Equipment Spotlight | NOV 2021 Crushed Car Haulers

by MARY M. THORNTON

In the U.S. alone, approximately 12 to 15 million vehicles reach the end of their use annually. In the early process of recycling autos, they are typically crushed.

This aids in travel efficiency, as they typically must be moved to another location for further processing. Upon process completion, auto recycling keeps 11 million tons of steel and 800,000 nonferrous metals out of landfills. There are a few different crushed auto hauling vehicles that are useful in the recycling process and Benlee is just one of the companies that manufacture them.

“For the global, continually evolving auto recycling market, Benlee offers a full line of crushed car trailers to meet any requirement. Ranging from 48’ to 53’ in an 8”, 16”, double drop or even flat deck configuration, with either a ‘sliding tarp’ enclosure system or a gate system, we can supply a unit that provides a cost effective and reliable solution for moving crushed cars,” Greg Brown, owner said. In fact, Benlee has the U.S. Patent on the ‘sliding tarp’ system that is used in the market. Standard features include a fluid containment system In addition to reinforced side walls for increased reliability. Available options include air ride as well as an auto inflate system, lift axles, aluminum wheels and more.

“For almost 50 years, Benlee has been one of the top names in the industry and manufactures the best roll off, crushed car, open top gondola trailers, logger trucks and roll off trucks,” Brown stated. “Our 12 acre facility sits in the heart of manufacturing America in Romulus, Michigan, near Detroit. Quality and support are a hallmark at Benlee, with five service bays, two frame straightening bays and a spare parts operation. Our in-house manufacturing brings together a highly experienced crew of experts that design, service, sell and support the best roll off dump trailers and trucks, as well as crushed car units and other specialty vehicles. At our website, you may also view our online parts operation for rollers, sheaves, tie downs and more,” he added.

Chuck Oppedal, semi-trailer sales manager, said “A Demco gondola scrap trailer provides strength, flexibility, and reliability unmatched by the competition for the most demanding jobs – including the transport of crushed cars. Our gondola scrap trailers are made from tough, Hardox steel or mild steel for less rigorous needs. Available in 3’ to 8’ heights and lengths of 40’ to 53’ to match the needs of every job, no matter how unique. The plate steel floors are available in 3/16” Hardox 450 or A656 Grade 80 and 1/8” Hardox 450 or 11 ga. mild steel walls. These trailers can take whatever the job demands and then some, and their reliability means you can use them continuously without fear of breakdown or replacement.”

Featuring 22.5k tandem axles with one axle ABS brake, as well as 3-leaf, heavy duty suspension, a Demco scrap trailer is in full compliance with all laws and DOT regulations, even featuring conspicuity tape and rubber mounted lights. Demco gondola scrap trailers also feature a sealed wiring system, color coded break lines, two-speed landing gear, and a beautiful Diamond Vogel polyurethane primer and paint exterior, all phosphate washed and caulked prior to paint, helping each trailer to work and look great for years.

If a standard scrap trailer leaves you wanting more, Demco still has you covered. Options include ABS brakes on the second axle, I.L.O. standard lights, a load binder or vented tail gate, as well as spring and air ride configurations. Also, gondola scrap trailers can be customized with 25k tandem axles – up from 22.5k axles, enabling a hefty 80,000 lb. GVWR – in addition to 8.62” brakes and Load Range H tires, which makes even the most overwhelming loads possible. Additional customization options include a toolbox, spare tire carrier and aluminum rims.

Oppedal added, “A Demco scrap trailer delivers dependability and flexibility for any job, from local use to general utility, medium range, and even extended highway needs. Because of the varying size of various scrap metals, a gondola trailer reduces the number of hauling events required, which can help make a job more profitable via fewer resources and time used. While most use these trailers to transport scrap metal for recycling or disposal, they’re also great for transporting materials during construction jobs and even moving the odd boulder or two. With a Demco gondola scrap trailer, there’s no limit to the amount of material you can transport, and our rigid construction and long-lasting paint and trim means many years of faithful service.”

Repurposed Trailers builds five types of crushed car haulers, including the open side enclosure, retractable flip side gate and the clam shell flip side wire mesh enclosure gate products. With both products, the trailer easily rises upward for safe loading and unloading of cargo and can include either option for operation: a fully automatic, PTO hydraulic or an electric system retractable flip side wire mesh gate. When the gate enclosure is not flipped to the open position, the gate rests flush against the full open side of the trailer. “We offer a choice of either a straight floor or single drop configuration. We also offer tri axle, spread or closed tandem suspension options. Sometimes, federal regulations can be a challenge, relative to transporting recyclable materials. Our custom repurposed, double drop crushed car carriers are built to suit the unique requirements of each customer. All of our carriers meet D.O.T. requirements while safely moving crushed cars as needed. We also manufacture scrap hauling trailers,” stated Jimi Racanelli, owner.

Published in the November 2021 Edition of American Recycler News