EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | OCTOBER 2026 Fluid Removal

by MARY M. THORNTON
maryt@americanrecycler.com

The salvage auto fluid recovery market encompasses a variety of global sectors. As an example, the global transmission fluid recovery market alone is expected to exceed $19 billion by 2029, according to MarketsandMarkets. Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest growing region and the most notable market changes are due to transmission fluid developments that have improved thermal stability, better friction control and improved oxidation resistance. The following companies provide extraction products for an array of auto fluids, as fluid recovery is a very common component in optimal auto recycling practices.

Crow Environmental

Crow Environmental offers single bay systems with a scissor lift, or machines that are designed to work between lifts or with racks. Mason Smith, vice president, U.S. sales, explained, “Safety, efficiency and environmental compliance are all important factors when choosing fluid extraction equipment. Our Midi System, designed to work between lifts or racks, can service two lifts or racks. Our split system is great for a side load rack configuration. The process to remove all fluids takes about 13 to 15 minutes. We can also customize a system to meet your needs.”

All Crow systems extract fluids from a vehicle and then pumps directly into large storage tanks. This eliminates double handling the fluids or the need to pump out smaller tanks every day. Each system is designed to optimize work space accessibility for the operator, which increases overall efficiency and safety. According to Smith, regulations regarding fluid handling are always evolving and staying ahead of these regulations is very important. Crow Environmental offers complete turn-key solutions for extraction equipment, tank farms and even installation if needed. Crow systems employ UL-142 double wall storage tanks along with UL-2085 Fireguard tanks for gasoline.

Iron Ax/Recycling Equipment Sales, Inc.

Iron Ax Manufacturing has manufactured the Enviro Rack ELV Fluid Removal System for more than 20 years, with over 1,000 units placed into service throughout the U.S. “We manufacture a wide range of equipment used in scrap metal recycling and vehicle dismantling operations,” said John Kitchens, president of Iron Ax. “We originally developed the Enviro Rack for use in our own salvage operations. After refining the system and proving its effectiveness, we introduced it to the marketplace.”

Designed specifically for processing end-of-life vehicles, the Enviro Rack allows operators to recover gasoline, antifreeze, engine oil, transmission fluid and other vehicle fluids in one organized work area. The system is completely air-powered, eliminating the need for electrical pumps around potentially flammable liquids.

The Enviro Rack is a fully self-contained system with built-in secondary containment and can be operated by one or two people. Its elevated work platform provides convenient access to the underside of the vehicle while helping keep operators safer, cleaner and more productive. The system includes separate storage for usable and contaminated gasoline, allowing operators to keep pure fuel from being mixed with waste fuel. It also provides separate storage for different types of antifreeze. All-steel holding tanks, sight gauges and an onboard air manifold are standard features.

“The Enviro Rack is designed to help automotive recyclers establish a consistent and professional fluid-removal process,” Kitchens stated. “Because the system uses air pressure rather than fluid-transfer pumps, there are no electric or diaphragm transfer pumps to continually replace. Depending on the vehicle and the operator’s procedure, many vehicles can be processed in approximately five minutes.”

The Enviro Rack arrives substantially assembled and can typically be placed into operation within approximately 15 minutes after unloading and connecting the compressed-air supply. Kitchens noted that preventing soil and groundwater contamination remains an important responsibility for salvage-yard owners and operators. “Improper ELV fluid removal can create serious environmental and workplace problems,” Kitchens said. “Many yards still rely on homemade equipment. A homemade system may remove the fluids, but that does not necessarily mean it provides adequate containment or supports a consistent compliance program.”

Environmental requirements and enforcement practices vary by location, but recyclers are responsible for properly managing vehicle fluids and preventing spills and releases. “Yard owners should be proactive rather than delaying proper extraction practices until a spill then occurs or an inspector identifies a problem,” Kitchens added. “The Enviro Rack gives recyclers a purpose-built system for safely and efficiently recovering vehicle fluids while supporting their environmental compliance efforts.”

Vortex De-Pollution

Nigel Dove, chief executive officer of Vortex De-Pollution, noted that “Vortex offers solutions that are not only tough, but remarkably user-friendly as well. Unlike traditional fluid recovery methods that use collection pans under their systems – which can be a fire hazard – our equipment utilizes advanced sealing technologies that tightly adhere to vehicles, significantly minimizing drips and leaks. Fluids are efficiently pumped away from the drain area into secure storage tanks, ensuring controlled and safe fluid transfer at all times. Our product line includes comprehensive vehicle processing equipment. Beyond the fluid recovery range, our cutting-edge, Raptor vehicle processor excels in dismantling vehicles, extracting engines, separating aluminum using our specialized engine cracker and processing components such as catalytic converters, radiators and wire harnesses. We even offer capabilities to bale or log vehicle shells, maximizing the recovery of valuable materials.

“Catering to a diverse clientele, from service auto parts companies to metal recycling facilities, Vortex remains at the forefront in offering a dedicated range of products designed to meet the specific needs of those markets. Our commitment to innovation, efficiency and safety continues to drive us forward, ensuring that our customers receive nothing less than the best in vehicle processing solutions,” Dove concluded. Since their start in 2003, Vortex has met the rigorous standards of the UK ELV regulations and has continued to innovate and manufacture a robust range of equipment to meet those same high standards.

Published in the October 2026 Edition of American Recycler News