified equipment. At Techna Poland you will find both new equipment and expert advice before you buy.