Jaw crushers are compression crushers that are typically used as primary crushers on the worksite. This type of crusher utilizes a fixed and moving jaw, trapping material in between and reducing them to a size that is small enough that it can be moved on conveyors to the next crushing stage. Jaw crushers come in both single toggle or double toggle types, which can be differentiated from each other by having either one or two shafts. Metso produces only single toggle jaw crushers, allowing for greater capacity.

Gyratory crushers are also categorized as a compression crusher and are most often used in the primary stage of crushing. Equipped with an oscillating staff, an external bowl liner, and an internal mantle, as well as a hydraulic setting adjustment system, the graduation of the crushed material can be easily regulated in this type of crusher.

Cone crushers are also compression crushers, and they are commonly used for the secondary, tertiary, or quaternary crushing stages or, in cases where the material is naturally small enough, in the first stage. They work similarly to gyratory crushers, the main difference being that the cone crusher has a higher rotating speed and larger swinging angle.

Impact crushers utilize the impact principle. They are versatile and can be used in any stage of the crushing process. Available in two subtypes: horizontal shaft impact (HSI) crushers and vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers, there are many available with varying features, capacities, and optimal applications.