Electric mobile compactor delivers 80% container utilization

Epax Systems has launched the Ropax fully electric mobile compactor designed for compacting waste in open-top containers and dumpsters. 

Unlike traditional diesel-powered units, the electric compactor delivers zero on-site emissions, quieter operation, lower operating costs, and reduced maintenance requirements. With two 12kW (16HP) electric motors and a 26.2kW lithium-ion phosphate rechargeable battery, operators benefit from an average of nine hours of continuous compacting and container-moving power on a single charge. The battery recharges fully in just 10 hours, supports 45-minute fast charging to 80 percent capacity, and carries a 20-year/4,000-hour performance guarantee.

The compactor uses a two-tonne rolling drum mounted on an articulating boom. Operators drive the machine to the end of a container, deploy the drum, and move it along the container to crush material. Since operators can view the compaction process, they can determine how many crushing cycles are necessary. The mobile design allows use across sites with multiple containers.

Without compaction, EPAX Systems says most open-top containers achieve about 20 percent utilization due to air pockets and voids created by bulky items. By continually crushing container contents, the Ropax Mobile increases utilization to as much as 80 percent, reducing the frequency of container swaps and hauls.

Fewer hauls mean lower overall disposal costs and reduced wait times and traffic congestion when containers are being swapped. Unlike traditional compactors, items can still be added to the container even during the compaction process.

The operator cab is climate-controlled for comfort and ergonomically designed with joystick forward/reverse travel, a conventional steering wheel, and an emergency e-stop. A colour-reversing camera, automatic central lubrication, container-lifting arm, and optional container-transport hook add to the machine's safety and versatility.

The Ropax Mobile is effective for compaction of diverse waste streams, including cardboard, pallets, crates, cable reels, encapsulated polystyrene, hard plastics, light metals, green waste, household goods, and other bulky items