Following its global unveiling nearly two years ago, the MOBIREX MR 100 NEO – the first member of Kleemann’s new NEO line – is set to make its southern African debut in 2026. In an exclusive interview with Quarrying Africa, Waylon Kukard, Sales Manager at Wirtgen South Africa, who recently completed training on the new machine in Germany at the end of July 2026, confirms that the first unit is expected to arrive in the final quarter of the year.
The new compact impact crusher is available in two configurations to suit different applications. The MR 100 NEOe features Kleemann’s all-electric E-DRIVE drive concept, while the MR 100 NEO is equipped with the proven diesel-direct D-DRIVE system.
Compact dimensions – approximately 12 700 mm long (14 830 mm with the screening unit), 2 550 mm wide (up to 2 900 mm with the screening unit) and 3 200 mm high – allow the MOBIREX MR 100 NEO/NEOe to be deployed with ease on sites where space is limited.
Weighing just 29 tonnes (t), almost half the mass of Kleemann’s previous smallest impact crusher at approximately 56 t, the MOBIREX MR 100 NEO is an ideal solution for nomadic contractors who frequently move equipment between job sites.
Targeted applications
According to Kukard, the machine has been designed primarily for recycling applications, including the processing of concrete, rubble and asphalt. It is equally capable of handling soft- to medium-hard natural stone and is well suited to urban crushing, especially on confined inner-city construction sites.
“Quarry operators can also use the unit to re-crush out-of-spec material into specification, or transform non-saleable material into a marketable product, maximising the value of available resources,” says Kukard. “Despite its compact footprint, the impact crusher delivers an impressive feed capacity of up to approximately 250 tonnes per hour (tph), depending on the material type, feed size and required final product.”
While recycling remains a relatively small market in southern Africa, Kukard believes it is gaining momentum, particularly in South Africa, with strong growth potential over the next few years. The key drivers behind increased concrete and rubble recycling include rapidly diminishing landfill space, rising costs of virgin construction materials and transport, and a growing industry focus on sustainable, circular-economy practices.
Kukard also sees significant potential for the compact impact crusher in the processing of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). For this application, Wirtgen South Africa plans to pair the unit with a comparably sized scalping screen to maximise productivity and material recovery.
The use of RAP is steadily increasing in South Africa as the cost of virgin bitumen and aggregates continues to rise. By reusing the approximately 95% high-quality aggregate and 5% aged binder contained in old asphalt, contractors can significantly reduce material costs. Recycling existing road materials also cuts greenhouse gas emissions while reducing the need to quarry new aggregates and dispose of waste in increasingly scarce landfill space.
Standout features
One of the standout features of the MR 100 NEO, says Kukard, is its automatic gap adjustment system with zero-point determination. Each time the machine starts, the impact apron is lowered hydraulically onto the rotor as it rotates at low speed.
“Once contact is made, the system establishes the true zero point. The operator then simply sets the required crushing gap, and the machine delivers a consistent product size from the very first load. On larger Kleemann impact crushers this process must be initiated manually, whereas on the MR 100 NEO it is performed automatically at start-up,” explains Kukard.
The system also incorporates overload protection to safeguard the crusher against damage caused by uncrushable material, such as large pieces of steel. If such material enters the crushing chamber, a pressure plate is designed to break, allowing the rocker arm to move clear and protecting critical components including the rotor, rocker arm and crusher housing. Replacing the pressure plate can be done quickly on site and is far more cost-effective than repairing major crusher components.
Another key highlight is the new Lock & Turn Quick Access system, which allows the crusher housing to be opened quickly and without tools. The innovation recently received the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Safety Award in the Machine and System Safety category, recognising developments that make a measurable contribution to improving occupational safety.
Fitted as standard on the MR 100 NEO, the system enables the crusher housing to be opened and closed at the push of a button – but only once the rotor has come to a complete standstill. This eliminates one of the biggest safety risks associated with impact crushers: access to the crushing chamber during, or immediately after, operation.
Previously, opening the crusher housing required operators to manually loosen several bolts, many of them in awkward positions, making the process both labour-intensive and potentially hazardous. With Lock & Turn Quick Access, these manual steps are eliminated, allowing material blockages to be cleared quickly and safely while significantly reducing maintenance time.
“The Lock & Turn Quick Access system allows customers to open the crusher at the push of a button in just 30 seconds,” says Kukard. “Operators gain full access to the crushing chamber almost immediately, without any manual intervention, making routine maintenance tasks such as blow bar replacement much faster and more convenient.”
More features abound
The crusher unit is the heart of the MR 100 NEO and features a four-ledged rotor with a large impact circle, combined with automatic zero-point determination. Its optimised inlet geometry ensures smooth material intake, while the generously sized passage beneath the crusher supports efficient material flow and high throughput.
The proven C-shape rotor ledges contribute to consistently high product quality and deliver a strong impact effect over an extended service life. The crusher is also equipped with Kleemann’s Continuous Feed System (CFS), a unique feature in the compact crusher class.
To maintain an even fill level in the crushing chamber, the CFS continuously monitors rotor load and engine utilisation. Independently, it adjusts the frequency of the vibrating feeder to prevent material backlogs and optimise crusher performance. Once an overload situation has been cleared, material conveying resumes immediately. By automatically regulating material flow, the CFS reduces operator intervention and ensures optimum crusher feeding.
The MR 100 NEO is equipped with a single-deck post-screening unit measuring approximately 1 340 mm wide and 3 200 mm long, providing an effective screening area of around 4 m². Material that does not pass through the screen is returned via an oversize conveyor for further crushing. For applications requiring a cleaner final product, an optional wind sifter is available. As Kukard explains, customers effectively receive a crusher and screening plant combined in one compact machine.
Power comes from a John Deere 6090 engine delivering 268 horsepower (hp) – the first time Kleemann has incorporated this engine into one of its crushers. Three separate access points to the engine compartment simplify maintenance, while strategically positioned steps around the machine provide easier access to service areas such as the blowout plate and screen.
The MR 100 NEO is operated via Kleemann’s SPECTIVE SWITCH control system, which provides simple and intuitive machine control directly from the operating panel. A high level of automation reduces the number of manual settings required, making operation easier and more efficient.
For enhanced convenience, the optional SPECTIVE CONNECT system allows operators to monitor key functions remotely. Parameters such as crushing gap settings and belt weigher troubleshooting can be viewed from a smartphone or tablet, with production data visibility also planned for future updates. This supports less experienced operators by helping them to quickly familiarise themselves with the machine and operate it safely.
“With SPECTIVE CONNECT, operators have all relevant data – including speed, gap setting, crusher utilisation, consumption values and fill levels – available at their fingertips on a smartphone or tablet in a clear and structured format. The system also provides detailed troubleshooting support to assist with service and maintenance,” concludes Kukard.
