EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | APRIL 2024 Crushers/Loggers

by MARY M. THORNTON

Scrap automobiles are the most plentiful recycled consumer item in the world and the car recycling market is projected to reach over $102 million by 2030. There are a number of machines available to help those who are in the business of processing vehicles and car loggers and crushers are among them. Some manufacturers of this equipment describe their products below.

Iron Ax/Recycling Equipment Sales, Inc.

John Kitchens, president of Iron Ax, described his firm’s product as “a 20’ and a 16’ baler equipped with or without a crane. Our normal build is a 20 foot with no crane. Our balers feature a Cummins engine, and the baler we currently manufacture features an automatic cycle and remote control. The latter is rechargeable, and it has a longer range than previous models offered.”

Kitchens also mentioned how the baler system allows the remote control to communicate with the engine via a CAN network. The future evolution of this control system will feature optional systems such as remote diagnostics and GPS tracking. On board diagnostics via a control panel display will also be offered, which in turn will make setting hydraulic pressure easier than ever before. The ability to adjust the pressure allows an operator to make either a loose or a tight bale with the Iron Pack Baler.

“We know what processors are looking for when it comes to a baler. We have roots in scrap metal recycling, and we use the products in our scrap operation every day. Our customer service sets us apart from other manufacturers. Many of our service employees have been with us over 25 years. They not only know the machines, they get to know customers and the operators, too. We are available on the weekends as well. We realize that issues sometimes appear at an inconvenient time, so we’re available almost 24/7 to help our customers resume their operations.

“Our Iron Pack Baler is a high-speed product. Average baling time is approximately one minute and our customers see an increase in tons processed after adding this machine to their operation. Setup time is minimal with all of our balers. Upon arrival at the jobsite, you will be ready to operate in just minutes,” Kitchens added.

He cited that baler sales continue to increase as yard owners realize the need for them, and how “with a car crusher you are limited to crushing cars. With a baler you can process cars, white goods, loose iron and more. A baler is a versatile machine that can help process various streams of scrap. A lot of customers have discovered how they can purchase more and/or different types of material than they could prior to running a baler, which allows them to process the materials with ease.” 

According to Steve Besch, sales manager, “The OverBuilt Model 10 Car Crusher boasts the largest lid opening at 10’. This allows for six or seven processed cars in a single stack and more tonnage on a transport vehicle truck. When market conditions dip, stacking scrapped autos for containment and/or transport can be advantageous. This option allows an operation more versatility in managing inventory.” Besch also claims the Overbuilt’s high speed oil bypass system cuts processing cycle time in half via a 25 second cycle for the first car. A 20’3” charge box is Overbuilt’s standard machine but their 22’ and 24’ models are more popular for processing larger scrap cars, trucks and equipment. “With several options available, we can custom build a crusher specific to the needs of each customer. Whether providing assistance to customers when they’re on the road or at their operation, we help customers maximize production while minimizing the time spent to achieve it all. 

OVB Holdings LLC

“The Model 20 OverBuilt baler logger is one of the bigger, beefier models of its kind in the industry. Cab heat and AC aid the comfort of the machine operator and with a crane reaching 26.5’ with 5,000 pounds of lifting power at 25’, this is a product that will be the clear money maker in your yard. It provides 225 tons of baling pressure per door and 175 tons of logging pressure on a twin ram system. Ideal for processing cars, trucks, loose scrap and tin, this baler does it all,” said Besch. Electric models for the car crusher and baler logger are available.

The RM Johnson portable E-Z Log Baler “is ready to operate after a fluid level check and the grapple crane can be moved up to 400°, reach out 23’ and lift 2,000 lbs. It produces a bale in a fast, neat process. By selecting the metal type and volume of each bundle, a user can produce log bales to fit the requirement of the desired market and the E-Z Log Baler can operate from the control platform. The unit can be moved to the same location as the scrap that must be processed. We offer three other logger models as well,” stated Dave Van Vleet, sales manager. He continued, “Even expensive machines are worthless if the final product can’t be shredded. Our innovative hydraulic compression sequence solves this problem. Once loose scrap is loaded onto the baling chamber, the E-Z Log, as opposed to mere compressing, produces a log that will stay together even when dropped. Yet the rolled logs remain loose and low density enough for a 1,500 hp shredder to easily process them.”

The RM Johnson Co.

Van Vleet noted the simple but unique design of the machine, with easily accessible components, which aids trouble-free operation and servicing. “Fewer moving parts and smaller hydraulic cylinders produce a better bundle at a lower processing cost than other loggers. All of the hydraulic cylinders are manufactured with high-grade, seamless, polished steel at our factory. All E-Z Log Balers also use standard parts and components. Operating instructions are provided by our trained specialists and baler options include stationary or portable; diesel, gas or electric engines. Custom designs and specifications are also available,” he said.