First electric Fuchs materials-handler in Ireland
RiverRidge Recycling take delivery of Ireland’s first electrically powered Fuchs MHL820 long-reach machine
BLUE Ireland have supplied Ireland’s first electric-powered Fuchs MHL820 long-reach materials-handler to RiverRidge Recycling.
As part of the waste-management company’s continued investment in modern, efficient waste-processing machinery; following intensive appraisal of the equipment market, RiverRidge opted for the Fuchs MHL820 and the versatile unit is now hard at work at a state-of- the-art materials recovery facility (MRF) in Coleraine.
The MHL820, which has an operating weight of 20 tonnes, offers a reach capability of up to 10.4m and is equipped with an Arden S1102B grab. With a total power output of 95kW, there is power to spare for heavy loads, while four-point hydraulically operated outriggers provide total stability for stationary operation.
The Fuchs materials-handler is quick and agile around the working area and the electric cable feeding power to the machine has a generous range. The hydraulically elevated cab provides an excellent raised line of sight for the operator, which is particularly important for maximum load and site visibility, enhancing safe operation.
The controls, including a familiar CAN bus system, are almost identical to the diesel version, so operators can easily transfer without having to learn to work the machine afresh. The electric drive not only reduces operational costs but the ease of maintenance also results in further savings on running costs.
RiverRidge’s MRF at Coleraine has been designed to segregate high-value products found in waste streams. It can also recover/refine refuse-derived fuel (RDF) which is exported to Europe for use in waste-to-energy plants.
The company’s new Fuchs machine is handling both commercial and industrial waste streams delivered by its large and varied fleet of skips and specialist waste collection vehicles.
The MHL820 is stockpiling the waste and feeding it into a Doppstadt DW 3060 for pre-shredding before it is fed into the MRF. Being used under cover, the zero emissions of the machine, coupled with its extremely quiet operation and minimal heat output, are highly beneficial features contributing considerably to the working environment.
When the decision was made to purchase the Fuchs materials-handler from Blue Ireland, RiverRidge Recycling had drew on their past dealings with the distributors, having purchased a Fuchs 331 materials-handler and a Doppstadt DW 3060 for their Portadown site in February this year.
‘Our first experience with Blue Ireland earlier this year proved they provide a good service,’ said Tony Kirkpatrick, operations director for RiverRidge. ‘Blue’s commitment to excellent spares availability and a first rate warranty cover were also major factors in making the purchasing decision.
‘The service engineer is also local to us; couple that with the proven build quality, reliability and productivity of the plant and machinery Blue Ireland has to offer, and our choice was comparatively easy.’
