ATB Recycling System - Car Flattener
While Gough Engineering is known more for its Fieldchief Caterpillar products and Transmix concrete equipment products the design and operation of the ATB Vehicle Flattener has been developed in close partnership with recycling professionals ATB Recycling Systems Ltd.
Dimensions
The base dimension for the ATB Vehicle Flattener are the same as a standard ISO 20ft container and the height is about 2970mm, this means that the unit can be mounted on a ISO 20ft container trailer with twist locks. We have had a number of inquiries for the ATB Car Flattener which would have required sea freight and to reduce the handling cost over the wharf we have designed an option that provides the versatility of a trailer mounting for local transport and the ability to ship in a 20ft ISO container. This has been achieved by making the trailer mounts removable thereby reducing the width and length, as well the top frame has been split under the power pack to reduce the height so that the complete unit fits inside a 20ft container for transport. Assembly requires only basic skills and hoses and electrical connects are marked to ensure correct fit ups. The total weight for the ATB Vehicle Flattener is about 15,300Kg ( wet).
Operation
The power pack uses a double pump and is driven by a 15Kw 4 pole electric motor to supply two 6" bore x 3" rod rams. Components used in the hydraulic circuit are all off the shelf so that in the event that replacement parts are required they can be locally supplied.
The ATB Flattener uses a "Radio Remote Control" to start the cycle and emergency stop, as well emergency stops are on both sides. The cycle is controlled by a PLC which uses proximity switches to provide a signal. The PLC has 8 inputs and 10 outputs which means other features can be added in the future if required e.g. auto loading and unloading. Once activated the flattener will travel to the down position and return waiting for the next signal. Any button on the remote control or emergency stops will return the platen to the up position. In the event of hydraulic lines failing the platen will remain in position. Safety aspects of the flattener have involved consultation with Occupational Safety & Health Service to ensure that important safety features have been covered.
Car bodies are loaded into the flattener with a loader grapple, the next body ejects the previous, the length of the compactor is 2400mm.
Combined force of both rams 93 tonnes at 257 bar
The flattener shatters both angled and vertical mounted engine blocks with ease, when two bodied are being crushed at the same time engines a placed at opposite ends.
The width inside the flattener is 1810mm, wider vehicles such as were built in the 70's present no problems.
The unit has been designed to work with marginal power supply and the hydraulic circuit has been designed to minimise the size of the electric motor, a Aucom soft starter is also used for the same reason.
We are also able to add a tyre/rim remover that will be powered by the existing power pack as well as a pusher or self feeder for application where a Lift Truck is used.
The Flattener is also ideal for a disassembly line as being driven by an electric motor it can be place within a building. We can also supply the flattener with a diesel power pack for mobile auto crusher work where an electrical supply is not available. The flattener needs no foundations and can also be attached to a ISO Container trailer for road transport should you want to flatten vehicle that may be dumped away from your recycling facility.
ATB Baler Currently on the drawing board is the ATB Baler which has been designed to produce bales to industry standards in a cost effective manner. Features include hydraulic power pack and radio control operation. Use our inquiry page to request more information.
