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 committed to minimizing a junk car’s negative impact on the environment and is diligently working to responsibly recycle end-of-life vehicles and salvage sustainably.
Founded in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2013, TAS Recycling has grown into a multi-state metal recycling and salvage operation with additional locations in Florida and North Carolina becoming a premier auto recycling service for the region. With the help of their fleet of 8 Liebherr machines, they continue to expand their capacity and further solidify their position in the metal and auto recycling industry
Motivated by their mission of sustainability and giving a new purpose to metals set for the landfill, TAS not only reduces the waste coming from the junk cars they disassemble and recycle, but follows strict guidelines on waste management and pollution prevention within their own operations to ensure all materials are reclaimed and disposed of properly.
“We are grateful for the confidence TAS has put into our machines,” notes 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 collaborated with Liebherr dealer Reco Equipment, Inc. to identify the most effective solutions for their job sites. Covering areas throughout the Midwest, Reco Equipment, Inc. works closely with customers like TAS to grow their businesses by expanding their fleet with optimized machines.
Heavy-duty dismantling
Across their two locations in Knoxville, TAS Recycling puts their four Liebherr R 922 crawler excavators to work handling large pieces of material including aluminum wheels, stainless steel and more. The excavator is equipped with a specialized auto dismantling attachment, allowing it to efficiently handle dismantled cars, aluminum wheels and stainless steel, easily maneuvering around the site to properly break up the material to be recycled properly.
When working with large sharp and potentially dangerous pieces of auto scrap, safety is top priority. That’s why the R 922 crawler excavator is designed with panoramic visibility and a camera in the rear and right side of the equipment to allow operators a full view of their surroundings and increase safety throughout the site. Also built standard into the excavator is a ROPS-certified cab structure, providing rollover protection as well as keeping the operator safe in case of emergency.
TAS Recycling has incorporated Liebherr’s latest generation of crawler excavators into their operations, showcasing the advanced engineering and upgraded 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 choice 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 developed for heavy-duty operations that demand high stability and increased power, providing the ideal solution for TAS.
We really admire the German engineering, this type of equipment is really strong and superior to others in the market.
Not only does TAS employ Liebherr crawler excavators to support its recycling operations, but implements Liebherr material handling technology for efficient large-scale sorting. “We really admire the German engineering,” noted Harry Hernandez, President and CEO of TAS Recycling. “This type of equipment is really strong and superior to others in the market.”
Enhanced scrap sorting
Difficult applications like auto recycling require a powerful machine that can properly handle bulky metal pieces throughout the disassembly and recycling process. With the help of Liebherr material handling machines, TAS Recycling is able to achieve faster work cycles and enhance their sorting capabilities. Built using high-strength steel plates, the material handler’s undercarriage is configured for the toughest of requirements and maintains a high torsional stiffness and optimum absorption of forces induced from long days of scrap handling.
The unparalleled performance of the machines has made it a valuable addition to TAS Recycling’s fleet. The optimized design of the Liebherr engine within the material handler supplies the machine with high torque output, allowing for fast and strong movements and faster cycle times when processing scrap. Also standard in the machine are the intelligent machine controls that configure the hydraulics of the boom for the best performance of the task at hand whether it be sorting ferrous and non-ferrous metals or large car frames
TAS Recycling’s fleet of material handlers include three Liebherr LH 30 M material handlers. Known for their enhanced stability, it makes handling large, irregular sized materials such as cars and heavy melting steel a breeze, greatly improving the sorting process on site.TAS is also home to an LH 40 M material handler. Equipped with Liebherr’s patented energy recovery system (ERC), the LH 40 allows for maximum handling capacity to increase efficiency on long workdays while simultaneously lowering the overall fuel consumption of the machine.
Additionally, Liebherr material handlers are designed to perform tasks such as sorting, transporting, and loading materials. These machines use various attachments intended for scrap handling, including auto recycling. Common attachments include orange peel grabs, hydraulic magnets, stick extensions, and sorting grabs to facilitate the sorting process.
TAS demonstrates the benefits of integrating multiple Liebherr machines into a successful fleet and is redefining the recycling industry. Their sustainable practices and waste reduction paired with the enhanced performance of the Liebherr machines on site has created an impact that is felt 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.”
