SENNEBOGEN 340G telehandler improves the view in Macon County, NC

When it comes to waste management, efficiency, safety and reliability are priorities driving decisions from day one, according to staff members of the Macon County Solid Waste Management Department in western North Carolina.

The agency operates a recycling plant in a facility originally designed to bale incoming materials. More recently, the building has undergone significant transformations centered around one machine: a SENNEBOGEN telehandler (telescopic handler).

The Macon County Solid Waste Management building had been dormant for years after previously hosting a baler and conveyor that occupied the center of its floor space.

When Chris Stahl, director of Solid Waste Management for Macon County, first saw a SENNEBOGEN 305C telehandler at a SWANA event in Atlanta, it was clear the machine had the potential to revolutionize his operation.

“We rebuilt our facility around that first 305C, and it became the core of our material recovery efforts,” Stahl says.

The building, with its history and layout, wasn’t ideally suited for the modern demands of a material recovery facility. Unlike most transfer stations, it doesn’t have a tunnel for trucks.

Instead, trucks sit on the tipping floor, requiring a handling machine that can operate efficiently in a narrow, confined space while still being capable of loading 13-foot trailers.

Enter the SENNEBOGEN 340G

“When we started our operation back in 2006, North Carolina had just introduced new waste [landfill] bans,” Stahl says. “We immediately incorporated the recovery of banned materials into our processes.”

The 340G telehandler, with its compact size and impressive load capacity, was the perfect fit for its needs. “The 340G’s elevating cab was the game-changer for us,” Stahl says.

“When loading trucks, our operators often have their backs to traffic, with customers backing in—a less-than-ideal situation,” he continues. “The elevated cab provides a clear view over the entire operation, significantly enhancing safety, which is our No. 1 priority. In a tight space with heavy traffic, this feature alone made the 340G indispensable.”

Macon County Solid Waste Management handles everything from scrap metal and cardboard to pallets. The SENNEBOGEN 340G not only meets those capacity needs but also offers superior maneuverability within the narrow building.

“The machine’s ability to load trucks without taking up excessive space on the floor sets it apart from other telehandlers, Stahl says. “Before the 340G, we had to stop traffic to load trucks because larger loaders simply couldn’t operate in our space without causing disruptions.”

He continues, “The 340G checks all the boxes. Though we haven’t had it for long, we’ve already experienced its advantages over the older 305 models we used. It’s beefier, with a more robust bucket that holds twice as much as the 305s’, and it’s designed for heavier loads. The fact that we bought the first and last 305 in the U.S., and now the second 340, speaks volumes about our trust in SENNEBOGEN machines.”

Unmatched Performance and Reliability

At Macon County Solid Waste Management, uptime is critical. The tipping floor must cleared by 4:30 p.m. every day, with no exceptions. The 340G’s reliability ensures that deadline is met consistently.

“The service we’ve received has been top-notch, ensuring minimal downtime and allowing us to maintain continuous operations without interruption,” Stahl says.

Tony, one of Macon County’s operators, sums it up perfectly: “It’s the machine you gotta have.”

With features like beefier solid tires to prevent flats, a dependable Cummins engine that’s easier to maintain, exceptional lighting and a backup camera for a better field of view, the 340G is a workhorse designed to last.

“Operating the 340G is like driving a Cadillac compared to the older 305,” Stahl says. “The cab is comfortable, the sightlines are excellent and the safety features—like windows, cameras, AC, heat and stereo—make it a pleasure to operate.

“Our operators are more comfortable, less fatigued and safer, which directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of our waste recovery operations.”

The long-range goals established by the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan focus on waste reduction and recycling opportunities as well as efficient, cost-effective operations.

The SENNEBOGEN 340G plays a crucial role in achieving these goals by ensuring safe and effective management of the material recovery process in Macon County.

Stahl concludes, “At Macon County Solid Waste Management, we’re proud of the work we do and the role the SENNEBOGEN 340G plays in our success. It’s more than just a machine; it’s an integral part of our commitment to sustainability, safety and service.”