Karl Alfaro is the owner of Top Dollar Metal Recyclers, offering an innovative approach to scrap metal recycling. Its NSW location at Miller Road in Villawood, Sydney provides competitive rates and prompt service for cars or trucks.
Top Dollar’s certified weighbridge is designed to handle trucks of all sizes, including semi-trailers. With separate entry and exit points on different streets, it guarantees minimal wait times. On average, customers spend less than 10 minutes on site. Payments are instantly processed through the “osko” banking system, ensuring that the funds are in their customers account by the time their vehicle leaves the premises.
Top Dollar has been operating in the scrap business for 20 years, with the company initially focused on non-ferrous products before transitioning into the steel market in 2005. For 16 years it was located on Fairfield Road before relocating to its current site. Initially, the company used tracked excavators to load semi-trailers for domestic use.
On-site, a range of machines are utilised for processing the scrap metal from demolition projects. These include excavators, shears, shear balers, and a processing plant. The machinery is used to sort the metal and remove any non-metallic contaminants and prepare for further shredding, cutting or compressing in preparation for loading the scrap metal to send to its final destination.
In more recent years Top Dollar had decided to export its steel, but encountered challenges when they realised its existing equipment, mainly excavators and grabs, were not suitable for the task. While these machines were effective for loading open semis for local transportation by grabbing materials of various sizes and compacting them, different equipment was needed for loading containers bound for overseas shipment.
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After conducting research and seeking advice on the most efficient way to load containers for overseas shipping, it acquired a second-hand Fuchs MHL350, which proved to be a game-changer, significantly improving the process. Packing 24-foot containers with steel was streamlined by positioning the container upright, allowing for precise material placement with minimal space wastage around the steel. The Fuchs machine facilitated easier access during the process. Alfaro highlighted that the Fuchs machines are also easy to repair, and not as prone to dipper arm breakages, which had been an issue in the past.
Over time, as the business grew, another machine was needed. Once again Top Dollar completed its due diligence and researched other brands. However it was happy with the Fuchs machine in relation to durability and precision, so went ahead with another Fuch.
It opted for a smaller model, downsizing from a MHL350 to a MHL331 due to limited space.
“Our team puts the equipment through its paces, as this industry can be quite demanding on machinery and the Fuchs definitely holds up,” said Alfaro.
The MHL331 is known for its comfort, exceptional visibility, and pre-start access. At Top Dollar, operators frequently use the same machine, which encourages a feeling of responsibility towards maintenance and overall machine care. They find this model to be both sturdy, comfortable and reliable.
The local dealer for Fuchs is Onetrak. Alfaro likes the ongoing support and services that continue to grow with Onetrak’s expansion. Top Dollar is happy with Onetrak’s staff and its responsiveness to servicing and repairs. During Onetrak field technician Dan Mills’ recent visit, Karl noted that he accurately diagnosed an issue, estimated the repair time correctly, and even offered some additional tips. His personable nature and extra advice were appreciated.
“As the equipment ages, reliable backup support becomes increasingly vital,” said Alfaro.
As the business continues to grow Top Dollar is looking at a third machine, most likely the MHL350, later in the year.