Komatsu waste spec loaders operated by Cleanaway

One of Australia's leading waste management and recycling companies, Cleanaway, have been operating two Komatsu WA430-6 waste spec loaders for the last year.

The loaders have been operating in a critical high-volume application, in a handling facility that caters for Melbourne’s south-eastern region.

Operating the South East Melbourne Transfer Station (SEMTS) in Dandenong, Cleanaway Waste Management was purpose-built in 2017 as a commercial drop off and disposal facility. They received general waste, construction and demolition waste, and timber for Melbourne’s south-east.

The two Komatsu loaders operate 18-19 hours a day from Monday to Friday, each logging around 4500 hours annually says Oliver Walther, Cleanaway’s National Fleet Manager.

A nine cubic metre waste handling bucket is fitted within each loader, as well as solid tyres to aid in eliminating punctures.

“Their main role is moving and separating waste material as it’s received so it can be shredded and compacted for transporting to the next facility.”, said Walther.

According to Oliver,  the company’s SEMTS site ships out approximately 15000 tonnes a day, with an average of 38 tonnes, six times a day for each road train’s payload.

“This means it’s essential that the two loaders are able to keep up with the required cycle times, as well as maintaing high levels of availability.

“We’ve had the loaders on site for over 12 months now, and side from a few minor issues, we’re getting excellent reliability from them.”, he said.

“We’ve got a full maintenance agreement with Komatsu so any issues are quickly addressed and out operators are supported with training for correct application.”

Walther said that Cleanaway opted for the Komatsu loaders for this critical application based on their reliability, specifications, price and availability.

“Nationally, we run a fleet of 10-12 Komatsu machines in our waste management operations, so we knew they would be able to meet our stringent reliability and availability requirements.”, said Walther.