The recycling industry always faces fresh challenges. There are different approaches that you can take depending on the size of your recycling centre and the types of materials that you regularly recycle. Every company is looking to improve the metrics they measure against, maintaining efficiency of operations, high safety standards, and lower costs, no matter what type of materials they recycle. Here, we look at why materials handlers have become an essential part of the recycling industry.
What are the main features of material handlers?
There are several top-line material handlers available, perfect for handling materials in different situations where there is debris or items that need to be removed, cleared from site and recycled.
- Droop-nose arm – the droop-nose arm is a common feature on many material handlers. It helps them to pick up debris, especially on challenging sites where there has been demolition of existing structures or where there isn’t much room to manoeuvre, so quick removal of materials is essential.
- An elevated cab – an elevated cab makes for a more comfortable and safer situation for the operator. A cab on a fixed riser or with a hydraulic lift enables an operator to see the entire space to pick up and load items safely and efficiently.
- Rotating grapples and magnets – rotating magnets and grapples are common sights on material handlers used in scrap yards and demolition projects in particular. It helps when sorting through demolition debris to separate materials and to make the recycling process much easier.
- Robust undercarriage – material handlers work in tough, unforgiving environments across many different sites where terrain is challenging, or access is narrow. Extra guarding helps to protect the undercarriage and the critical components that are present there. If it is a tracked machine, you’ll find that the drive motors are recessed for an extra layer of protection. For wheeled material handlers, solid tyres make a difference to the robustness.
- Cameras for safety and efficiency – greater levels of visibility are always a bonus when operating any type of machinery. Material handlers with rearview cameras, sideview cameras, or 360-degree capabilities provide the operator with a much higher level of safety. It helps make recycling centres much safer by reducing instances of machine damage caused by hazards present in the yard.
Find a supplier of material handlers
Working in conjunction with a supplier of material handlers that you can trust makes your job that little bit easier. Material handlers are useful in a variety of industries, not just recycling. Finding one that offers you the best operational efficiency for your specific site and materials that require moving, sorting, and removal helps to boost productivity and safety on site. It also helps you to reduce your operational costs, which can be challenging in the recycling industry. Find a supplier of material handlers, both used and new, for hire or purchase, and you’ll transform the way your recycling operation functions.

