The article investigates the optimization of the crushing unit of the smelter No. 4 by changing the size of the gap of the discharge slot of the jaw crusher SMD-111, and also this article discusses the dynamics of changing the size of the gap of the discharge slot of the jaw crusher. The article is devoted to the optimization of the crushing unit in the melting shop No. 4, improving the efficiency and quality of fractionation of ferroalloys. The principle of operation, feature and design of jaw crushers have been studied. The analysis of technical characteristics of the used jaw crushers is carried out. The technological scheme of crushing of high-carbon ferrochrome of melting shop No. 4 is given. The procedure of primary crushing with a mobile hydraulic hammer and cleaning of the crushing and sorting line from the remnants of the previous batch of ferroalloys was carried out. The article analyzes the method of research of pilot tests of optimization of the crushing unit in the melting shop No. 4. Pilot tests were carried out to determine the optimal size of the discharge gap gap of the SMD-111 crusher. An assessment was made to the effect of the change in the gap of SMD-111 on the durability of crushing plates. The analysis of the results with the issuance of a recommendation was carried out and a conclusion was made based on the results of pilot tests. The technological possibility of reducing the dropout yield of high-carbon ferrochrome by changing the size of the starting material has been confirmed by conducting pilot tests.