Material handlers for scrap recycling

Sometimes referred to as a "mobile crane" and sometimes as a "scrap handler," this category of heavy equipment has the speed, agility, quick cycle times, operator safety and comfort features to make a real difference for recyclers at the scrapyard, at the MRF or transfer station, or for handling organics and C&D materials.

Compared to using a hydraulic excavator, which costs less up front, but which uses considerably more fuel to do a job it was not specifically designed for (the continuous moving, sorting, loading and unloading of scrap materials), these fuel-efficient, highly productive and maneuverable, purpose-built machines come with a quick ROI, and for many recyclers, have become an indispensable part of their equipment fleet. 

Following are the latest models from six of the industry's major manufacturer's of this category of equipment.

SENNEBOGEN 825 E

SENNEBOGEN's 825 E material handler is designed with high load capacity and extensive reach, an optimal view for operators, and a powerful electric drive that can reduce energy costs by up to 50 percent. As with all SENNEBOGEN material handlers, this model is engineered for ease of operation and maintenance, and is available with an optional 15 KW magnetic generator, as well as SENNEBOGEN's Maxcab (which includes an all-round bullet-proof windshield) for optimal comfort and safety.

Liebherr LH 60 M Industry Litronic

With an operating weight up to 134,500 pounds (61 tonnes) and engine output of 190 kW (255 hp), Liebherr's LH 60 M Industry Litronic is designed for heavy-duty scrap handling. These machines feature hydraulic cab elevation, which can be variably adjusted for different loading situations, mounted cameras for optimal monitoring around the machine, as well as wide non-slip steps, gangways and platforms that allow optimum access to all maintenance points and ensure easy and safe entry and exit. 

Volvo CE EW240E

Volvo CE's latest introductions are the all-new compact EW200E material handler, as well as an updated EW240E material handler with a longer boom. 

The 26-ton EW240E material handler has been updated with a 23-foot 9-inch straight boom, which is over two feet longer than the previous model; the new total reach is over 39 feet. On the latest EW machines, hydraulics are matched to the Volvo engine, allowing machines to find the "sweet spot" between speed and hydraulic efficiency. For hydraulic grapple attachments, vibration is minimized, stability increased, and the unit's grapple control and soft swing system work together for instantaneous response and smooth precision.

Doosan DX250WMH-5

The new Doosan DX250WMH-5, 189-hp, wheeled material handler is designed for a wide range of material sorting and handling applications in scrap metal and recycling, demolition and solid waste management. A hydraulic cab riser allows operators to get a better view of the attachment and work area when unloading or loading containers or trucks. Available attachments include a grapple and a magnet, and DoosanCONNECT Telematics is standard on new models, allowing for efficient remote monitoring.

Taylor Machine Works T40-MH

Taylor Machine Works' material handlers are built for reliable handling of the most demanding tasks found in scrap metal and other recycling operations. The T40-MH model is a 40-metric-ton size class machine, with boom and stick providing 51 feet of horizontal reach and 56 feet of vertical height. The T40-MH is powered by a Cummins QSB6.7 turbocharged engine that meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. Its cab is designed for operator comfort with ergonomically positioned controls. Standard features include a hydraulic cab riser with a sliding door and an easy-access platform.

Caterpillar MH 3200 series

This spring Caterpillar introduced its new MH3250 and MH3260 tracked material handlers, built to offer high efficiency in demanding applications such as scrap and C&D recycling. These next-generation models are built to provide high productivity, safe, easy, comfortable operation, and up to 20 percent overall lower owning and operating costs. These latest 3200 series machines also include full electro-hydraulic controls, based on Cat's earthmoving excavators, for improved efficiency, increased cycle times and fuel and maintenance benefits.

This article was originally published in the October 2021 edition of Recycling Product News, Volume 29, Number 7.