New Hybrid Technology Increases Productivity

August 15th, 2013

I.H. Schlezinger Metals Incorporated, one of Columbus Ohio’s most efficient iron and scrap metal operations, knows a thing or two about the value of using hybrid machines and how much of an impact they can have on their facility’s bottom line. Since 1905, their specialty has been processing and recycling ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal and they have ever since looked toward new technologies to improve efficiency.

Recently they acquired a Sany SY215CLC BLS 80 Hybrid Combo Shear Machine from Company Wrench. The machine works in tandem with a stationary shear, several grapple and magnet cranes, and a bailer to recycle plate & Structural steel, heavy melt, new sheet clips, stainless steel, and aluminum within their 16 acre recycling facility. “For the most part, we use it for prepping material either going into our bailer or sometimes our (stationary) shear,” said Schlezinger Metals’ Operations Manager John Miller. “Other times we use it to prepare materials that will be ready to go right into a steel mill.”

The Labounty BLS 80 Shear attachment normally calls for an excavator weight class of 65,000-85,000. The Sany SY215C LC, which weighs in at an ultra light 47,620 lbs is hybridized to safely use the attachment. By modifying its boom to accept a Komatsu PC300 hybrid stick and customizing the hydraulic plumbing, the Sany SY215C LC creates substantial fuel consumption savings while utilizing the increased speed and power of the BLS 80. “What we really like about the machine is the upgraded stick and shear that gives it more force and more speed, which really helps us in a lot of different areas. It makes it a lot more cost effective,” says Miller. “It’s been fantastic for us.”

Schelzinger Metals had a larger excavator with a mobile shear prior to Miller seeing a BLS in action on a large demolition site in Delphi, Ohio. They were in charge of preparing and removing the 20,000 tons of material and rented several BLS shear machines from Company Wrench, which completed the job successfully and earlier than expected. “The positive experience is what sold us on purchasing one for our yard. Because of the extra power and the speed, we knew next time around that would be the type of machine we’d be looking for,” Miller said. “A bigger machine isn’t always the best machine for you. Obviously it will cut heavier stuff, but in the right application, the speed the BLS Hybrid can save you a tremendous amount of money.”

Schlezinger Metals estimates a 15-20% fuel savings with replacing their previous mobile shear with the Hybrid BLS shear, but they feel the increased speed that allows them to process more material in the same amount of time is an even greater benefit. By keeping an open mind and looking toward new technologies, they are continuing to find ways to improve efficiency and increase profit and they feel Company Wrench is a great asset in this effort. “All and all we’ve been really impressed with the machine and really happy with the service that Company Wrench provides.“

By Tony Cook