Abstract: A gyratory crusher has two crushing shells (4, 5) defining between them a crushing gap (6). In operation, the crushing gap is adjusted as a function of the determined crushing-shell wear calculated on the basis of reference data on the established rate of wear of the crushing shells (4, 5) in previous crushing operations involving the same or a similar raw material. To adjust the particle size distribution of the crushed goods and obtain the desired particle size distribution curve, the crusher is operated with brief periods of alternatingly different settings of the width of the crushing gap (6) and/or with alternating crushing power or crushing force.