Manufacturer List
Al-jon by C&C Mfg Imabe Iron Ax OverBuilt The RM Johnson Co. Sierra International |
Although a Reuters report notes that the average age of a vehicle in the United States hit a record in 2020 of 12.1 years, the U.S. still junks approximately 12 to 15 million cars annually. They are the most plentiful recycled consumer item in the world, which results in over 14 million tons of recovered steel. For those in the industry who are in the business of that recovery work, there are a number of machines available to help. 
The Imabe CH-5000-HD baler for vehicles and scrap in general, “is carefully designed and meticulously constructed, and has passed ISO 9001 quality requirements and limit performance tests prior to sale. This practice ensures that our products include sound technology and proven performance,” explained Cesar Benitez, chief operating officer.
The CH-5000-HD model’s main body houses the chamber or feeding and precompacting area. The level of over-sizing of baler components is 1:3. Moving parts of the machine include precompression side caps and compaction rams. Feeding and compression tasks are performed simultaneously but independently. The chamber that encloses these functions is a base of two longitudinal side walls articulated by robust hinges and two hydraulic cylinders at each side. Two mobile rams inside the machine compress vehicles longitudinally. All baler elements in contact with material processed are protected by Hardox 45 wear plates, which allow the machine structure to remain intact. As the machine rams advance, material volume is compacted after already being reduced by the side lids of the machine. This process of forward and backward movement is powered by hydraulic cylinders. The pusher rams are also lined on all external faces with Hardox wear plates to avoid wear due to contact with the material being baled. This static model is super-reinforced and so can process packing material (such as corrugated steel bars) with a hardness of 56kg. This allows the machine side cylinders to be protected throughout operation so that rod components are never damaged. The entire machine cycle is very rapid because movement is reduced in both the advance and retreat functions.
According to John Kitchens, president of Iron Ax, “We offer a 20’ and a 16’ baler. 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 noted 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.”
The RM Johnson portable E-Z Log Baler produces a bale in a fast, neat process. “It is ready to operate, after a fluid level check and a user 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 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 h.p. shredder to easily process them.”
\Van Vleet touted 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.
Published in the March 2023 Edition of American Recycler News
