Equipment Report

Republic Services retrofits Seattle MRF

Republic Services has retrofitted the fiber lines at its 45-ton-per-hour material recovery facility (MRF) in Seattle, also known as Rabanco Recycling. The retrofit included the addition of two single-eject and two dual-eject MSS Fibermax optical sorters from CP Group of San Diego.

Photo courtesy of CP Group

The dual-eject MSS Fibermax units remove cardboard as well as prohibitives from the paper line. These units have reduced headcount by 44 percent on the fiber quality control stations, according to the supplier.

In 2018, Phoenix-based Republic added two single-eject MSS Fibermax optical sorters at the Rabanco MRF to meet China’s then new import requirements for recovered fiber, which stipulated less than 0.5 percent contamination. The installation allowed the company to reduce headcount on the fiber quality control stations by 50 percent.

According to CP Group, the Rabanco MRF added the two dual-eject Fibermax units this year after the success of the previous installations. CP worked with the local Republic team to integrate the optical sorters over multiple weekends to eliminate downtime during the retrofit.

“Since installing the Fibermax additions, we have increased revenue, improved the quality and value of material and improved the overall operation of the MRF,” says Don Zimmerman, operations manager at Rabanco Recycling. “The CP team are truly an outstanding group to work with, from installation to service, and the machines speak for themselves.”

CP Group President and CEO Terry Schneider says, “We are happy to see the return on investment in these retrofits pay back so quickly. Our companies were able to work together to achieve minimal downtime, as well.”

Republic Services integrated several other Fibermax units in recent years, including at its MRFs in Anaheim, California; San Antonio; Las Vegas; Tucson, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Oberlin, Ohio; and Conover, North Carolina.

Liebherr expands quick-change system availability

Switzerland-based Liebherr is increasing the availability of its fully automatic Likufix quick-change system for more wheel loader models.

Photo courtesy of Liebherr

Likufix is now available for the two compact loaders, L 506 and L 508; for the two stereo loaders, L 507 and L 509; as well as for the XPower large wheel loaders up to the L 580. As before, Likufix is available for the medium-sized Liebherr wheel loaders, L 526, L 538 and L 546.

The smaller Liebherr wheel loaders from the L 506 Compact to the L 509 Stereo commonly are recognized as versatile all-rounders. With Likufix, Liebherr says, their flexibility can increase even further. For example, the machine operator can switch between a hydraulic 4-in-1 folding shovel, a forklift or a sweeper within seconds at the push of a button. The hydraulic lines also are connected automatically with Likufix, which can help decrease downtime.

Working with hydraulic tools such as high-dump buckets, buckets with hold-down devices, log grapplers or separator buckets is typical for larger Liebherr wheel loaders. This is why the company also offers its fully automatic quick-change system for larger wheel loader models. The Likufix system is designed to allow machine operators to easily change attachments and other tools. According to Liebherr, this can increase safety “because when changing equipment, there is no need to leave the cab and, therefore, no risk, for example, of going out into the site traffic at a recycling yard.”

The Likufix is prepared for tough environments. The hydraulic coupling is supported by springs, so the forces that act on the quick coupler are not transferred to the coupling system. Even with long periods of use, the connections between the hydraulic circuits remain tight. To make maintenance easier, all moving parts are easily accessible. If necessary, customers can carry out cleaning and simple maintenance activities, such as changing a seal, themselves.