At JMC Recycling, we understand that in scrap metal recycling, efficiency is everything. The faster you can cut and the cleaner your processed materials, the better your performance margins will be
That’s where crocodile shears (or, alligator shears) come in.
These powerful metal-cutting machines offer precision, durability, and safety, making them essential in scrapyards and recycling facilities worldwide.
But what exactly are crocodile shears, and how can they enhance your recycling operations?
What are crocodile shears?
Crocodile shears are heavy-duty cutting machines with a hinged, jaw-like blade mechanism designed to slice through various types of scrap metal.
They’re ideal for cutting materials down to manageable sizes, making them easier to process and recycle. These versatile shears are perfect for handling scrap bars, tubes, extrusions, car radiators, gearboxes, and more.
Smaller models are also the right machines to increase the value of your non-ferrous metals, by allowing you to separate different metal types which then fetch a higher price.
Why should you use crocodile shears in recycling?
Crocodile shears bring a range of benefits to recycling operations:
- Speed & efficiency: they accelerate the cutting process, saving time and reducing labour costs
- Versatility: suitable for cutting rebar, cables, radiators, and a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals allowing for both size reduction and material separation
- Durability: built for heavy-duty conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability
- Safety features: equipped with protective guards, foot switches, and optional rubber curtains for operator safety
How do crocodile shears improve recycling operations?
Integrating crocodile shears into your recycling process can significantly enhance efficiency by reducing scrap size, making materials easier to handle, transport, and process.
They also improve sorting and separation, maximising the value of recycled materials. By cutting scrap into manageable sizes, waste is minimised, streamlining operations and increasing profitability.
Additionally, automated or semi-automated models can help reduce the need for manual labour, making the recycling process even more efficient.
How to choose the right crocodile shears for your business
Investing in the right crocodile shears can make a huge difference to your recycling efficiency.
The right choice will depend on your specific needs, so it’s worth considering a few key factors before you decide:
Material type & cutting capacity – think about the type of scrap metal you process most often. Your shear needs to be powerful enough to handle your materials efficiently and consistently.
Blade length & cutting force – different shears have different blade lengths and cutting forces. Make sure you choose one that matches your workload and the thickness of materials you need to process, together with the tasks you want it to perform – such as separation into different metal types or just cutting material down to size.
Mobility – all our alligator shears, from the McIntyre 150 to 900, can be moved with a forklift, giving you much-needed flexibility within your workspace and making it easier to adapt to operational needs.
Hydraulic alligator shears – like the McIntyre 200B Alligator Shear – are powerful and durable, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks that require precision. They offer strong cutting force and long-lasting performance, which is essential for demanding recycling operations.
On the other hand, portable hand-held shears provide flexibility and convenience, making them perfect for smaller jobs or situations where more mobility is needed.
Choosing between these models depends mostly on your operational needs, material volume, and the level of portability needed in your workspace.
Crocodile shears at JMC Recycling
At JMC Recycling, we offer a premium range of new alligator shears and used crocodile shears designed for industrial recycling demands. We can also offer portable hand-held models.
Our shears are perfect for tasks like cable preparation, stripping, and granulation.
Explore our recycling products or get in touch with us to discuss your requirements – our experts are ready to help!
