Eagle International’s Punch Cutter impacts OTR tire recycling markets
Eagle International – a renowned manufacturer of tire recycling equipment – reports that its Punch Cutter has become a well-established machine for cutting OTR tires into usable segments. Eagle’s patented machine is designed to punch through the tread of an OTR tire and split it into two halves down the center of the tread. It is a more compact option for cutting tires in half within Eagle’s flagship OTR Downsizing System.
The Punch Cutter is loaded onto the sidewall and travels around the outside of the tire, punching a blade through the tread as it cycles. Once the equipment’s programmable logic computer (PLC) has been set, the operator can hit the “start” button and the entire cutting process runs automatically. The cutting cycle lasts up to eight minutes on a 59/80R63 and will remember settings between tires of the same size. The Punch cutter is equipped to cut tires with max rim size of 63 inches and a tread width up to, and including, 70 inches. The innovative design of this machine reduces friction on the blade during the cutting process. This allows the machine to cut without any added cooling systems.
Eagle reports that once the tire is “bagel-cut” it can be more easily processed during shredding or pyrolysis, reducing wear and tear on machine components. Other uses for halved-tires include livestock water tanks and implements for scraping and snow removal. According to the company, the Punch Cutter has a proven track record in Canada, South Africa, Chile and the United States and is set to enter Argentina in the coming months.
For more information about machines built by Eagle International or how to join its network of dealers, visit www.eagle-equipment.com or call 1-800-755-8473.
Weibold is an international consulting company specializing exclusively in end-of-life tire recycling and pyrolysis. Since 1999, we have helped companies grow and build profitable businesses.