Why Care About Your Crusher's Feed Cone Assembly?

Ever wonder which component takes the first hit before your mantle even touches the rock? Most people point to the mantle and bowl liner—after all, those are the parts that actually do the crushing. But look up. Sitting quietly at the very top of the crusher is a small yet vital component: the feed cone assembly. Without it, even the best crusher would struggle to perform efficiently.

What Is a Feed Cone Assembly?
The feed cone assembly, also known as the feed plate or distribution cone, is installed on the locking bolt at the very top of a cone crusher’s crushing chamber. There is typically one feed cone per machine, and it sits directly above the mantle and bowl liner, making it the first component that incoming material touches. Its funnel‑like shape is designed to receive falling rock, ore, or aggregate and guide it smoothly toward the center of the crushing chamber, from where the material spreads out evenly before reaching the crushing surfaces.

Key Components of a Feed Cone Assembly

• Lock nut: Secures the entire assembly to the top of the crusher, preventing loosening under vibration.
• Feed cone: Manufactured from MN13Cr2 high manganese steel, it distributes incoming material evenly across the crushing chamber, controls feed speed to match crusher load, and reduces direct impact on the mantle and bowl liner for balanced wear and efficient crushing.
• Hex bolt: Fastens the feed cone firmly to the mounting base for stable operation.
• Spring washer: Maintains bolt tension and absorbs shock to avoid loosening during crushing.
• Sealant: Seals the mating surfaces to prevent dust, fines, and moisture from entering the joint.

What are the Parts Included in the Feed Cone Assembly?
Eg: HP400 ONA-N90058315

Why Is It So Important? 
The feed cone assembly performs three critical functions that directly improve crusher performance and lower operating costs: 

1. It spreads feed evenly across the crushing chamber, balancing forces, improving product consistency, and preventing uneven liner wear.
2. It controls feed rate to match crusher load, avoiding clogging or starvation.
3. It absorbs impact energy from falling rocks, protecting the mantle, head, and torch ring from direct strikes and extending their service life.

The Feed Cone – The Heart of Your Feed Cone Assembly
Without the feed cone, the entire feed cone assembly loses its purpose. It is the key component that evenly distributes incoming material into the crushing chamber, protecting the mantle and bowl liner from uneven wear and impact damage.
The following is a list of feed cones suitable for Metso, Sandvik, Symons, Nordberg, and Barmac crushers: 

Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Feed Cone 
Many operators inspect the mantle and bowl liner regularly, but ignore the feed cone until it is worn out. A damaged feed cone leads to uneven feed, accelerating liner wear, reducing product consistency, and risking damage to the head and top shell. Replacing a feed cone is quick, easy, and far cheaper than replacing liners prematurely or repairing the crusher frame. Regular inspection pays big dividends. For quality feed cones and other crusher parts, contact ONA.