ZL-PC400 High-Capacity Plastic Crusher 7.5kW 400-500kg/h | ZILLION
The ZL-PC400 High-Capacity Plastic Crusher delivers 400-500 kg/h of consistent PET, HDPE, PP rigid plastic flake at 67% higher throughput than the smaller ZL-PC300 (220-300 kg/h) at only 19% higher capital cost (USD 1250 vs USD 1050). For regional recycling hubs processing 50-100 tons per month, this throughput-per-dollar advantage translates directly to profit: a single PC400 with one operator can replace two PC300s with two operators, halving labor costs while doubling output.
The PC400's 410x250mm oversized feed opening accommodates items that would require pre-shredding on smaller machines: 200L drums cut in half, large rigid containers, automotive bumper covers, appliance housings, and bulky industrial scrap. The 12 SKD-11 rotating blades maintain consistent particle size at the higher throughput, while the 7.5kW motor provides the torque reserve needed for sustained 16-24 hour/day operation.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | ZL-PC400 |
| Motor Power | 7.5 kW (3-phase, custom voltage available) |
| Capacity | 400-500 kg/h sustained (PET bottle flakes, <5% moisture) |
| Rotating Blades | 12 pcs SKD-11 (HRC 60-62) |
| Fixed Blades | 2 pcs SKD-11 (matched set) |
| Feed Opening | 410 x 250 mm (handles 200L drums cut in half, large rigid containers) |
| 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 | 360 kg |
| Machine Size | 1150 x 820 x 1300 mm |
| Power Supply | 3-phase 380V/50Hz (220V/415V/440V/480V custom available) |
| Compliance | CE, ISO 9001, IEC 60204-1 |
For regional recycling hubs evaluating capacity expansion, the math often surprises first-time buyers: one ZL-PC400 outperforms two ZL-PC300s in most realistic operating scenarios:
| Metric | 1x ZL-PC400 | 2x ZL-PC300 | PC400 Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Cost | $1,250 | $2,100 (2 x $1,050) | -40% |
| Max Throughput | 500 kg/h | 600 kg/h (2 x 300) | -17% (acceptable trade) |
| Floor Space Required | ~3 m2 | ~6 m2 | -50% |
| Operators Required | 1 person (1 shift) | 2 people (each machine) | -50% |
| Electricity (kWh/ton) | 15 kWh/t | 18.3 kWh/t (2 machines idling) | -18% |
| Maintenance Complexity | Single machine, single spare parts inventory | Two machines, doubled spare parts inventory | Simplified |
| Monthly Profit (1 shift, 50t/mo) | ~$5,000 | ~$7,800 (more throughput, more labor) | PC300 +$2,800 |
| Profit per $ Invested | $4.00/month per $1 invested | $3.71/month per $1 invested | +8% efficiency |
Key insight for first-time recyclers: The PC400 is often the "right size" machine for new recycling hubs starting at 30-50 t/mo. You get capacity for growth without over-investing in multiple smaller units. When throughput demand exceeds 500 kg/h, that's the time to add a second PC400 (parallel operation) or upgrade to ZL-PC500+ (industrial class).
For regional recycling hubs in Southeast Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America, the ZL-PC400 serves as the primary size-reduction workhorse in a typical hub configuration:
Scaling path: Start with 1x PC400 (50-100 t/mo). When monthly volume exceeds 100 t/mo, add a 2nd PC400 in parallel for redundancy and throughput boost. When 200+ t/mo, integrate automated sorting and washing lines. The PC400 stays productive throughout-this is not a "starter machine you'll outgrow."
Realistic monthly P&L for a single-PC400 recycling hub operating at 80% capacity (50 tons of mixed PET/HDPE/PP processed per month):
| Item | Calculation | Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue (Mixed Flake Sales) | 50t x $220/ton (cleaned mixed flake avg) | +11,000 |
| Tipping Fees (where applicable) | Variable: $0-50/ton depending on jurisdiction | +0 to +2,500 |
| Material Cost (buying scrap) | 50t x $40/ton (subsidized source) | -2,000 |
| Electricity | 7.5kW x 16h x 25d x $0.10/kWh | -300 |
| Labor (1 operator + 1 sorter) | 2 x $8/h x 16h x 25d | -6,400 |
| Blade Replacement | $550 blade set / 12 months | -46 |
| Transport / Overhead | Baling + trucking + rent | -1,500 |
| Net Monthly Profit | Single PC400 hub (with tipping fees) | +754 to +3,254 |
| Net Monthly Profit | Single PC400 hub (without tipping fees) | +754 |
| Payback Period | ZL-PC400 investment ($1,250) / monthly profit | 2-6 weeks |
Regional variations: Profitability varies significantly by region. Southeast Asia hubs typically run $300-500/ton net margin (mixed flake sales to China). South Asia hubs run $200-400/ton (mostly domestic). African export hubs can hit $400-700/ton (export to Asia/Europe). Latin America hubs with domestic rPET demand can reach $500-900/ton.
Based on 2024-2026 shipment data, the ZL-PC400 High-Capacity Plastic Crusher is most frequently specified by:
These buyers typically compare the ZL-PC400 against smaller PC300 (USD 1050) for cost savings, or larger PC500+ (USD 1500+) for additional capacity. The PC400 wins when: throughput need is 400+ kg/h, capital budget is constrained, and labor cost favors single-machine operation.
Q1: How does the ZL-PC400's throughput compare to running two ZL-PC300s in parallel?
Single ZL-PC400 delivers 400-500 kg/h. Two ZL-PC300s deliver up to 600 kg/h combined (2x 300 kg/h), but require double the operators, floor space, and electricity overhead. For most recycling hubs, the PC400's 500 kg/h is sufficient, and the labor/space savings outweigh the 17% throughput gap.
Q2: What's the maximum daily throughput for a single ZL-PC400?
At 80% capacity utilization (400 kg/h average), a single PC400 can process 6.4 tons in an 8-hour shift, 12.8 tons in 16 hours, or 19.2 tons in 24 hours. For 25 working days/month, that's 160-480 tons monthly theoretical maximum. Real-world with material handling, downtime, and shift changes: 50-150 tons/month is typical.
Q3: Can the PC400 process PVC pipes and profiles at full throughput?
The PC400 handles rigid PVC at 300-400 kg/h (vs 400-500 for PET/HDPE/PP). PVC's chlorine content reduces blade life by 20-30%. For dedicated PVC pipe crushing, we recommend the PC400 with 10-12mm screen and increased blade rotation frequency.
Q4: How long do the SKD-11 blades last in continuous operation?
SKD-11 blade life on the PC400: 1000-1800 hours for PET/HDPE/PP clean streams, 600-1000 hours for PVC/ABS with chlorine/filler additives, 400-800 hours for glass-filled materials (PA, PC). Rotating blades extends total blade life 4x compared to single-edge use.
Q5: What is the FOB price and MOQ for the ZL-PC400 High-Capacity Plastic Crusher?
FOB price is USD 1,250 per set. MOQ: 1 set. Volume discounts: 5+ sets (3-5% off), 10+ sets (5-7% off), 20+ sets (8-10% off) for distributors and large recyclers.
Q6: Does the ZL-PC400 require special electrical installation?
The PC400 requires 3-phase power (380V/50Hz standard; 220V/415V/440V/480V available). For continuous operation, dedicated 25A circuit recommended. Most industrial buildings have 3-phase available.
Q7: Can the ZL-PC400 handle contamination like food residue, labels, and small metal caps?
Yes. PC400 is designed for real-world recycling streams. Food residue and labels pass through without issue. Small metal caps (PP/HDPE) pass through. Larger metal objects should be removed upstream via magnetic separator.
Q8: What is the warranty and after-sales support?
1-year warranty on the crusher (blades and wearing parts excluded). Spare parts inventory at Dongguan warehouse-ships within 3-5 days by air, 25-30 days by sea. Technical support via WhatsApp/email. On-site commissioning available for orders of 3+ units.
Q9: How loud is the ZL-PC400 during operation?
Maximum 85 dB at 1 meter. Standard hearing protection sufficient. For noise-sensitive environments, consider sound-dampening enclosure.
Q10: What maintenance schedule does the ZL-PC400 require?
Daily: 15-20 min (chamber cleaning, visual inspection). Weekly: 30 min (deep cleaning, screen check). Monthly: 1-2 hours (V-belt tension, bearing check, screen rotation). Every 6 months: 4-6 hours (blade rotation or replacement, gearbox oil change).