Industrial Shredder Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What can be shredded?

The most common uses for BCA shredders are tires, construction debris, wood, paper, electronics, furniture, plastics, aluminum, copper wire and virtually anything else softer than hardened steel.

Q. How can I make money with a BCA shredder?

The recycling business is varied by everything from supply to geographic differences. There are as many people making money recycling as there are ways to do it. Let BCA partner with you from the start and specify equipment that will help provide maximum success. We have breakdowns, proforma, and sources to help you.

Q. Why does a BCA shredder have less downtime?

An operator can swap out a modular head in an hour or two and remove knives for re-sharpening. Simply dropping a second head in with fresh knives is far more efficient than any other brand machine that typically requires a full day to change knives while the whole operation is down. BCA offers an extra modular head at a greatly reduced price when ordered with the equipment.

Q. What makes BCA shredders different?

Many differences in BCA shredders are huge advantages for recycling operators such as "true portability" saving transport and handling, proprietary "Modular Head Systems" to reduce downtime costs, made in America quality at prices below cheaply made imports, hydraulic motors for more durability and power, 5" multi keyed shafts for no wash-out, full system design with 3D modeling, full custom options and always lighter weight using less power and footprint than any competing models. Your costs will always be lower with a BCA system from start-up to full operation.

Q. Can I finance a BCA shredder?

Yes. BCA has finance options and leases through vendors familiar with the industry to help you. BCA equipment also enjoys excellent resale should you move up in size or capability later.

Q. What is a tipping fee and how much should it be?

A tipping fee is what a supplier pays you to pick up his scrap tires. It varies from about $1 to $5 and some states have programs whereby the state pays a fee as well.

Q. How long does it take to get a BCA shredder delivered?

Usually, our lead time for a standard unit is just 10 to 16 weeks.

Q. Who sharpens a shredder when the knives get dull?

With BCA we have complete sharpen and head rebuilding services that offer a quick turnaround when we sharpen knives

Q. What do you mean by a "truly portable" shredder?

A "truly portable" is a shredder system that can be transported without a semi or special oversized permit. The PD1000, TF, and TIF models by BCA are the ONLY such equipment offered for sale to the entrepreneur and recycling industry. From Bahrain to Panama to Canada they perform where needed.

Q. Can a BCA shredder be used in disaster clean-up?

Yes. Most disaster efforts utilize shredders that are enormous and mounted on semi-trailers. A "truly portable" like the PD1000 can clear roads of debris and get to remote areas to shred and clean-up assist faster than any other type.

Q. What is the difference between primary and secondary shred or chip?

Primary shredding allows a tire or other material to go through the knives once and the derived shred is larger and longer than if the shred is recirculated through a trommel screen and reduced to a smaller measured chip. The secondary chip can be more useful and priced higher than the primary.

Q. What is TDF?

TDF stands for "tire-derived fuel" and is sought by power companies, concrete companies, etc. to be used as fuel. TDF is made of a secondary shred of a specific size required by the buyer of the chip.

Q. Where can I find more information on the tire recycling business?

Listed on this site are many sources in the Recycling Applications section but RMA.org and Scrap Tire News are good places to start.

Q. When I call BCA with questions, who should I ask to be connected with?

  • For Sales, ask for John.
  • For Technical Assistance and Design ask for Doug or Joe Bartelt.
  • For Financing or Payment ask for Jim.

Q. What is the process for getting a BCA shredder specified for me and ordered?

It starts with a simple question "what material am I trying to reduce and for what eventual purpose or market"? It ends with an approved BCA design or model specified for your application and delivery date. Let the BCA staff make it simple.