40ft Vertical Loader for Aluminium Scrap Container Loading
A custom 40ft vertical loading solution for efficient aluminium scrap container loading from yard to terminal. Designed to support gravity-assisted loading and improved loading flow, with a reported ~40% reduction in loading time. Read the full project story below.
Recorded project results
More per container, less effort per load
These results were recorded at the Danish aluminium scrap facility after the custom 40ft vertical loader was put into operation.
30% more scrap per container
More material moved in every trip.
40% shorter loading time
Less time spent loading each container.
50% less labour
Fewer people needed at the loading point.
The challenge: loading more scrap without slowing the yard
For a Danish scrap processor, aluminium scrap moves from the processing yard to a terminal in 40ft shipping containers. With substantial volumes to handle, every loading cycle matters. The customer needed to fill containers more effectively, shorten loading time and reduce the number of people required at the loading point.
The existing horizontal method took time and left part of the available container capacity unused. That affected both yard throughput and the amount of material moved per container trip.
This loading challenge also appears with other scrap and recycling materials. VAKO’s guide to vertical container loading explains how loading from above changes the way loose material settles.
The solution
A custom 40ft vertical loader
VAKO designed and built a mobile vertical loader around the customer’s aluminium scrap flow. The system tilts the container into a vertical position so material can be loaded from above. Gravity helps the scrap settle throughout the available space. Wireless remote control lets the operator work at a distance, while hydraulic rear support legs stabilise the unit during loading. The design builds on VAKO’s experience with the MVL20 and was adapted for this 40ft operation. Pacton supplied the chassis.
Recorded at the customer site
Before and after the new loading method
| Aspect | Previous loading method | VAKO 40ft vertical loader |
| Loading time per container | 30–45 minutes | 15–25 minutes |
| People required for loading | 2–3 people | 1 operator |
| Container volume utilisation | 75–85% | 95–100% |
What these results mean in practice
The 40% shorter loading time is the recorded overall project result; the table shows the documented before-and-after loading-time ranges. The 30% increase in scrap per container was recorded separately from container volume utilisation. More material could be moved in each suitable container, within the applicable weight limits.
For another scrap yard, the business case starts with its own material, current payload, loading cycle and annual container volume. Explore the MVL40’s specifications, then use VAKO’s container loading ROI calculator for an initial estimate.
Delivery
Built and commissioned in Denmark
VAKO managed the design, construction and testing before delivering the unit to Denmark. On site, the team demonstrated the loading sequence, trained operators and carried out commissioning tests together with the customer. This connected the engineered machine with the customer’s everyday loading routine.
Find out what your loading process could gain
Share your scrap type, current payload, loading time and annual container volume. VAKO’s engineers can assess your setup and discuss a suitable loading concept.
Interested in a similar solution?
Contact us to discuss how VAKO can help you achieve your goals with a custom-engineered solution.