EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | JULY 2024

by MARY M. THORNTON

According to a report from ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global vehicle recycling market size reached $82.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $243.3 billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 12.77 percent during 2023-2032. Just over 10 companies are the largest passenger as well as commercial vehicle recyclers involved in the arduous task of processing retired vehicles.

The tools needed for recycling vehicles are varied and the following provides some examples of those products.

Allied-Gator, Inc.

“Since being introduced in 1999, the cutting-edge design of the Allied-Gator MT Series Multi-Tool has been widely recognized as the quickest cutting product ever developed. With the speed and accuracy of the MT, many automotive recyclers find it is a very effective tool for surgically dismantling vehicles of all sizes. The ability of the MT to quickly remove and source separate engines, main wiring harnesses, larger frame components and catalytic converters from vehicles prior to shredding, increases user profits,” remarked Mike Ramun, president. Offered in 11 models ranging from 800 to 52,000 lbs., Ramun noted how the MT incorporates proprietary features within numerous patented innovations that work together, placing it above all other options available. The patented Power-Link and Guide™ System achieves maximum force generation by linking the tool’s cylinder to a pair of levers. “This results in continual power-gain throughout jaw closure, delivering unmatched jaw speed and tool force capability. Thanks to the MT’s patented Quick-Change™ Jaw Set technology, operators can easily switch from shearing metal to breaking cast materials in less than 15 minutes,” Ramun said.

In a shear configuration, the MT Shear Jaw Set delivers quick and efficient processing of heavy structural steel and nearly all other types of scrap metal. The MT Shear Jaw Set employs patented serrated gator blades, which drastically outperform traditional shear blades in every aspect. Ramun continued, “Unlike traditional shear blades, the unique blade technology of the MT enables recyclers to profitably process all types of cable, wire and rebar on a full-time basis. In almost all cutting applications, serrated gator blades last at least twice as long other tool types, yielding much higher profit per processed ton for MT users, while simultaneously cutting blade maintenance time in half.”

In a cracker/Allied-G crusher configuration, the MT Cracker/Crusher Jaw Set, while adept in pro- cessing reinforced concrete relative to demolition applica-
tions, is also commonly used by scrap recyclers for processing heavy cast materials. “For over two decades the Allied-Gator MT has been the only processing attachment in the world that is both powerful enough and built tough enough to withstand full time utilization in harsh cast breaking operations.

Recycling Equipment Sales, Inc./Iron Ax

“Since 1973, Allied-Gator has pioneered countless mobile shearing technologies that serve the recycling and demolition industries, offering the broadest range of the fastest, most powerful, and most versatile processing attachment design on the market,” concluded Ramun. The full line of MT Series Multi-Tools can accommodate any size carrier from skid steers and mini excavators to mass excavators for use in all types of structural and heavy melt steel, steel cable, wire and coils as well as concrete and cast processing.

Iron Ax produces a full line of scrap processing equipment and attachments, including shears and grapples, which are commonly used in auto recycling applications. All shears, available in a variety of sizes, feature replaceable wear parts, a removable tip, and 360º continuous rotation. The smallest Iron Ax shear provides 600 tons of cutting force and the largest shear, 1,000 tons of cutting force.

Iron Ax grapples, also available in a variety of sizes, can be ordered as either rotating or non-rotating. All rotating grapples feature 360º continuous rotation. The firm’s standard four-tine grapple with wings offers an ample grapple enclosure aspect, which is helpful when handling smaller pieces of scrap. Opposing tine contractor’s grapples are also manufactured by Iron Ax. Offered in 2×3’ and 3×4’ configurations, custom grapples for specific applications can also be designed and manufactured by the company. For example, custom products have ranged from a grapple designed for the placement of railroad spur and track repair while another grapple design was needed for use in the Gulf coast for retrieving steel pipe from the seabed. “We use heavy duty rotation rings and motors on all of our grapples. All of our grapples are made from domestic T1 plate, are extremely heavy duty and built to last. Also, we build all of the fluid couplings in our grapples, so we can ensure that even those components are of the highest quality,” noted John Kitchens, president.

Okada America

Okada’s OS Series Scrap Shear line “Follows on from Okada’s renowned reliability in the hydraulic hammer market,” commented Neil Maus, marketing manager. Okada shears are versatile as they can cut ferrous and nonferrous scrap, concrete, pipe, solid round I-beams and plate materials. Maus explained that the OS 140R shear works well with mini excavator or large skid steer use in the 13 to 20 ton class carrier weight. This provides flexibility for operating in difficult to navigate areas, particularly regarding indoor demolition applications. The machine also features an electrical over hydraulic rotation circuit, utilizing a (lighter plug) 24 voltage system. This capability reduces the costly addition of a second hydraulic valve to actuate the rotation feature. With a jaw opening of 10 inches/260cm, this product is suited for a variety of cutting roles, including auto recycling work. Also, Okada shear blades are made to be indexable, which increases operational life and ensures that the cutting edge is maximized. “Our commitment to warranty and service support is of the highest priority, so you can count on Okada to exceed your recycling needs,” McFarthing remarked.

Published in the July 2024 Edition of American Recycler News