Metso Insights Blog Aggregates blog Where it all began: How the first Lokotrack came to life 40 years ago
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Jan 16, 2025

Where it all began: How the first Lokotrack came to life 40 years ago

Innovation often begins with a spark of inspiration, but it takes bold ideas and determined individuals to turn that spark into something revolutionary. The Lokotrack origin story is no different - a tale of vision, hard work, and commitment to listening to the customers. Together, these elements changed the mobile crushing industry forever.
The first Lokotrack models in 1986.
The first Lokotrack models in 1986.

It all started when a customer voiced a problem

The story begins with two Finnish contractors, Mauno Vuorsola and Olavi Puputti, who had an idea that could simplify and transform their operations. They needed to move their equipment from site to site and wanted to do it easily, so they came up with an idea to create a crawler-mounted cone crusher for a two-stage crushing and screening plant.

In 1985, they pitched their idea to Metso, then called Lokomo, where they found like-minded innovators who saw potential in their idea. At the time, wheel-based crushers were already in Lokomo’s offering.

The first Lokotrack: From concept to reality

In May 1985, Vuorsola and Puputti sat down with Lokomo’s sales team, and the plans for a track-mounted crusher started to take shape. While the design was still in its infancy, the sales team presented an offer for consideration. To everyone’s surprise, the very next morning, they received the message: “It’s sold!”

With the wheels, or rather, tracks, in motion, the first Lokotrack was delivered in record time - just four and a half months after the deal was made. On December 31, 1985, the groundbreaking equipment was handed over to its first customer, proving that fast prototyping and visionary thinking could go hand in hand.

Like all groundbreaking innovations, the Lokotrack faced its share of skepticism. Some believed only three units would be produced before the concept faded. But the market had other plans. The very next year, 1986, Lokomo had 28 orders from Norway, Finland, and Sweden, and six models in the portfolio. By 1988, the 100th Lokotrack had rolled off the production line in Tampere, Finland, and was shipped to Newfoundland, Canada. The innovation was catching on, not just in Scandinavia, but globally.

Contractors Mauno Vuorsola ja Olavi Puputti with Reijo Santanen (in the middle).
Contractors Mauno Vuorsola ja Olavi Puputti with Reijo Santanen (in the middle).

When innovation knows no borders

In 1991, the 200th Lokotrack, type LT125, was completed and shipped to Germany, with Lokotrack units now operating in over 20 countries. To support the global growth, the Lokotrack fleet was showcased in major international tradeshows, like CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas, Steinexpo in Germany and Hillhead in United Kingdom.

The 1990s brought even greater milestones. In 1996, the 500th Lokotrack was celebrated, with the jubilee unit delivered to Finland. By then, the Lokotrack portfolio had expanded to 29 models, including options for primary crushing, intermediate and fine crushing, and recycling.

The decade also saw the introduction of crusher automation, starting with PLC control units in 1996 and evolving into the modern IC control system by the late 1990s. Industrial design became a priority, resulting in safer, more user-friendly equipment that stood out for its aesthetics and functionality.

The hundredth Lokotrack was manufactured in 1989.
The hundredth Lokotrack was manufactured in 1989.

Quality at the core

Quality has always been at the heart of Lokotrack’s success, ensuring that every piece of equipment meets and exceeds customer expectations. The dedicated Lokotrack factory in Tampere, Finland has played a crucial role in maintaining these high standards, with continuous improvements in manufacturing techniques and optimized production lines. Major advancements were implemented in 1996 and 2008, reflecting an ongoing commitment to excellence.

The factory team has consistently prioritized fast delivery times without compromising on quality, a balance that has set Lokotrack apart in the industry.

Driving change with Lokotrack EC Range and new facility

As the market evolves, Metso innovates to stay ahead of trends and customer expectations. The new EC range, launched last year, showcases the brand’s legacy of quality and innovation. The latest Lokotrack units feature a new diesel-electric power line, enhanced design and lighting, and layout improvements for easier, safer use and maintenance. Equipped with cutting-edge crushing technology and digital tools, they ensure high-quality products on time and at the right price.

The future of Lokotrack is shaped by the Lokomotion project, relocating to modern facilities in Lahdesjärvi, Tampere, continuing the Lokomo legacy.

Do you know Lokomo?

Metso's industrial journey began in 1915 under the name Lokomo, originally focusing on producing locomotives. The company quickly expanded its portfolio to include steam engines, machinery for peat extraction, and even cast church bells. In its early years, Lokomo produced its first crushers, that were delivered to produce road building aggregates.

Surviving the 1920s recession, Lokomo continued to improve its production capabilities. After World War II, the factory was busy with Finland's war reparations to the Soviet Union. In 1950, the Teräskita (Iron Jaw) rotary crusher gained popularity in the U.S. and Europe. By the 1960s and 1970s, Lokomo advanced its crushing and sorting plants, introducing innovative products like the C-series jaw crusher in 1976, which revolutionized jaw crusher technology.

The name "Lokotrack" is a fitting combination of two elements: “Loko,” a nod to Lokomo, and “track,” highlighting its track-mounted design. The name, coined by Metso’s Pentti Pietilä, has become synonymous with all track-mounted crushing equipment, regardless of the manufacturer.

One of the world’s first mobile crushing plants was built at the Lokomo works in 1921. It already included a jaw crusher, conveyor and a screen on wheels.
One of the world’s first mobile crushing plants was built at the Lokomo works in 1921. It already included a jaw crusher, conveyor and a screen on wheels.
Lokotrack EC range
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