ZL-PC300 Scrap Yard Plastic Crusher 5.5kW 220-300kg/h
Scrap yard operations handle unpredictable, mixed plastic streams-rigid and flexible, sorted and unsorted, contaminated and clean. The ZL-PC300 Scrap Yard Plastic Crusher is engineered for this reality: heavy-duty 9 SKD-11 blade system tolerates contamination (metal fragments, paper labels, residual content), oversized 310x220mm feed opening handles bulky items, and 220-300 kg/h throughput keeps up with typical scrap yard intake rates (1-3 tons/day). The output 6-12mm flake is ideal for downstream density separation (float-sink tanks) and baling for sale to processors.
For scrap yard operators, recycling centers, and waste brokers, the ZL-PC300 turns incoming mixed scrap into saleable flake-adds 20-40% to material value compared to whole-item sale, while reducing transport costs by 50-70% via volume reduction.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | ZL-PC300 |
| Motor Power | 5.5 kW (3-phase, custom voltage available) |
| Capacity | 220-300 kg/h sustained (PET bottle flakes, <5% moisture) |
| Rotating Blades | 9 pcs SKD-11 (HRC 60-62) |
| Fixed Blades | 2 pcs SKD-11 (matched set) |
| Feed Opening | 310 x 220 mm (accommodates whole 2L bottles, larger rigid items) |
| Screen Mesh | 8mm default (6/10/12/14/16/18/20mm interchangeable) |
| Rotor Speed | 500 RPM (low-speed high-torque for clean cuts) |
| Noise Level | Max 85 dB at 1m |
| Net Weight | 300 kg |
| Machine Size | 1100 x 730 x 1200 mm |
| Power Supply | 3-phase 380V/50Hz (220V/415V/440V/480V custom available) |
| Compliance | CE, ISO 9001, IEC 60204-1 |
A typical scrap yard operation follows a 4-stage workflow: intake, sorting, size reduction (PC300), and baling/shipping. The ZL-PC300 sits at the critical size reduction stage that converts bulky mixed waste into uniform flake for downstream processing:
| Stage | Activity | PC300 Role | Throughput |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Intake | Receive, weigh, sort by visual inspection | — | Up to 3-5 tons/day |
| 2. Sorting | Remove non-plastic, separate by resin type (manual or automated) | — | 50-70% of input |
| 3. Size Reduction | Convert sorted plastic into 6-12mm flake | ZL-PC300 is the workhorse | 220-300 kg/h |
| 4. Baling/Shipping | Compact flake into bales (1m x 1m x 1.5m) for transport | — | 400-600 kg/bale |
Typical scrap yard operation with PC300: Intake 3 tons/day -> sort to 2 tons plastic -> PC300 processing 8 hours -> 1.6-2.4 tons of flake output -> 3-4 bales/day for shipping.
Equipment layout: Standard scrap yard PC300 setup includes intake platform (2x3m), sorting tables (2x4m), PC300 with hopper (1.5x1.5m), output conveyor (3-5m), and baling press. Total footprint: ~50 sqm.
The PC300 produces best output on sorted or partially sorted streams. For mixed stream intake (typical for scrap yards), pre-sorting maximizes value and reduces contamination:
Pre-sorting economics: Sorted PET flake: USD 250-350/ton. Unsorted mixed PET/HDPE/PP flake: USD 150-220/ton. Sorting cost: USD 50-100/ton. Net benefit of sorting: USD 50-150/ton.
Scrap yard profitability depends on volume throughput and material value capture. The PC300 enables scrap yards to process higher volumes and capture more value via size reduction. Here's a realistic monthly P&L for a single-PC300 scrap yard:
| Item | Calculation | Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue (Mixed Flake Sale) | 250 kg/h x 8h x 25d = 50,000 kg/mo x $180/ton (mixed flake avg) | +9,000 |
| Revenue (Tipping Fees) | 50 t/mo intake x $20/ton tipping fee | +1,000 |
| Labor (3 workers: 2 sort + 1 op) | 3 x $8/h x 8h x 25d | -4,800 |
| Electricity | 5.5kW x 8h x 25d x $0.10/kWh | -110 |
| Baling + Transport | Outbound shipping to processors | -1,500 |
| Blade Replacement | $450 blade set / 12 months | -38 |
| Net Monthly Profit | 1-shift, single PC300 scrap yard | +3,552 |
| Payback Period | ZL-PC300 investment ($1050) / monthly profit | ~9 days |
Revenue enhancement strategies:
Scrap yard operations are increasingly subject to environmental and trade regulations. The ZL-PC300 supports compliance through documentation, traceability, and material-specific processing:
Q1: Can the ZL-PC300 process mixed plastic streams without pre-sorting?
Yes, but with reduced value capture. Mixed stream output sells for USD 150-220/ton (mixed flake). Sorted single-resin streams sell for USD 250-400/ton (clean PET, clear HDPE). Most profitable operations do at least basic pre-sorting (manual or automated).
Q2: What is the typical throughput for a scrap yard using PC300?
Single PC300 with 1 operator: 220-300 kg/h, or 1.7-2.4 tons per 8-hour shift. With 2-shift operation: 3.5-4.8 tons per day. For larger scrap yards (5-20 tons/day intake), 2-4 PC300s in parallel are typical.
Q3: Can the PC300 handle metal contamination (aluminum cans, steel fragments)?
Small metal fragments pass through without damage. Larger metal objects (cans, tools, wire) should be removed upstream via magnetic separator or manual sort. The PC300's SKD-11 blades are tough but not designed for metal cutting-impact with large metal objects can chip blades.
Q4: How do I price the output from scrap yard operations?
Mixed PET/HDPE/PP flake: USD 150-220/ton. Sorted clean PET flake: USD 280-380/ton. Sorted HDPE flake: USD 250-350/ton. Engineering plastics (ABS, PC): USD 400-800/ton. Prices fluctuate with virgin resin prices and oil prices.
Q5: What's the difference between a scrap yard crusher and a recycling line crusher?
Scrap yard crushers (like PC300) handle variable input quality with high contamination tolerance. Recycling line crushers typically process pre-sorted, cleaner material with stricter output requirements. PC300 fits both applications-flexible enough for scrap yard variability, clean enough for recycling line output.
Q6: Can the ZL-PC300 be used for processing other materials besides plastic?
Technically yes (paper, cardboard, light metal), but not recommended. The PC300 is designed for plastic-specific cutting. Other materials may damage blades or cause safety issues. For mixed waste operations, separate processing lines for different material types.
Q7: What is the best screen mesh for scrap yard operations?
8-10mm screen is recommended for most scrap yard applications. Allows for fast processing while producing uniform flake suitable for baling and shipping. Smaller screens (6mm) for higher-value sorted streams; larger screens (12-14mm) for bulky items or pre-crushing.
Q8: How does the PC300 handle bulky rigid plastic items (buckets, bins, crates)?
The 310x220mm feed opening accepts most bulky items. Very large items (e.g., 60L bins, large crates) may require pre-cutting to fit. For typical scrap yard intake (bottles, containers, small-to-medium bulky items), the PC300 handles without pre-cutting.
Q9: What's the FOB price and MOQ for the ZL-PC300 Scrap Yard Plastic Crusher?
FOB price: USD 1050/set. MOQ: 1 set. For scrap yard customers, we recommend ordering 2 sets for redundancy and 1.5x throughput. Volume pricing available for 5+ units.
Q10: Can the PC300 be integrated with automated sorting systems?
Yes. The PC300's feed hopper accepts conveyor belt feed from upstream sorting tables, NIR optical sorters, or manual sorting stations. Output conveyor can feed directly to baler, wash line, or storage silo. Standard automation interfaces available.
Scrap yard operations run plastic crushers for 8-12 hours daily with high variability in feed material. The ZL-PC300 scrap yard plastic crusher is engineered for this duty pattern with three scrap-yard-specific features: (1) 460 RPM rotor speed optimized for mixed-plastic feed (not tuned to one polymer like single-purpose crushers), (2) oversized feed hopper at 600x500mm opening accepting bulky scrap without pre-sorting, and (3) reversible screen carriage allowing screen changes in 10 minutes without tool removal, critical for scrap yards that switch between 8mm screen for film and 14mm screen for rigid plastic throughout the day. Typical scrap yard duty cycle: 6 hours crushing rigid plastic (pipes, profiles, sheets) at 250-300 kg/h, 2 hours crushing film and bags at 200-220 kg/h, 2 hours crushing bulky items (crates, pallets, drums) at 150-180 kg/h. Daily output: 3000-3600 kg of mixed plastic flakes requiring downstream sorting. ZL-PC300 is rated for continuous duty at 220V three-phase industrial power typical of Chinese scrap yard electrical service, with optional 380V/440V/480V configurations for export markets. Operator workflow: load scrap via forklift into hopper, monitor amperage gauge (target 18-22A at full load), empty collection bin every 45-60 minutes.
Scrap yards typically run one primary crusher sized to peak daily throughput. The ZL-PC300 at 220-300 kg/h suits small to mid-size scrap yards processing 5-8 tons per day, while ZL-PC400 at 350-450 kg/h suits mid-size yards at 8-12 tons per day, and ZL-PC500 at 500-650 kg/h suits large yards at 12-18 tons per day. Selection depends on three factors: (1) Daily input volume: yards below 5 tons/day are better served by ZL-PC250 at 180 kg/h with lower capital cost; yards above 10 tons/day need PC400 or PC500 to avoid crusher becoming bottleneck. (2) Available space: ZL-PC300 footprint at 1100x730x1200mm fits standard scrap yard sorting bays; PC500 at 1500x950x1500mm requires dedicated crushing bay with 2m clearance on three sides. (3) Power availability: ZL-PC300 at 5.5kW suits 220V three-phase typical of Chinese scrap yards; PC500 at 11kW may require electrical service upgrade. For scrap yards in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and similar markets, ZL-PC300 is the standard selection.
Scrap yard crusher economics depend on three revenue streams and three cost categories. Revenue: (1) Mixed plastic flake sales at 1500-2500 RMB per ton depending on quality and polymer mix, (2) Sorting premium for clean separated flakes at 3500-5000 RMB per ton, (3) Volume bonus from high-throughput processing at 10-15% above low-volume competitors. Costs: (1) Electricity at 5.5kW x 10 hours/day x 0.7 RMB per kWh = 38.5 RMB per day, (2) Blade replacement at 4-6 weeks cycle = 800 RMB per month = 27 RMB per day, (3) Labor at 1 operator = 200 RMB per day. Net margin: at 3000 kg/day throughput and 2000 RMB per ton average selling price, revenue is 6000 RMB per day, costs are 265.5 RMB per day, net margin is 5734.5 RMB per day or 91% gross margin. ZL-PC300 typically pays back capital cost in 45-60 days at these economics. Scrap yard owners should evaluate total daily throughput and target polymer mix before selecting crusher size.