Ijzerland, the Belgian specialist in recycling scrap metal, was on the hunt for a versatile machine that would generate zero emissions on site. In order to guarantee employee satisfaction, the excavator was also required to unite precision with comfort.
After working with excavators from a range of manufacturers, Ive Van Frausum, Managing Director of Ijzerland, is impressed by the quality of the Liebherr machines: “The Liebherr excavators are the best in the world”. One of the company’s objectives is to reduce its exhaust emissions and become more environmentally friendly.
The Liebherr dealer SOMTP Belgique therefore recommended the R 944 C High Rise electric crawler excavator. This machine, which weighs in at around 74 tonnes, belongs to a range of three material handling machines that are fully electric: The R 934 C, R 944 C and R 954 C. In accordance with customer requirements, these models are available in three different versions: Material handling, high rise and pontoon. SOMTP Belgique will take care of customer service. The collaboration is running without a hitch: Ijzerland values the close proximity of the dealer in equal measure to the quality and speed of the services they provide.
Decision in favour of power and versatility
The company opted in favour of a multi-purpose machine in order to utilise the range of tools required for various tasks a the scrap recycling facility. The operator uses the R 944 C to move scrap steel to the shredder. The steel is then compressed, temporarily stored along the loading ramp on the canal bank, before being transported away by ship.
In this instance the R 944 C is equipped with a five-arm grapple, which enables it to handle steel parts of varying sizes. The height-adjustable driver’s cab and turret facilitate safe work, whilst also optimising the field of vision. The reach of 24 m and the powerful electric motor (200 kW) guarantee maximum excavator performance when it comes to lifting force, precision and working speed. Further advantages of the excavator include its mobility – facilitated by the crawler track travel gear – and the working height, which is ideal for industrial processes such as scrap metal recycling.
Scrap metal recycling is a complex and time-intensive operation. This form of processing demands a great deal of space. The location of the recycling plant directly on the canal allows optimum transport on the waterway.
An environmentally friendly solution
The most important values of Ijzerland include environmental protection and the reduction of exhaust gas emissions, and the company’s managing director is therefore particularly pleased with the electric motor that powers the excavator. The excavator is equipped with an 11.50 m long industrial monobloc jib. The electric motor guarantees low noise emissions in the working area and cab, and the lack of vibrations ensures added operator comfort. The driver’s cabs in the electric excavators offer the same comforts as those of excavators with a combustion engine: The driver has a large workspace with climate control, and an outstanding view thanks to the large glass panes. The controls are ergonomically arranged and the seat is comfortable: All this helps the operator to concentrate on their activity and to work extremely efficiently with the R 944 C High Rise. The Liebherr electric excavators deliver maximum reliability. The innovative actuator concept (a single electric motor for all hydraulic functions) makes it possible to accommodate the low voltage functions in a single control cabinet.
