Shopping Smart

There are certainly many things to consider when shopping for a scrap handling crane. Below I will attempt to categorize what I believe is important, offering opinions on several aspects of scrap handling machines, including size, platform and configuration of the machine.

In general, the scrap processor tends to ask for more machine than is necessary for the job at hand. "Bigger is better" is a saying I have heard many times from customers. With lattice boom cable machines, a strong case could be made for that theory.

With today’s modern hydraulic machines, however, it really isn’t necessary to over size the machine. All that will do is drive up your acquisition, maintenance and hourly operating costs. Size is best dictated by reach and stacking height requirements and/or by the magnet size you wish to operate. Also the type of material handled will affect the size machine needed.

Obviously a machine handling light sheet iron would best be configured differently than one handling a steady diet of pig iron. Many manufacturers offer a variety of choices in machine size and lifting capacity. Liebherr offers 20 different purpose-built scrap handlers covering every size range. With many different boom/stick combinations available the machine can be matched perfectly to your job. You are going to spend approximately $4.00 per pound for a new, well-equipped scrap handler, so it’s important to get it right. Work with your dealer to get the specifications right and you will save many dollars over the years.

The very clear trend is leaning more to the rubber-tired machines as customers are learning the versatility of these very mobile machines. However, there is certainly still a place for the crawler machine. It really boils down to the application.

If the machine is basically dedicated to feeding a shear, baler or shredder, or works one specific area of the yard and doesn’t move all that much, a crawler makes more sense. They are simpler to operate and you don’t waste time raising and lowering outriggers to move a few feet.

Conversely, if you need a machine to do multiple duties all over the yard, the rubber tire is truly the way to go. Most yards that initially try a wheeled machine come back for many more and only use the crawlers for the dedicated uses.

If you want a cable crane you better hurry and get one because they are on the "endangered species" list. The same goes for qualified cable operators.

Is there still a place for cable machines? Sure there is. They served the industry well for many decades. There are a few applications that lend themselves to cable, but the cycle speed, simplicity of operation and mobility make hydraulic the overwhelming choice in today’s marketplace.

The hydraulic machine can move three to four times the tons per hour than a comparably sized cable unit. Cranes don’t make you money. Scrap does. So if a hydraulic machine can out-produce a cable unit three or four times over, the choice is clear.

This is often a financial question, but from purely an operational view it depends on the application. If the machine is to be used as a main line piece of equipment that is critical to keeping scrap moving through the yard, than certainly new makes a lot of sense. If the unit is a back up, used for outside jobs or light duty, then a used piece would do well.

Most new hydraulic machines, reasonably maintained, will operate for about four to five years in a one-shift operation before heavy maintenance/downtime items begin to come into play. Many customers are now planning in advance to trade or replace critical machines in 8,000 to 10,000-hour cycles. This helps ensure optimum uptime and maximum scrap throughput in the yard. The used machines are then traded in or moved to less stressful duties.

Only a small handful of manufacturers cater to the scrap processing business. All of them make machines that will get the job done. The key is to get the right unit for the job at hand along with the right support to keep it running.

First of all, examine the machine itself. Are the specifications exactly right for you? How many other like units are running in the U.S? References? Are all components supplied by the original equipment manufacturer? Does the parts book match the complete machine? Some manufacturers will supply a parts book for the items common to an excavator, but not for the front end, cab elevation, grapple, etc. Is the dealer for the machines attuned to our business? If the scrap industry is of small importance compared to their earth moving business you may have a problem. How many different lines does the dealer handle? It’s hard for a dealer to be expert in many different lines. What is the dealer’s parts inventory for your machine? Don’t be shy about asking to see the parts inventory. Does the dealer’s sales representative know the scrap business? Does the dealer understand magnet and generator systems? If the machine is built overseas, does the manufacturer have a presence in the U.S.? Do they have parts here? Do they have technical support and field service representatives here? Have you seen these people and facilities?

If you go with the more popular manufacturers, you may retain a higher resale value. My experience has shown that a reasonably maintained five-year-old Liebherr Scrap Handler with 8,000 to 10,000 operating hours on it is normally worth about 50 percent of the purchase value. One or two of the other most popular brands can also fetch these high resale values. One must be cautious with the brands that have limited market share or have a diminished presence here in the U.S. The resale values could be reduced.

Today’s scrap handlers are highly sophisticated pieces of equipment. Virtually all are computer controlled with high-pressure hydraulics. In addition, all engines must meet current EPA standards, which require very high rail pressures and precision fuel injection. The end result is that special training really is necessary to be able to do virtually anything other than a standard oil change and greasing.

We at Liebherr offer regular customer schools to provide maintenance personnel hands-on factory instruction on our machines. Basic training is also provided on electrical and hydraulic schematics so that accurate troubleshooting is easier to do on the telephone.

In the end, your scrap handler will be only as good as the operator you put in it. Today’s machines are very fast, and it is a rare operator who can utilize all that speed. All the modern machines are user friendly, are simple to operate and are comfortable to sit in through a work shift. A bad operator, however, can turn any manufacturer’s machine into junk quicker than you could believe.

I have seen one and two-year-old machines look as though they had fallen out of an airplane because of bad operators. Conversely, I have seen many seven-year-old units look virtually new, primarily due to skilled and conscientious operators. Operator training and supervision is certainly just as important as any other factor in choosing equipment.

Shop wisely and good luck with your new machines!