by MARY M. COX
Manufacturer List
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Auto loggers and balers are familiar components within the overall metal recycling market. They’re used to reduce a very large, common material found in the industry so that it can be further handled in the most economical way possible.
The MAC Magnum™ Logger from Granutech-Saturn Systems claims a continuous-rotation crane with the longest reach of any logger/baler in the industry at 27’4”. The load capacity of the logger provides 5,800 lbs. of lift at full reach, and it is capable of both automatic and semi-automatic modes. For added flexibility and ease of operation, the cab features an IQA™ control operator/interface system. Equipped with a plus size 20’, high production chamber, the MAC Magnum also offers variable density options, ranging from 30 to 80 lbs. per cubic foot, and outputs a 40” x 26” variable length log/bale. Baling pressures can be adjusted from within the cab to vary the densities of the bales and logs to suit the requirements of the buyer. “Our efficient hydraulic system enables a quick cycle time for increased production and extreme heavy duty, high capacity work cycles, in a cutting edge design unmatched by traditional balers,” said Greg Wright, business development manager. The unit also features semi and fully automatic operating modes. Built to withstand the rigors of auto logging operations, all surfaces which come in contact with material are lined with wear plates of abrasion-resistant, high-alloy steel.
Wright commented on industry developments: “To diversify operations and increase revenue streams, many yards are taking in more loose scrap and white goods in addition to cars than they ever did before, to supplement their business. A versatile machine like the MAC Magnum logger gives today’s auto scrap yards the flexibility to also handle a larger variety of materials, including light iron loose scrap, white goods recycling and nonferrous recycling.
“In January of 2018, Tier IV engines will be required on auto loggers. These engines are more expensive and complicated and manufacturers will need to be compliant. This will no doubt drive pricing up across the industry for these types of machines, which are heavy and so will likely require permits and a tri axle tractor for hauling.”
Because Iron Ax owns and operates scrap yards and has been in the scrap business for 45 years, “we know the scrap industry and what is needed to get a job done. That gives us a unique perspective that our customers seem to really appreciate,” stated John Kitchens, vice president. Iron Ax manufactures two different size balers. One has a 16’ long baling chamber, and the other has a 20’ long baling chamber. Both balers can be purchased with or without a crane. The company’s most popular baler, the IPB-20, has a 20’ long baling chamber, but no crane. The 16’ balers are more popular in international markets due to the smaller size of their automobiles but the firm’s U.S. customers prefer the larger sized baler.
Iron Pack Balers are high speed, high production balers. The baling cycle is approximately one minute long, and each baler features remote control and automatic cycle. Programmable pressure settings are also offered, so the hydraulic pressure can be increased or decreased with the touch of a button. The feature provides the operator with total control for making a loose or tight bale. General processing volumes vary but volume consistently increases for those who use an Iron Pack Baler. Kitchens said, “Our balers are used in small, single yard operations and in large yards across the world too. Set up time is minimal because units are designed to increase production and efficiency. Once a baler is in place and the outriggers have been lowered, the operator is ready to process within minutes.” He added, “I think the baler market will continue to grow. A car crusher is limited to one function only, but a b
aler can do everything a crusher can do and more. We’ve had many customers switch from a crusher to a baler and quickly find that they could grow their business because they could process a larger range of materials.”
“The first OverBuilt baler/logger was produced in early 2008. Since then, as with our high speed car crusher, we’ve responded to client wants and needs to produce a superior baler/logger – a leader in the recycling industry. With a 26.5’ crane and a lifting capacity of 5,000 lbs. at 25’ filling and with a 20’ baling chamber, it can handle the largest trucks, cars or vans a scrap yard has to offer. Setup time is 5 minutes from time of placement. The ability to change pressures with the touch of a button in the computerized IQAN system from the operator seat makes changing bale and log parameters from cars to white goods, loose scrap or aluminum, a simple task,” Steve Besch, sales manager, explained.
“Optional features include a central grease station on the operator platform for ease and safety in greasing the crane. Standard features such as a user-friendly high back chair and joy stick controls make the unit a comfort to run, even for a long day. Just turn the key and you can do the rest from the cab. Other options such as cab operated down rigger controls, an additional 180 gallon fuel cell and air compressor make this portable machine self-contained for users. Bale/log cycle time is 1.5 minutes and current production allows for the manufacturing of 12 per year with a business plan to increase that by 25 percent in 2016,” said Besch.
He noted how the recent industry demand for packing more weight into less area has dictated the need for high-pressure, high-volume machines, “The OverBuilt baler/logger provides tight bales that can be stacked in multiple types of transport containers from flat beds to gondolas and overseas cargo containers.”
According to David Van Vleet, sales manager, the portable E-Z Log Baler made by RM Johnson Co., Inc. produces a bale in a fast, neat manner. After a fluid level check, it is ready to go and an operator can move the grapple crane up to 400°, reach out 23’ and lift 2,000 lbs. 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 machine can operate from the control platform. The unit can be moved to the same location as the scrap that must be processed.
“Even expensive machines are worthless if the final product can’t be shredded. Our innovative hydraulic compression sequence solves this problem. Once the loose scrap is loaded into the baling chamber, the E-Z Log Baler ‘rolls’ the scrap. An interwoven, low density bundle of about 35 lbs. per cubic foot is the result. Rolling the material, 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,” Van Vleet stated
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He claims the simple but unique design of the machine, with easily accessible components, aids trouble-free operation and servicing. He added, “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 in our own 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.”
“Sierra was the first equipment manufacturer to introduce the car logger back in 1997 and our RB 5000 and 6000 are the proven highest production car loggers available. They’re built to last with no structural problems reported, and as with all Sierra equipment, there are no options, everything you need is included. Equipped with an air conditioned continuous rotating crane that has a reach of 26.5’ and 5000 lb. capacity makes logging cars easy. The RB 5000 and 6000 are ready to work when you are, all you have to do is lower the hydraulic stabilizers and you are ready to go,” said Jose Pereyra, sales manager.
Clients of Sierra report a 24 to 28 cars per hour logging capability and an 18 to 22 ton per hour capacity with loose #2 scrap, under most conditions. The company sells 40 car loggers per year and also manufactures shear/balers and two ram balers. All product prototypes are tested at sister company Sierra Recycling and Demolition, prior to going to market.
Pereyra said, “We serve scrap processing, recycling, and auto dismantling markets as well as nonferrous, transfer stations and RDF plants. Sierra is known as having the best service and parts departments. We understand down time and we want our customers to keep it to a minimum.”
Published in the December 2015 Edition of American Recycler News