Extending the life of materials
Extending the life of materials with next-level Liebherr technology
With a strong commitment to sustainability and the recovery of valuable metals, TAS Recycling has been a trusted auto recycling center in their community for over ten years. With the help of reliable Liebherr material handling machines and crawler excavators, TAS can continue expanding the capabilities of their auto recycling facilities.
Auto recycling keeps high-value materials like copper, aluminum, steel, and batteries out of landfills, giving them a second life and allowing metals to be recovered for further use in both domestic and international markets. TAS Recycling is dedicated to minimizing a junk car’s environmental impact and is actively working to responsibly recycle end-of-life vehicles and salvage materials sustainably.
Founded in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2013, TAS Recycling has evolved into a multi-state metal recycling and salvage operation, with additional locations in Florida and North Carolina, becoming a premier auto recycling service in the region. With the help of their fleet of eight Liebherr machines, they continue to grow their operational capacity and further reinforce their position in the metal and auto recycling industry.
Driven by their mission of sustainability and giving a new purpose to metals destined for the landfill, TAS not only reduces waste generated from the junk cars they disassemble and recycle but also follows strict internal guidelines on waste management and pollution prevention to ensure all materials are properly reclaimed and disposed of.
“We are grateful for the confidence TAS has put into our machines,” explained Marcus Barnes, senior product manager, Liebherr USA, Co. “We always aim to become a trusted partner to all our customers, including TAS Recycling, and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership as they continue to grow.”
Since the start of their Liebherr fleet, TAS has worked closely with Liebherr dealer Reco Equipment, Inc. to identify the most effective equipment solutions for their jobsites. Covering areas throughout the Midwest, Reco Equipment, Inc. partners closely with customers like TAS to support business growth by expanding their fleets with optimized machine solutions.
Heavy-duty dismantling
Across their two locations in Knoxville, TAS Recycling puts their four Liebherr R 922 crawler excavators to work processing large quantities of material, including aluminum wheels, stainless steel, and more. The excavator is equipped with a specialized auto dismantling attachment, allowing it to efficiently manage dismantled cars, aluminum wheels, and stainless steel while maneuvering easily around the site to properly break up material for recycling.
When working with large, sharp, and potentially hazardous pieces of auto scrap, safety is a top concern. That’s why the R 922 crawler excavator is designed with panoramic visibility and cameras on the rear and right side of the equipment to provide operators with a comprehensive view of their surroundings and enhance site safety. Additionally, the excavator is standard-equipped with a ROPS-certified cab structure, providing rollover protection and helping safeguard operators in the event of an emergency.
Extending the life of materials highlights
Liebherr material handling program
TAS Recycling has integrated Liebherr’s latest generation of crawler excavators into their operations, highlighting the advanced engineering and enhanced design of these machines. The increased power available to operators enables more efficient dismantling and handling of automotive materials, positioning these excavators as an ideal solution for modernizing TAS’s auto recycling processes.
Powered with a Stage V Liebherr diesel engine and built on top of the new WLC undercarriage, the R 922 crawler excavator is also specifically engineered for heavy-duty operations that demand high stability and increased power, providing a well-suited solution for TAS.
Not only does TAS employ Liebherr crawler excavators to support its recycling operations, but it also utilizes Liebherr material handling technology for efficient large-scale sorting.
We really admire the German engineering. This type of equipment is really strong and superior to others in the market.
Enhanced scrap sorting
Demanding applications such as auto recycling require a powerful machine capable of handling bulky metal materials throughout the disassembly and recycling process. With the help of Liebherr material handling machines, TAS Recycling is able to achieve shorter cycle times and improve sorting efficiency. Built using high-strength steel plates, the material handler’s undercarriage is configured for the most demanding requirements, maintaining high torsional stiffness and optimal absorption of operating forces generated during long scrap-handling days.
The exceptional performance of the machines has made them a valuable addition to TAS Recycling’s fleet. The optimized design of the Liebherr engine within the material handler delivers high torque output, allowing for fast, powerful movements and shorter cycle times when processing scrap. Also, standard are intelligent machine controls that configure boom hydraulics to deliver optimal performance for tasks such as sorting ferrous and non-ferrous metals or large car frames.
TAS Recycling’s fleet of material handlers includes three Liebherr LH 30 M material handlers. Known for their enhanced stability, these machines make handling large, irregularly sized materials such as cars and heavy melting steel more efficient, significantly improving the on-site sorting process. TAS also operates an LH 40 M mobile material handler. Equipped with Liebherr’s patented energy recovery system (ERC), the LH 40 allows for maximum handling performance, increasing efficiency over long workdays while simultaneously reducing overall fuel consumption.
Additionally, Liebherr material handlers are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including sorting, transporting, and loading materials. These machines use various attachments intended for scrap handling and auto recycling. Common attachments include orange peel grabs, hydraulic magnets, stick extensions, and sorting grabs to support efficient material separation.
TAS demonstrates the advantages of integrating multiple Liebherr machines into a high-performing fleet, helping redefine the recycling industry. Their sustainable practices and waste reduction efforts, paired with the enhanced performance of Liebherr machines on site, have created an impact that is recognized throughout the region.
“TAS serves an important role in their community, and their continued growth through the years is evidence of that,” noted Barnes. “As their fleet has expanded, we have been happy to support their operations by providing the state-of-the-art equipment needed to keep their work going.”
