In 2025, Wanshida Hydraulic Machinery successfully delivered a 315-ton Alligator Shear to a metal recycling company in Colombia, supporting the processing of ferrous scrap collected from construction sites, fabrication workshops, and industrial zones.

As Colombia’s construction and manufacturing sectors continue to grow, local scrap yards are under pressure to process heavier and more irregular steel scrap faster, while maintaining safe and cost-controlled operations.

Colombian scrap yards commonly handle:

• Rebar and structural steel from construction projects

• Steel pipes and profiles

• Fabrication offcuts

• Mixed industrial scrap

Manual or low-capacity cutting methods were no longer sufficient to keep up with daily intake.

Although labor has traditionally been affordable, costs are rising and safety regulations are becoming stricter, especially in urban and port-adjacent areas.

Flame cutting created challenges such as:

• High labor intensity

• Safety risks from sparks and open flames

• Inconsistent cutting quality

• Increased insurance and compliance pressure

The customer needed a mechanical cutting solution that could reduce risk and improve consistency.

Part of the processed scrap is transported to steel mills and export ports.
Oversized or poorly cut material increases loading time and transport cost.

The customer required clean, uniform cut lengths suitable for efficient loading and downstream processing.

After comparing several options, the customer selected the 315-ton Alligator Shear due to its:

• Strong cutting force suitable for thick and heavy steel

• Robust blade structure designed for continuous operation

• Stable hydraulic system for consistent cutting performance

• Safe operation with controlled blade movement

• Easy maintenance and long service life

The machine was configured to handle rebar bundles, steel plates, pipes, and mixed heavy scrap.

Once the shear was commissioned, the customer reported immediate improvements:

• Significant increase in cutting speed compared to previous methods

• One operator could handle most daily cutting tasks

• Cleaner and more uniform cut pieces, improving handling and stacking

• Improved workplace safety, with reduced fire and injury risks

• Lower operating cost per ton, mainly through labor savings

The shear quickly became a key piece of equipment in the yard’s daily operations.

The site manager commented:

“This 315-ton alligator shear allows us to cut heavier scrap much faster and with better control.
It has improved both our productivity and safety, which is very important for our operation in Colombia."

This project demonstrates how high-capacity alligator shears can effectively support Colombia’s growing scrap recycling industry.
By delivering powerful cutting force, safe mechanical operation, and reliable performance, Wanshida helps recyclers handle heavier scrap efficiently while preparing material for transport and downstream use.