Loaders Keep Recycler Productive

Larry Lange

For Larry Lange, plant manager at Ridge Recyclers, a division of Liberty Tire, LLC, Johnston, S.C., Bobcat� skid-steer loaders and attachments are an integral part of the company�s success. The recycling facility processes about 14,000 rubber tires a day and estimates doing four million tires in 2006.

Ridge Recyclers picks up scrap tires from South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina businesses, including tire manufacturers, car dealerships and service stations. When the tires arrive on a semi-trailer, Bobcat S175 skid-steer loaders, equipped with industrial grapple attachments, unload the trucks and carry the material to a conveyor belt. �We like the S175s because of the way they get around, and because they are not too heavy to go in and out of the trailers; they get the job done well,� Lange says.

�Our Bobcat loaders have always been good, dependable equipment,� he says. �If I did the same amount of work with employees that I do with the Bobcat loaders and attachments, it would require five or six more people.�

Staying efficient is critical to the facility�s long-term success, Lange says. �It�s a competitive business. There is not much margin for expenditures�you have to keep costs down and the loaders and attachments
have helped us remain an efficient company.�

In 2006, Ridge Recyclers purchased a new K-Series S175 loader, which Lange says has been helpful in the noisy plant areas. �It is easier for us to carry on conversations with customers or employees because the new S175 is quieter,� Lange says. �Our operators noticed a difference right away.� The KSeries loaders�S130 and larger�have a SmartFAN�, which is now variable speed and hydraulically driven. It turns only as fast as it needs to cool the loader.

Although the recycling plant is about 60 miles from his local Bobcat dealer, Lange says his Bobcat of Columbia salesman is there for him when he needs parts and service. Lange says he has a strong relationship with his dealership, which is one reason he has not looked at other compact equipment brands.

�Bobcat loaders have always been there for us,� Lange says. �They seem to be setting the pace for the others to follow in keeping up with technology.�

Lange agrees that his loaders hold up well in this industrial setting, and he recommends them to other businesses who are interested in buying a compact machine because of its dependability and versatility.

Bobcat S205 Loader

S205

The turbo-powered S205 gives you top performance in a medium-size K-Series Bobcat skid-steer loader. It offers the power to take on big lifting and digging chores and the versatility to save time and labor in many other jobs using a wide variety of Bobcat attachments. In addition to providing the security of keyless start, the optional deluxe instrument panel includes digital time and job clocks and multi-language displays.

2,050-lb. (930-kg) rated operating capacity
Vertical lift path
9-ft., 10-in. (3.0-m) lift height
16.3 GPM auxiliary hydraulic flow
25.5 GPM high-flow option
61 hp (45.5 kW) turbo diesel engine
6,655-lb. (3023-kg) operating weight

Bobcat S175 Loader

S175

Featuring a vertical lift path, the K-Series S175 gives you added lift height and lifting capability plus a longer reach at the top of the lift cycle for loading trucks and placing pallets. Great all around visibility, plus easy maneuverability in tight areas and fast cycle times add to your productivity. The swing out tailgate makes it easy to see and reach engine check and service points including the battery and oil drain.

1,750-lb. (794-kg) rated operating capacity
Vertical lift path
9-ft. 10-in. (3.0-m) lift height
16.9-gpm (64-L/min.) auxiliary hydraulic flow
46 hp (34.3 kW) diesel engine
6,220-lb. (2821-kg) operating weight

Bobcat S185 Loader

S185

For added performance with a vertical lift path Bobcat skid-steer loader, choose the S185. This rugged, state-of-the-art machine, equipped with a turbo diesel engine, is designed to keep you working comfortably and productively day in and day out. It includes such standard K-Series features as engine and hydraulic systems that monitor functions and shut down the machine to prevent catastrophic failure.

1,850-lb. (839-kg) rated operating capacity
Vertical lift path
9-ft., 10-in. (3.0-m) lift height
16.9 GPM auxiliary hydraulic flow
26.4 GPM high-flow option
56 hp (41.8 kW) turbo diesel engine
6,220-lb. (2821-kg) operating weight

Bobcat S220 Loader

S220

The large-frame S220 is the smart choice for small-space jobs that call for plenty of power and maneuverability. Yet it stands under 7-ft.-tall and only about 6-ft.-wide. This turbo-equipped, radius lift path K-Series machine easily handles digging, lifting, grading and pushing jobs. Optional two-speed moves you along at 12 mph to save time on long-haul jobs and the optional Power Bob-Tach� system saves time and effort changing attachments.

2,200-lb. (999-kg) rated operating capacity
Radius lift path
10-ft., 2-in. (3.1-m) lift height
20.7 GPM auxiliary hydraulic flow
37.0 GPM high-flow option
75 hp (56 kW) turbo diesel engine
7,483-lb. (3394-kg) operating weight

Bobcat S250 Loader

S250

When you want all-around excellence in skid-steer loader performance you can�t beat this large-frame K-Series model. With the ability to lift heavy loads high and straight up, the S250 is ideal for loading trucks and placing pallets of brick, block or sod. It also excels at dirt work and, thanks to available high-flow hydraulics, at operating special high-performance Bobcat attachments for top versatility and productivity.

2,500-lb. (1135-kg) rated operating capacity
Vertical lift path
10-ft., 9-in. (3.3-m) lift height
20.7 GPM auxiliary hydraulic flow
37 GPM high-flow auxiliary hydraulic option
75 hp (56 kW) turbo diesel engine
7,825-lb. (3549-kg) operating weight

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