Terex looks to grab a piece of the action

A relatively new player to the waste market, Terex's expertise in materials handling solutions should serve it well going forward. Andy Moore reports


Metals handling specialist Terex is looking to secure a greater share of the UK waste market with its TM range. Historically, the company concedes it has had modest sales into the sector, but a general shift towards recycling is likely to increase equipment demand, and Terex says it has machines that lend themselves to waste and recycling applications.

“Our target markets include selling machines into sectors such as waste paper plants, transfer stations, municipal waste recycling centres and metal recycling,” says John Black, sales director of Terex Distribution UK. “We will devote more effort and resources to increasing our impact in the sector by promoting our range and increasing dedicated resources.”

Black believes the Terex product range is well suited to the industry. Machines can be fitted with extras such as specialised grabs, which are efficient at handling a range of materials and, due to their robust build, are particularly suited to metals recycling.

Launched in 2007, the TM series of materials handlers spans the 19- to 52-tonne weight category, and replaces the former Atlas machines that have been in production for 20 years. The TM range features several modifications over the previous series, including improved model numbers to make machine identification more logical.

Other revamps include upgraded engines to meet the latest Tier emission regulations and higher capacity hydraulics. The machines also come with a selection of boom combinations to increase versatility.

The company considers the TM350 and TM520 ideal for metal recycling. These prime movers are designed for more rugged duties for which operators prefer larger and high output machines. Powered by a 249hp Deutz engine, the TM520 is equipped with a 12.1m boom and 9.3m stick, giving a maximum outreach of 21.8m and load over height of 16.1m. Terex also plans to promote its entry-level models, the 19-tonne TM180 and 20-tonne TM200, for small- to medium-sized waste handling plants.

One recycling firm that has invested in Terex’s flagship TM520 model is B Nebbett & Son, based in Mitcham, south London. This, along with three other Terex models, is intended to increase Nebbett’s output of recyclable steel from 400 tonnes to 600 tonnes a day.

Managing director Stuart Nebbett says: “We aim to export around 60% of our product. The steel recycling industry is changing so we have to adapt with it. In spite of the economic downturn, there is enormous potential, especially for ferrous material in countries such as India and China.”

Earlier this year, the UK division of Dutch firm Van Dalen Metals Recycling & Trading bought three Terex handlers for its expanding metals processing and shipping operations. The German-built TM350s were equipped with straight material handling booms and cactus grabs for sorting, rehandling and loading scrap metal at yards in Dagenham, Chatham and Hartlepool Docks.

Terex believes its range of machines may appeal to plant hire firms looking to diversify. “The leaner times in certain segments may attract hirers and other firms to invest in material handlers as an alternative source of income,” says Black.

Andy Moore is a freelance journalist

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