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JBI Scrap Processors in Cleveland uses four Fuchs material handlers to keep costs down and improve operational efficiency. Material handlers are one of the most important machines in a scrapyard or on a demolition site, designed specifically for moving, sorting and loading materials If an operation still uses an excavator for its material handling needs, then it is leaving several thousands of dollars on the table. Material handlers are engineered to last when constantly running in a scrapyard setting, while excavators have the potential to break down faster under the same production conditions. Designed with a straight boom, which provides longer reach than a traditional excavator, material handlers have roughly 40 percent more counterweight, giving them the ability to lift more than excavators. This means a material handler can carry heavier loads than an excavator of the same operating weight. While an excavator can be fitted with a higher counterweight to compensate, this ultimately can cause more maintenance issues in the long term. Overall, when it comes to moving materials at a scrapyard or demolition site, material handlers are the safest and most productive option. FINDING THE RIGHT FIT Fuchs, a brand of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Terex Corp., provides material handlers for use in scrapyards, lumberyards and other processing sites. With common applications in sorting scrap, feeding shredders and loading trucks, the company says it offers a variety of machines, including wheeled units, tracked units or stationary units, with a range of load capacities. Each material handler can be fitted with a variety of attachments, such as solid-tine grapples; four-, five- or six-tine grapples; orange-peel grapples; and magnets. Each grapple can be used to handle piles of loose scrap, while the magnets typically are used to separate ferrous metals from nonferrous metals during the sorting process. Recently, Fuchs released its newest innovation—electric material handlers. The company says these units offer operators zero emissions and decreased engine noise compared with their diesel counterparts. Fuchs also has introduced a new telematics system, known as Fuchs Connect. The system, which presents customers with data to ensure efficiency, can “address minor issues before they become major issues and, ultimately, decrease downtime,” the company says. Also priding itself on a variety of safety features, a height-adjustable and swiveling cab comes standard on Fuchs material handlers. The company says this is to ensure operators have a clear view of the job site when using the machine. Fuchs’ safety features, innovation and overall production are what attracted JBI Scrap Processors in Cleveland to the company’s line of material handlers. JBI—a recycler of steel and iron scrap—uses Fuchs material handlers and shears from LaBounty, a brand of Portland, Oregon-based Stanley Infrastructure, to process more than 300 tons of material daily. Most of the material is sourced from local demolition companies, office buildings and moving companies or is surplus material from construction sites and roadwork. After receiving the material, JBI sorts and cuts it to specifications using mobile shears. Using the material handlers, JBI then loads the prepared scrap onto trucks to be sent to steel mills or processing plants. JBI transitioned to using to Fuchs material handlers exclusively over the last five years. Prior to the transition, JBI typically waited several days for service requests, losing valuable time in the process. The company’s decision to switch to Fuchs was based on several factors, all of which were aimed at reducing unnecessary downtime. JBI says that with this manufacturer’s machines, it experienced faster responses to service requests, better parts pricing and improved machine performance. Given these factors, JBI purchased four Fuchs material handlers—a MHL340, two MHL350s and a MHL360—from Company Wrench. “We’ve run material handlers [from other brands], and they’re close to [Fuchs], but it all comes down to service and parts availability,” says Joe Immormino, vice president of JBI. “Company Wrench jumps through hoops to keep us up and running. They keep parts on the shelves for us. That’s what it came down to—who’s going to have the parts when we need them, and who’s going to get us up running quicker? If Company Wrench says they’re going to do something, they do it,” he adds. With operators regularly traveling around the yard, the MHL340 equipped with a grapple helps JBI increase speed and processing efficiency to load bulk materials onto trucks. As for the MHL350s, one has a grapple while the other uses a magnet. The MHL350 with the grapple remains mostly stationary to help process materials. The versatility of the MHL350 to safely handle heavier materials makes it the company’s most popular scrap handler. These four machines, along with Company Wrench’s support, are critical to JBI’s daily operations. REDUCING DOWNTIME Avoiding downtime also is key to maximizing profits at any recycling operation. Caleb Kershner, JBI’s yard manager, says he believes the ability to easily change attachments on the Fuchs material handlers is essential to achieving this goal. “All four of the Fuchs are interchangeable when it comes to attachments,” Kershner says. “If one machine goes down, we just switch attachments. We can also swap attachments based on where we need specific machines at any given time. Changing attachments takes less than 15 minutes.” JBI also values the durability of its material handlers throughout the harsh winter months in Cleveland. The comfort the machines’ cabs provide operators during shifts sets the material handlers apart from the competition, the company says. The cabs feature an air-cushioned comfort seat with a built-in headrest and lumbar support, as well as air conditioning and optional heat. “You can actually sit in them for eight to 12 hours and not feel like you want to get out and go crazy,” Immormino says. “It’s a comfortable space while you’re working.” JBI also uses an excavator from Peachtree City, Georgia-based Sany, and multiple LaBounty shears, all supplied by Company Wrench’s Cleveland branch. The LaBounty BLS2000 shear cuts rebar, while the 2000R and HDR70 cut a variety of other scrap. “We’ve had a great relationship with JBI over the past few years,” says Company Wrench Read More

Heavy demolition, scrap, and recycling jobs require quality attachments like shears.  Most shears contain a rotation motor. In this post, we outline what a rotation motor is, why it’s essential, and how you can prevent it from becoming damaged when using shears.  What is the LaBounty rotation motor? A rotation motor is a component of the shear that produces a 360-degree rotation. In a rotation motor, pressurized fluid supplied by a hydraulic pump acts on the surface of the motor’s gear teeth and creates torque on the output shaft. The LaBounty shear utilizes the rotation motor when turning 360 degrees while the jaw’s design facilitates improved penetration.  As a result, LaBounty shears provide industry-leading quality, and the rotation motor plays a vital role in ensuring that high standard.  Why is the rotation motor essential? The rotation motor is the main component that permits the shear to turn 360 degrees.  If problems occur with the rotation motor, the operator will not be able to position the shear properly.  Without full use of the rotation system, productivity will drastically decline.  What are some common ways the rotation motor gets damaged? Backdriving is one of the most common ways to damage the rotation motor.  Backdriving occurs when the shear is subjected to off-center, excessive stress.  This additional stress will damage internal components, causing the rotation motor to fail prematurely.  Why choose a LaBounty attachment from Company Wrench? Company Wrench has been the number one LaBounty dealer in the United States every year since 2004. Our fleet of excavators is designed to carry any LaBounty tool so that you can find it anywhere. We work closely with LaBounty to ensure that every unit we put into our customers’ hands is rigorously tested, checked, and tested again to assure that you are receiving the highest quality tool you will ever use. As a result, you can be sure that when you purchase or rent a LaBounty product with Company Wrench, you are getting cutting-edge customer service and support throughout the entire process. We carry an extensive inventory of LaBounty attachments, including LaBounty multi demolition processors, LaBounty shears, LaBounty grapples, LaBounty universal processors & jawsets, LaBounty concrete pulverizers, and much more. What can Company Wrench do to help you get the most out of your LaBounty shear? Since 1977, LaBounty shears have been known for their durability and productivity.  However, if you operate the shear incorrectly, it could cause unnecessary damage.  Company Wrench offers training to help keep your job site safe and efficient. We also offer 24/7 customer service and should a problem arise, most of our technicians can be on-site within 24 hours to help avoid extended delays.  Learn more about our selection of LaBounty shears and the Company Wrench advantage. Read More

Downtime is the enemy of any profitable construction project. The best way to prevent downtime is by limiting equipment damage. If you experience an unexpected breakdown, you may be forced to rent a replacement machine. These rental fees will cut directly into your bottom line and reduce or eliminate any potential profit. Downtime also affects other trades and stakeholders who are relying on you so they can complete their work in a timely manner. As your knowledgeable dealer of LaBounty, Kobelco, Fuchs, and JCB equipment, here are Company Wrench’s five simple ways to help prevent costly downtime on your next project. 1. Operator Training One of the most common causes of downtime is operator error. Training on proper machine use and maintenance routines reduces those mistakes. From a JCB skid steer to a  Kobelco high reach, proper training on how to use and maintain any equipment is key to limiting downtime. Understanding how a specific machine works before utilizing it on a jobsite increases safety and decreases the risk of downtime. 2. Only Use the Machine for its Intended Purpose Heavy machinery is powerful and impressive. However, just because a machine can do something doesn’t mean it should. In other words, the short-term benefits of misusing a machine pales in comparison to the potential long-term consequences. Operating a machine outside its intended purpose may cause significant downtime. Another common example is using LaBounty shears to cut hardened steel (ex. railroad rails). The LaBounty shear blades were not designed to cut this type of material. Using the shear in this application will drastically shorten the useful life of the shear blade. The better option is to use torches to cut hardened steel. Even though the shear may be able to cut the hardened steel, the long-term effects can be disastrous and lead to extended downtime. 3. Perform Preventative Maintenance No matter what you’re using, from a MKT pile hammer to a Kobelco excavator, without proper maintenance, safety concerns and significant damage could occur. Review maintenance documentation for both your machine and its attachments to create a maintenance plan. Keep in mind, attachments require more frequent and specific maintenance compared to base carriers. So if you’re operating a carrier with mulching attachments, you’ll want to be extra vigilant on your maintenance. Performing preventive maintenance ensures the machine operates with maximum productivity. Many machines require daily maintenance (ex. greasing and checking for wear). Applying sufficient grease is the easiest way to prevent unnecessary damage. If you don’t perform preventive maintenance, your warranty could be voided, which may lead to a dispute with a manufacturer or your dealer. 4. Don’t Operate a Damaged Machine Stop using the machine as soon as something goes wrong. Continuing to run the machine or attachment with a damaged component may be tempting near the end of a job, but it will create dire, long-term consequences. Most dealers, including JCB dealers and LaBounty dealers like Company Wrench, may be able to help reduce downtime by accessing the machine remotely to identify error codes. 5. Plan Ahead Utilize your dealer as a resource. Company Wrench is your LaBounty, Fuchs, and JCB dealer in Ohio, as well as many other respected manufacturers. If your project is especially time-sensitive, contact your dealer and come up with a plan in case something goes wrong. For example, have wear parts on hand or a technician scheduled for an inspection or maintenance to ensure maximum productivity.  Company Wrench offers training and industry-leading maintenance for every machine and attachment available on its website to help you reduce downtime. Read More

Company Wrench recently named Mike Pettus as a territory sales manager to serve the central Florida region.  He will rent and sell Company Wrench’s full line of Kobelco excavators, LaBounty attachments, Fuchs materials handlers, C.W. Machine Worx dust suppression machines, and Screen Machine crushers and screeners.  Mike brings over 25 years of experience selling heavy equipment to his new position at Company Wrench.  Mike started his career in the heavy equipment industry in a parts department before quickly transitioning into sales.  He has formed lasting relationships with customers while working to overcome unique challenges on their jobsites.  Over the course of his career, Mike learned customers value equipment productivity and service over almost everything else.  Mike understands making yourself available at all hours is the key to success in this industry. “Mike’s extensive experience will be a great asset for us in our Lakeland territory,” Cam Gabbard, President of Company Wrench said.  “Our Lakeland branch has proudly served Florida for more than a decade.  We believe Mike can help us build on our prior success.  He understands the importance of addressing customers’ needs quickly and efficiently, which is essential to providing the ‘Cutting Edge of Customer Service.’” Please contact Mike Pettus at (386) 414-4067 or m.pettus@companywrench.com to learn more about opportunities to rent or purchase heavy equipment and attachments in central Florida. Company Wrench offers the largest specialty fleet of heavy equipment in North America at 12 locations in New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.  Please visit www.companywrench.com for more information about Company Wrench’s product offering or to request service or parts support.  Read More