Scrap handler

Types of scrap handlers

A scrap handler is a special machine used for the effective and safe handling of scrap materials in metal recycling and waste management industries. Scrap handlers are manufactured in several types, each suitable for a specific application.

• Mobile Scrap Handler

  A mobile scrap handler is a material handling machine with a mounted specialized hydraulic-powered mechanism on a mobile platform. It can pick up scrap metals and other materials easily with its claw or grab attachments. Mobile scrap handlers are used primarily in scrapyards and demolition sites. They are very versatile and can navigate different kinds of terrains with ease. Operators can also use them for lifting and loading heavy scrap materials into containers, trucks, or shredders.

• Rail Mounted Scrap Handler

  A rail-mounted scrap handler is a scrap handler machine mounted on rails. It is powered by hydraulic systems favorably employed in steel mills and foundries. The machine is suited for fixed locations along rail tracks. It can be used for handling various types of scrap materials, loading/unloading trucks, and charging furnaces with scrap metal. The handling capacity of a rail-mounted scrap handler is larger than that of a mobile scrap handler. This makes it great for dealing with heavy-duty operations that require frequent or fast material extraction from a furnace.

  Asides from steel mills and foundries, the rail-mounted scrap handler is also used along recovery and transfer stations. The scrap handler on rail tracks makes it possible for operators to easily and swiftly deal with materials at designated locations along the rail track.

• Hydraulic Scrap Handler

  A hydraulic scrap handler is a machine that employs hydraulic drives to handle heavy-duty scrap materials in various industries. It uses hydraulic movement to effortlessly manage loads of scrap metals, waste, and heavy materials. A hydraulic scrap handler generally consists of a base that houses the hydraulic system and a boom with an attached attachment (claw or grapple) for handling the materials.

  The hydraulic scrap handler is very powerful and can be fixed in place, mounted on rails, or maneuvered on mobile platforms, just like other types of scrap handlers.

• Forklift Scrap Handler

  A forklift scrap handler is a scrap handling machine that is made to perform the role of a scrap handler. Powered by internal combustion or electric engines, it has a mast and fork apparatus that lift and move bulky scrap materials. A forklift scrap handler can be used in warehouses, factories, etc., for loading/unloading, recycling, and material moving. It is versatile but not as efficient as dedicated handlers in terms of capacity and specialized functions.

  An ordinary forklift machine can be modified to work as a scrap handler by attaching a hydraulic grapple or claw to it. This is done to improve its ability to pick up and lift irregularly-shaped scrap materials.

Specifications and Maintenance of Scrap Handlers

Specifications

• Types of engine

  The type of engine in a scrap handler can differ between models and manufacturers. Nonetheless, the majority of scrap manipulators employ diesel engines. They can also use other fuel sources, such as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), or biofuels, depending on specific requirements and environmental considerations.

• Power

  The rated power of a scrap handler is typically between 100 and 700 kilowatts. Power determines the operational capacity and performance of the machine, enabling it to efficiently handle scrap materials.

• Operating Weight

  The operating weight of a scrap handler is an important practical parameter. It typically ranges from 10,000 to 40,000 kilograms. This weight includes the machine's overall weight and operating equipment. The operating weight affects the machine's stability, load capacity, and operation efficiency during handling operations.

• Hydraulic System

  A scrap handler's hydraulic system is its core operating mechanism. Its hydraulic pumps typically have flow rates between 200 and 500 liters per minute, providing the system with sufficient power. The working pressure of the hydraulic system usually ranges from 18 to 30 megapascal, enabling it to maintain high operating efficiency and stable handling performance.

Maintenance

Some necessary maintenance methods for the scrap metal handler hydraulic system are as follows:

• Regular Inspection:

  Equipment operators should regularly inspect the condition of the hydraulic system, checking for signs of leakage, looseness, or wear of hoses and components. If any issues are found, timely repair or replacement should be carried out to prevent potential safety hazards.

• Fluid Maintenance:

  Operators need to check the hydraulic oil level and quality of the handler regularly. They should ensure the oil level is within the specified range and replace it promptly if the oil quality is poor. Furthermore, they should clean the oil tank to prevent impurities from damaging the system's components and functioning correctly.

• Filter Maintenance:

  Handlers are usually equipped with hydraulic oil filters that remove impurities and dirt from the oil. Operators should clean or replace these filters regularly to prevent blockages and allow the oil to flow smoothly.

• Lubrication:

  Scrap handlers are hydraulic systems that comprise numerous movable parts. Operators should apply adequate lubricating oil to these parts to reduce friction and prevent wear. Regular lubrication also ensures the system functions correctly.

• Electrical Maintenance:

  Operators should pay attention to the electrical connections and sensors of the hydraulic system, ensuring they are firmly connected and free from corrosion or damage. Proper electrical connections are crucial for the system's stable operation.

Applications of scrap handlers

As an essential piece of equipment in the recycling and waste management industry, the scrap handler is the backbone of operations in the waste management sector. With the ability to operate in various specialized environments, the flexibility of the machine proves invaluable, allowing businesses to make the best use of limited time and resources.

• Loading

  In the demolition and construction industries, scrap handler loaders are invaluable pieces of equipment used for loading materials onto trucks, trailers, containers, or other transport vehicles. The hydraulic grapple attachment aids in handling large, bulky, and irregularly shaped scrap materials. It can be used for loading metal scraps, construction debris, and bulky materials into containers or sorting lines.

• Unloading

  In the recycling and waste management industries, unloading refers to the removal of materials from transport vehicles, containers, or equipment. Scrap handlers are efficient at unloading materials from trucks, containers, and pits. Their long reach and hydraulic attachments allow precise unloading of scrap materials into recycling equipment, processing areas, or storage yards. The flexibility of the machine reduces turnaround time and keeps operations flowing smoothly.

• Separation

  When handling a wide range of materials such as metals, plastics, paper, glass, and organics, hydraulic scrap handlers with specialized attachments are often used. Magnets, air classifiers, screens, and optical sorters are all common attachments for scrap handlers. They allow for the efficient separation of different materials based on their distinct physical properties. Once separated, the individual materials are then processed accordingly.

• Shredding

  Hydraulic handlers are also equipped with scrappers and shredders to reduce the size of scrap materials. Shredders are specialized machines designed to scrap materials, such as tires, plastic bottles, and e-waste, into smaller pieces. They work by using rotating blades to cut, tear, and shred the materials, thereby reducing them to smaller, more manageable sizes. This makes it easier for them to be sorted and recycled later.

• Feeding

  A feed operation refers to the process of providing raw materials or input materials to machinery or equipment for processing. In a recycling facility, a scrap handler is often used to feed scrap materials into crushers, furnaces, and other recycling equipment. The handler machine can be used to grab and load large, bulky, and irregularly shaped scrap materials into recycling machinery.

How to Choose Scrap Handlers

Several factors must be considered before selecting the appropriate scrap handler for a specific operation. Determining the type of material one usually deals with in the specific environment is the first step. Assess the kind of metals (ferrous and non-ferrous), their sizes, shapes, weights, and the presence of any attached components or contaminants. Also, keeping in mind the handling functions the machine is meant to perform is necessary. Various specialized scrap metal handler machines are designed to perform specific functions. From simple loaders to separators, shredders, balers, and conveyors, each machine has specialized modes of operation.

Another crucial factor is the daily throughput or volume one expects the machine to handle. This could range anywhere between a few tons to several thousands, depending on the scale of operation. The machine chosen should have a sufficient capacity to efficiently handle the expected volume without causing bottlenecks or excessive downtime. The available floor space and storage facilities at the scrapyard will also play a role in deciding the machinery. An important factor that should not be overlooked is the fuel or power supply to be used to operate the handler.

Finally, the cost factors, both maintenance and handling costs, should be well thought out. In some cases, specialized scrappers are more cost-effective than others, depending on the material being handled and the function of the machine. Additionally, choosing a machine that does not require frequent repairs and is easy to maintain saves considerable money in the long run.

Q&A

Q1. What type of material can a scrap handler material pick-up and lift?

A1. A scrap material handler is designed to pick up and handle scrap materials, such as steel, iron, aluminum, copper, and mixed scrap. The machine uses specialized attachments, such as grapples and clamshells, to handle material shape and size.

Q2. Is a scrap handler affected by attachment types?

A2. Yes, the attachments used with the material scrap handler will affect its operation. Different attachments will allow the handlers to sort and manipulate various types of scrap materials. Excavator attachments, hydraulic grapples, and magnetic conveyors are a few examples.

Q3. Do scrap handlers come in different sizes?

A3. Yes, material handlers are available in a variety of sizes to suit different applications. The size of the handler required will depend on factors such as the type of material being handled, the amount of material to be processed, and the available space at the site.

Q4. What is the lifespan of a scrap handler?

A4. Material scrap handlers are built to last many years, but their lifespan varies. Typically, scrap handlers last between 10 and 15 years. However, this lifespan can be lower or higher depending on material, build quality, operating hours, and maintenance.