Steelworks service provider relies on Sennebogen equipment

Headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia, Steelage has been one of the largest steelworks in the Czech Republic for about five years. The company, which provides on-site industrial services to the steel industry, is a subsidiary of the India-based TSR Group, a multinational trader and processor of raw materials for steel and metal industries. Steelage handles about 120,000 tons of material a month--a job it has used Sennebogen’s material handlers for over the past few years, Sennebogen says.

Sennebogen of Straubing, Germany, says six of its E-series machines have been a permanent fixture at Steelage since the beginning of 2018.

"We have been working with Sennebogen for a few years now. We were looking for the perfect balance in terms of price and performance that just did not seem to be on offer in the market," says Steelage Owner Jörgen Sassen. Steelage found its service and support partner in dealer Merimex of Czechia.

Those in charge of supplying Steelage faced a challenge due to difficult space restrictions. The central scrapyard is surrounded by narrow pathways and two sets of railroad tracks across which the scrap has to be transported. At the same time, employees need to be able to easily load transport wagons and unload delivery trucks.

By working closely with Merimex, a unique, customized solution was configured from the modular Sennebogen range. A flexible 840 crawler gantry excavator powered via a spiral winding engine line drum is now used, meaning that trucks can drive under the material handlers without interrupting their workflow. With a reach of up to 23 meters, a strengthened special attachment is in operation. This has to stand up to the enormous continuous load of, on average, 6,000 operating hours a year.

In the center of the front section of the 20,000-square-meter (215,278-square-foot) scrapyard, there is currently another stationary 825 electric solution that feeds a compactor and is soon to be replaced by the next largest machine, the 830. Three additional 840 crawler excavators, with electric drive and 2-meter pylon extensions, drive between the wagons and the storage area. The extension guarantees the driver the best possible view of the scrap heap and for loading wagons, Sennebogen says.

"As we are involved in recycling the steelworks' old scrap, it was clear that, for cost reasons, we could only operate electric machines. Also, we are aware of our growing responsibility towards our employees and the environment, and going forward we want to reduce our fine dust and noise pollution," Sassen says about the investment at the 70-person site. Sennebogen adds that Steelage sees this as an advantage over larger competitors in the market where diesel machines are still seen as the undisputed standard.