EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | MARCH 2025 Material Handlers

The demanding environment and tasks involved with construction and demolition processes require the use of robust, durable machines. The following material handler and excavator manufacturers not only offer such equipment, they’re at the ready to provide a wealth of expertise and support to get the job done.

Bobcat offers a wide range of excavators with many compatible attachment configurations to help customers tackle their toughest jobs. The firm’s 13 compact excavators range from 1 to 8 metric tons in size – with zero, reduced and conventional tail swing. Two larger excavators include a 14-metric ton E145 with reduced tail swing and a 16-metric ton E165 with conventional tail swing.

Adam Hulm, product development specialist, commented, “Our compact excavators are adaptable and versatile machines, significantly enhancing productivity while reducing the need for separate specialized pieces of equipment. Each model boasts impressive digging power and reach, coupled with smooth and precise controls for effortless attachment versatility. Our compact excavator lineup offers several unique features that provide advantages for owners and operators. Specifically, our optimally designed engine maximizes efficiency without a DPF (diesel particulate filter); saving owners the time and money associated with long-term DPF maintenance costs. Bobcat excavators can also be equipped with top-of-the-line features to ensure operators are comfortable and effective – this translates to cost efficiency and improved productivity. Options include features such as a depth check system and optional clamp, compatible, extendable arm.”

Hulm also noted how excavator operators are typically challenged when navigating a job site – whether by government-imposed mandates and regulations or working with clients focused on sustainable site work, as required alternative energy solutions have become increasingly important. Bobcat offers two battery-electric compact excavators: The E10e and E19e. “These machines produce no emissions and so are ideal for indoor projects or working on regulated job sites. While delivering the power and versatility typical of compact excavators while minimizing environmental impact, the smaller size of electric excavators is beneficial for easy access to challenging job sites, providing a new level of flexibility across indoor and outdoor job sites. For example, these models feature a retractable undercarriage that can be adjusted to traverse tight property lines or fit through narrow openings such as doorways,” said Hulm.

Bobcat Company

As Bobcat’s compact excavator market growth increases, excavator model preferences vary, based on location, operator needs and application. The company’s three and four ton excavators have gained significant popularity due to their power and maneuverability. Offering a mix of robust digging depth, reach and lifting capacity, they’re well-suited for a wide range of construction, landscaping and utility projects. Their compact size also allows for easy transportation to and from job sites and effectiveness in confined spaces. From hydraulic breakers for demolition work to augers for drilling holes, these machines can switch between attachments easily, thanks to the Bobcat Hydraulic X-Change™ system. The system allows operators to retract and extend pins with the push of a button for fast attachment changes—making them indispensable machines across many sectors.

“More recycling operators choose Sennebogen’s purpose-built material handlers because of the durability, safety and flexibility they need for more precise, more efficient operations. Feedback we receive from operators exemplifies their appreciation of fine control over the hydraulics to perform precisely, quickly and powerfully,” explained Constantino Lannes, president.

SENNEBOGEN LLC

Sennebogen’s diesel-fueled or electric-drive machines are available from 44,000 lbs. (24,000 kg) to 750,000 lbs. (300,000 kg) with reach options from 30’ (9 m) to 130’ (40 m), including Balance Cranes and Green Hybrid models. All material handling machines may be mounted on a full range of platforms, including rubber tired or tracked undercarriages, pedestal and stationary mounts, locomotives and gantries.

As well as moving more scrap, clients find that Sennebogen material handlers reduce yard costs as well – no machine downtime and lower fuel costs too – due to smooth, precise handling and fast cycle times. Innovations in fuel and power savings, long-life engineering and low-cost, off-the-shelf service parts cut operation costs and downtime, while meeting rigorous environmental standards. Modular engineering and manufacturing allow Sennebogen to produce custom boom and stick configurations, undercarriages and mounts and diesel and/or electric power to meet a variety of applications. Other features include compact swing radius, complete guarding packages, sliding door entries, dual safety cameras and demolition-duty safety cabs with windshield guard and bullet-proof glass.

For teardown projects, Sennebogen material handlers offer boom configurations up to 182-ft. vertical reach. The elevating cab and 30-degree tilt provide a safe, efficient, optimal view. Interchangeable attachments allow operators to adapt quickly to different tasks. The compact size and footprint ensure stability and maneuverability on challenging urban jobsites.

The company’s compact, transportable machines simplify equipment logistics and planning, saving time and money. As a leader in specialized equipment solutions for recycling and scrap metal yards, demolition, transfer stations and waste facilities, Sennebogen has provided customer specific mechanical engineering services since 1952.

Volvo Construction Equipment

Volvo Construction Equipment offers a large range of excavators, including standard crawler and wheeled excavators and models built specifically for demolition and material handling. Volvo CE recently unveiled a new series of excavators that represented the most significant update to its excavator lineup in 20 years. New models continue to be added to the series, including high-reach and straight boom demolition excavators. “The Volvo EW200 and EW240 models particularly, are purpose-built for waste and recycling applications. The EW200E is especially well-suited for handling lighter weight materials.” John Waldron, product manager, stated. It weighs 22.6 tons and is powered by a Volvo D6J 6-liter Tier 4 final engine that provides 173 horsepower. This model offers three boom and arm configurations and the straight boom can be fitted with either a 13’ gooseneck arm or an 11’6” sorting arm, providing a max reach of 33 feet and a max lifting capacity of 25,600 lbs.

The 26 ton EW240E model is designed for medium-duty applications. It includes a 23’9” straight boom and when combined with the existing 16’5” gooseneck arm, the total reach is over 39. A powerful Volvo D6J engine provides 173 horsepower. Both machines support ActiveCare Direct, the Volvo advanced telematics service. They also are backed by the Volvo Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty, which covers the frame, boom and arm for the entirety of the initial ownership period.

Published in the March 2025 Edition of American Recycler News