Predax 2112: gamechanger in pre-shredding

In a world of geopolitical uncertainty, where access to certain raw materials is increasingly constrained, control over scrap is becoming critical. Rising energy costs and stricter regulations are also pushing operators to prioritise safety and efficiency. Nowhere is this more evident than in shredding operations.

Pre-shredders are becoming a fundamental part of modern scrap processing. Preprocessing feedstock material reduces the risk of explosions, minimises wear on downstream equipment and increases overall plant throughput, directly impacting operational performance.

CURRENT SOLUTIONS

Traditionally, operators have been forced to choose between stationary pre-shredders, rotary shears or portable twin-shaft shredders. Each option comes with trade-offs. Rotary shears involve high maintenance and replacement costs often exceeding EUR 125 000 every 20 000 tonnes, along with significant downtime for blade replacement.

Twinshaft shredders, although portable, typically lack the processing force and durability required for most scrap applications, incurring constant and expensive maintenance. As a result, the market has shifted toward lowspeed, high-torque pre-shredding technologies that deliver superior durability with lower operational costs over (under EUR 5 per tonne).

ZB GROUP’S PREDAX

2112 Building on its experience in mobile shredding systems, ZB Group has developed a solution that combines the performance of large stationary pre-shredders with the flexibility of a mobile platform.

The result is the Predax 2112, a system incorporating multiple patented technologies to deliver high-performance pre-shredding capabilities without extensive civil works or commitment to a permanent location.

TRANSPORTATION

The Predax 2112 has been designed with transport and mobility in mind. Due to its compact dimensions, the machine can be prepared, transported and installed within a few hours.

Using advanced materials, structural optimisation, and patented mechanisms, the system maintains a transport height of three metres (10 ft) and a total weight of 48 tonnes, ensuring compliance with road transport regulations in most countries.

SPECIFICATIONS

The Predax 2112 can be configured with either a diesel or electric power package, depending on operational requirements. The shafts are manufactured from high-strength steel and can be rebuilt through periodic hard-facing. This significantly extends their lifespan while drastically reducing operating costs compared to rotary shears and twin-shaft shredders.

The shafts are powered by Hägglunds Quantum high-torque hydraulic motors, operating at speeds between 3 and 15 rpm. A key advantage of the Predax 2112 is its patented output restriction system. This mechanism allows operators to select between different output sizes depending on the material being processed.

PERFORMANCE

With an inlet width of 2.1m (6.9 ft), the Predax 2112 delivers throughputs ranging from 15 to 40 tonnes per hour and achieves output densities of up to 0.5 tonnes per cubic metre, depending on material and configuration of the outfeed restrictor.

This enables efficient processing of a wide range of materials, including end-of-life vehicles, baled scrap and mixed light ferrous material.

CONCLUSION

The Predax 2112 represents a significant advancement in scrap processing. By integrating patented tearing technology into a portable system, it delivers the performance of large-scale pre-shredders with the flexibility required for modern recycling operations. These capabilities are not theoretical: they are already delivering measurable results in the field.

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