Machinery to dismantle or partly disassembly pallets has evolved in the past 10-15 years, just as the pallet recycling business has evolved.

The two fundamental types of technology – a moving bandsaw inserted between deck boards and stringers to sever nails or circular shears or discs to accomplish the same task – have remained the same, although machinery suppliers have improved on these concepts considerably. The improvements allow pallet recyclers to disassemble pallets faster and in a safer environment. In addition, they are able to recover more used pallet parts, and the quality of recycled lumber has improved. A third type of technology has developed, too – the use of hydraulics to pry deck boards from the stringers.

While some suppliers have developed specialty machines – to remove a leading edge deck board, for example – others have designed versatile machines that can perform multiple tasks, such as removing a leading edge deck board, removing a single stringer and disassembling the entire pallet.

Suppliers offer various machines for different types of pallets, from standard, GMA pallets to large, oversize pallets and skids. Disc-type dismantlers are available with one or more ‘heads’ to sever nails from one stringer or all stringers – depending on the speed and production rates required of the recycler. Other improvements generally make either type of equipment more ‘user friendly’ – easier to operate and with less labor. Some features have been automated, such as the table adjustment of bandsaw machines.

Another more recent innovation is the coupling of dismantling machines with conveying equipment to speed up the material handling involved with recovered pallet parts and reduce labor and other costs. This ancillary equipment may be available as a standard or optional feature, and some of the dismantlers are designed to accommodate theses additional systems. For example, some machines are designed so that reclaimed lumber automatically falls into a discharge conveyor.

Some suppliers have gone even a step further and offering complete systems: a dismantling machine coupled with handling equipment that automatically feeds a trim saw to cut reclaimed material to the correct length.

Pallet Enterprise offers a review below of dismantling equipment offered by leading suppliers to the pallet industry; suppliers are listed by alphabetical order. Some suppliers manufacture or distribute only one type of machine – bandsaw or disc – while others offer both. Some suppliers also offer an array of other pallet recycling and material handling machinery and equipment as well as considerable consulting expertise.

Pallet recycling businesses are diverse, and no single machine likely is the solution for every one. The machine or machines that any company would choose to invest in must meet its requirements for production, safety, pallet type and size, and other factors. Pallet recyclers should carefully consider their pallet disassembly needs and what type of machine and features will best satisfy them.

Automated Machine Systems (AMS) is full service, design and supply integrator providing complete pallet logistics from start to finish. It offers cost effective automated solutions to the pallet and material handling industries.

AMS supplies products and services that support pallet repair, sorting, handling, wood recovery, grinding, palletizing, washing, drying and painting. It can integrate systems and equipment with new or existing machinery and for small or large volumes of pallets.

The strategic relationship that AMS has with several dismantling equipment vendors allows it to offer a complete line of products to equip pallet companies to recover and process recycled pallet components. These products include trim saws, dismantlers, unstubbers, shearer/slicers, and chop saws that will make lumber recovery operations more efficient and profitable.

For example, the MSI Tres three-head dismantler, a high-production, high-volume machine, may be integrated with a tipper and infeed conveyor to automate wood recovery. The Tres cutting blades efficiently remove deck boards, stringers and blocks, and the recovered pallet parts are automatically routed in different directions to help streamline recycling and integrate with other processing and finishing equipment, such as trim saws, chop saws and grinders.

AMS also supplies the Deckmate, a heavy-duty pallet prepping machine powered by a 5 hp motor that hydraulically removes damaged deck boards. It can be used as a builder’s table or an inspection-transfer table. This highly productive machine requires only one operator to make quality decisions regarding which boards should be removed from the pallet. The Deckmate’s flexibility allows this unit to be used in numerous line operations. Optional features include ball transfer table, table mounted pallet flipper, adjustable feet, and nailing tool boom.

The Deckmaster hydraulically removes damaged deck boards and depresses all nail stubble on the pallet while eliminating blade costs. It removes pry bars and hammers out of the builders's hands and places repair decision making in one person's hands. It can prep 1,200 pallets per shift, according to AMS. With optional in-table rollers, it provides the opportunity for a 90-degree turn in pallet flow.

The newest innovation from AMS is the Palmate™ pallet management system with bar coding. The basic Palmate™ system consists of a bar coding, inventory control and accounting system. It comes with a high-speed printer, bar code label dispenser, scanners (wireless or line), rewinders and software. Palmate™ can be used for inventory control of incoming and outgoing pallets, tracking and analyzing production, quality control, pallet grading, and other management issues. It can operate as a stand-alone, complete application designed specifically for a customer's requirements. AMS also can engineer software that integrates with existing systems.

For more information, contact Automated Machine Systems Inc. at (877) 267-8384 or visit the Web site at www.amssystems.com.

Industrial Resources of Michigan has been manufacturing high quality pallet dismantling equipment since 1988. The company’s line of equipment includes both rotary shear blade and bandsaw type dismantlers.

In the rotary shear blade category, Industrial Resources makes the Pass-One, Pass-Two, and the triple Pass-Two. It also manufactures a ‘short head’ triple machine that feeds the boards to the side and stringers to the rear.

The Pass-One with optional upper arm lift is a very versatile dismantler. It can remove single stringers in one pass, selectively remove lead boards, or totally dismantle the pallet, depending on the operator’s choice.

The Pass-One, Pass-Two, and the triple Pass-Two may be run by a single operator. The machines have a cycle time of about six seconds for high production. The Pass-One and Pass-Two machines are available with either 8-inch or 10-inch diameter cutting blades, and Industrial Resources also offers a blade that is tailored for the CHEP U.S.A. stringer pallet.

All Industrial Resources rotary shear blade machines are hydraulically powered, and the hydraulic systems are self-contained in the machines. The dismantlers feature NEMA-rated motor starters and push-button systems. Forklift pockets are standard to make it easy to move the machines.

In the bandsaw category, the Rapid Cut II is the most heavy-duty and fastest dismantler available from Industrial Resources. The Rapid Cut II features control buttons on both sides of the machine and automatic air-operated blade tensioning. High performance blade guide wheels are conical to allow the blade to re-establish proper tracking when the operator occasionally pulls the blade off track.

Industrial Resources also manufactures the Wolverine bandsaw dismantler and the Lead Board Rapid Cut Saw. The Wolverine is convertible for one-man or two-man operation and features automatic air tensioning of the blade. The blade drive wheel is gear-driven through a heavy-duty helical gearbox.

All Industrial Resources bandsaw dismantlers run the blade on automotive style tires and wheels in order to absorb the shock loading generated by high speed, intermittent cutting of nails.

Industrial Resources also manufactures bandsaw blades using Lenox material for all its dismantling machines as well as dismantlers built by other manufacturers.

For special purpose or unusual dismantling requirements, the Industrial Resources engineering department can customize any dismantler model. For example, the company has furnished specialty dismantlers to remove corrugated containers from pallets and for dismantling mattresses by cutting the spring assemblies from wooden frames.

For more information, contact Industrial Resources of Michigan at (800) 748-0306 or visit the Web site at www.industrialresourcesusa.com..

Juston Minick, president of Minick Enterprises, knows the importance of selling quality used pallets. He has been in the pallet business for years.

In 1990, Juston began to mechanize his pallet repair operations by developing his own equipment. His first project was a hand-held plater that increased the value of used pallets with damaged stringers up to $1.50 each. Since then, Juston has developed additional plating equipment, including a stringer splicer, stringer end-plater, and a table-mounted plater with hold-down that has a cycle time of one second.

In 1993 Juston expanded into other areas of pallet recycling equipment by designing a lead board remover. The machine removes damaged lead boards and also doubles as a work table. Juston received his first patent on his lead board remover.

With the successful design of the lead board remover, Juston took another step further and developed a pallet dismantling machine that worked on the same principle and disassembles a complete pallet in 30 seconds.

Juston addressed another challenge of pallet recyclers: nail stubble on used deck boards and stringers. He designed the Ultra Nail Cutter, a portable, light-weight machine that runs off 120V, takes only one person to operate, and efficiently cuts off nail stubble.

Last year Minick Enterprises introduced its Any Board Remover, the culmination of many years of designing and redesigning. This machine will remove any damaged board on the pallet and compress any remaining nail stubble into the stringer. It eliminates the labor-intensive and tiring task of removing an interior deck board with a pry bar and hammer. "This machine will revolutionize the pallet repair industry," said Juston.

Minick Enterprises is especially proud of the safety built into the design and construction of its pallet recycling equipment. A number of businesses employing handicapped people have purchased equipment from Minick Enterprises because of its safety.

Minick Enterprises has all equipment in stock, ready for immediate shipment. The company is small enough to give each customer the individual attention they deserve, yet big enough to get the job done right.

For more information, contact Minick Enterprises at (888) 490-4300, fax (501) 490-1009, e-mail minickent@aristotle.net, or visit the Web site at www.minickenterprises.com.

Machine Specialists Inc. (MSI) manufactures both bandsaw and disc-type dismantling machines for pallet recyclers.

The MSI Cut & Go bandsaw dismantler is a heavy-duty, high-speed machine designed for one operator. The Cut & Go can dismantle 400 pallets per day, according to MSI. It can quickly dismantle any pallet under 54 inches wide, including block pallets, four-stringer pallets, and heavily plugged pallets.

The MSI Cut & Go combines high speed blade movement with a compact design that includes an exhaust conveyor for deck boards and stringers. It features a mechanical actuator that raises and lowers the table with the touch of a button.

A unique feature of the MSI Cut & Go is that it may be set inline without adding more conveyor. This allows two or more Cut & Go machines to feed a single MSI Trim-Trac end trim saw, reducing material handling while increasing productivity.

The MSI Tres is a disc-type dismantler that may be operated by one man. Average production is 800-1,000 pallets per day, according to MSI. This three-headed, high volume machine quickly and efficiently disassembles a pallet in two strokes. The MSI Tres, made of rugged construction, is a reliable, low maintenance machine.

The MSI Tres is designed for easy operator handling. It allows easy access to the table for positioning and flipping the pallet for disassembly. The operator touches only the pallet because the disassembled components are removed automatically.

The MSI Tres yields more pieces per man than any other MSI dismantler and also features the lowest operating cost. The Tres can replace two bandsaw dismantlers and save approximately 75% in blade costs.

For more information, contact Machine Specialists Inc. at (800) 370-8645, e-mail msijimdoyle@aol.com, or visit the Web site at www.machinespecialists.com.

Pallet Systems Manufacturing offers both bandsaw and disc-type pallet dismantling machines.

In fact, the first machine the company developed was its Rotoshear disc-type pallet dismantler in the mid-1980s. The Rotoshear will remove a stringer in one pass and has a cycle time of 10 seconds.

The Pallet Systems Manufacturing Rotoshear is available in two models, a stand-up version and lay-down model with a pull-out table under it. The company also offers services to rebuild Rotoshear machines and sells remanufactured Rotoshear machines.

Pallet Systems Manufacturing also manufactures a bandsaw dismantler. It is designed for one-man operation and features a canted blade assembly so that the blade runs at an angle, which makes it easier to start into the pallet, particularly into warped deck boards.

The company’s bandsaw dismantler features automotive wheels for the band blade. The company uses a machine to ‘true’ the tires to make them perfectly round, "which gives them a good smooth surface for the blades," said president Paul Hufnagel.

"We build our own thrust bearings sleeves and guide roller sleeves," said Paul. The rollers, a major wear point on bandsaws, he noted, are hardened and 4 inches in diameter. They are adjustable to different settings and very durable.

Pallet Systems Manufacturing supplies other machinery and equipment for pallet recyclers, including complete automated pallet sorting and repair lines. It can supply a sorting and repair system equipped with tippers, stackers, conveyors, and other components.

The company’s sorting and repair systems are priced economically, according to Paul. "We can reach the medium size pallet operation with our sorting system," he said.

Pallet Systems Manufacturing also manufactures platers, turntables with adjustable speed control, end trim saws, and recently introduced a new high-speed block saw.

Paul has direct experience in pallet recycling. He started a pallet recycling business in 1975 and ran it for 10 years. During that time he had some large customer accounts, such as Safeway Stores and major glass container manufacturers.

It was his experience with the grocery chain that led Paul into the pallet recycling machinery business. Safeway invested in automated handling equipment and as a result discontinued the use of pallets with cracked or otherwise damaged stringers, including double runners. Paul began investigating machinery options for removing damaged stringers.

At the time, another supplier manufactured a machine that would remove a single stringer, but Paul was not satisfied with its performance.

"We got busy and built or own machine," he recalled, and had a working version of the Rotoshear in the mid-1980s. A pallet broker who did business with Paul became interested in the machine and bought some for several of his pallet suppliers, and sales of the Rotoshear began to take off.

Paul decided he could not do both effectively – run a pallet recycling business and build a machinery business – so he sold the recycling business in 1985 to concentrate on Pallet Systems Manufacturing.

For more information on Pallet Systems Manufacturing or its machinery products, call the company at (800) 345-0635.

PDI has introduced a new bandsaw pallet dismantling machine. The new PDI Omega is the company’s most versatile dismantler and is designed for one-man or two-man operation.

The PDI Omega is available in both low and high speed models; blade speed ranges from 1,800 to 3,800 feet per minute.

The PDI Omega is made with a heavy-duty tubular steel frame. It features a 15 hp motor and a 64-inch table. The table may be raised or lowered 2 ½ inches by air control. The PDI Omega is equipped with 24-inch blade wheels. Other features include a central control panel, pneumatic blade tensioner and Carter blade guides.

A drop-gate allows reclaimed lumber to fall onto an optional take-away conveyor. Single-phase electric is optional.

PDI, which has manufactured bandsaw dismantling machines since 1986, also offers three models of its other popular bandsaw machine. They are designed for one-man or two-man operation. All feature blade speeds ranging from 1,800 to 3,800 feet per minute, Carter blade guides, easy maintenance, and a single-phase motor option. They are equipped with standard 22-inch metal blade wheels with special vulcanized ribber tires. Blade tensioning is by hydraulics and regulated pressure to save blade life.

The PDI Dismantler 54-inch model uses shorter blades, which reduces blade costs. It can dismantle pallets up to 50 inches wide and is powered by a 10 hp three-phase motor.

The PDI Dismantler 62-inch model is a versatile machine that can disassemble pallets up to 60 inches wide. Like the 54-inch model, it is powered by a 10 hp three-phase motor.

A portable PDI model, which is easily towed, can dismantle pallets up to 60 inches wide and features an 18 hp electric start motor.

PDI also supplies bandsaw blades for all its machines, including the Simonds Pallet Buster bandsaw blade.

PDI offers a free demonstration video, equipment leasing, lease-to-own programs and trade-in allowances.

For more information, contact PDI at (800) 821-8832.

Pallet Repair Systems Inc. (PRS) manufactures a full line of pallet dismantling equipment in both rotary and bandsaw style machines. An early pioneer in dismantling equipment, one of the founders of PRS actually invented -- and received a patent on -- three-head, rotary style machines over 20 years ago.

The PRS line of rotary machines is sold under the RECYCLER brand. The standard single-head machine is a 7.5 hp, heavy-duty pallet dismantler that is built for durability. It delivers fast cycle times and produces high quality used pallet components. A manual valve operates the hydraulic cylinder to cycle the table back and forth while the operator places and moves the pallet from stringer to stringer for selective or complete disassembly.

Eight-inch rotary blades (for a 4-inch stringer width capacity) and a 54-inch stringer length capacity are standard on this machine. Ten-inch blades (6-inch stringer width capacity)and stringer length capacities of 60 inches and 75 inches are available as options. Stringer removal systems are also optional on PRS single-head machines.

PRS three-head rotary machines are available in two models. The RECYCLER Triad offers versatility and high production. It features outside heads that lift out of the way at the push of a button to enable single-head type operation. This feature allows the operator to disassemble narrow, wide, four-plus stringer pallets and single stringers. A stringer removal system and transfer conveyor are standard equipment on the RECYCLER Triad. A deck board removal system is available as an option.

The RECYCLER three-head is the high-production disassembler in the PRS line. These machines have documented over 1,000 pallets dismantled per shift. The RECYCLER three-head is purely a complete three-stringer dismantling machine. The three heads cut the bottom boards off the pallet as a hydraulic pusher bar cycles. The deck boards fall onto a transfer conveyor, which is standard equipment. The stringers pass out the back of the machine, and a stringer transfer system is available as an option. The RECYCLER three-head offers standard capacity of 63-inch stringer length, 4.5-inch width and 54-inch deck board length.

The PRS line of bandsaw dismantling machines offers a model for nearly every need. They are sold under PROSAW brand. Four models of these heavy-duty bandsaw dismantling machines are available. All have the following standard features: high speed bands, 60-inch pallet width capacity (24-foot band), belt drive, rubber tire band wheels, pneumatic blade tensioning, and safety interlock door switches.

PROSAW bandsaw dismantlers are available in fixed or moveable table designs with 10 and 15 hp models. One man and two man configurations are available on fixed table models. Board conveyors are available on any PROSAW bandsaw dismantler. PRS will also custom-build machines. Pallet Repair Systems Inc. also manufactures machines for lumber processing, pallet sortation, repair, and material handling equipment. PRS is also widely known as a manufacturer of pallet repair supplies, such as pallet plates and bandsaw blades.

For more information, contact Pallet Repair Systems at (217) 546- 8864 or visit the Web site at www.pallet-repair.com.

Smart Products Inc. is a leading supplier to the pallet industry of bandsaw pallet dismantlers. Founded in 1993, Smart Products has sold more than 1,200 machines that are running in plants of between 600-700 pallet companies.

"We have kind of adopted the philosophy of concentrating on dismantlers and trim saws and trying to build the best there are," said Ron Waechter. It takes "considerable finesse" to build a good bandsaw pallet dismantler, he added. "That’s where we’re going to stay focused."

Smart Products was founded by Ron and Tom Waechter; the two men, co-owners, are unrelated although they share the same last name. Ron, who also operates Delaware Box & Pallet Inc., serves as president and oversees sales while Tom, who previously owned other pallet machinery businesses, holds the corporate title of vice president and manages product development.

Bandsaw pallet dismantlers are "really the heart" of any recycling business, Ron explained, whether it’s a one- or two-man operation or a company with 100 employees. "They kind of work around that bandsaw dismantler."

Louis Wilson of Selma Pallet Co. in Selma, Calif., said he has been "very happy" with the dismantling machine the company purchased from Smart Products. "From the first day we turned on our machinery, it has produced better than expected results. Easy to maintain and easy to work with, these products truly are the genius of common sense."

Earlier this year Smart Products introduced its most versatile pallet dismantler and pallet repair machine, the Pallet Prep Plus. It may be operated as a one-man or a two-man machine to remove lead boards or any individual deck boards, stringers, or disassemble the entire pallet. Equipped with a 15 hp motor and with a 60-inch capacity, the Pallet Prep Plus is designed so that recovered lumber drops conveniently into an optional discharge conveyor.

The new, patent-pending machine can remove broken or plugged stringers from low-grade B or #2 pallets so that they can be upgraded to A or #1. The machine removes the stringers without damaging deck boards and leaves no nail stubble.

The ability of the Pallet Prep Plus to remove lead boards or any deck board makes it a good fit for high-production recycling operations that repair pallets ‘on the fly.’ The Pallet Prep Plus also works well for small recycling companies since it can completely dismantle stringer and block pallets.

The idea for the machine was generated by a pallet supplier that called Smart Products, asking how it could upgrade its inventory of B pallets to A quality by replacing the double stringers. The pallet supplier that had about $250,000 worth of B pallets in inventory; upgrading them to A quality by replacing the double stringers would roughly triple their value.

Ron and Tom put their heads together and came up with an idea for a machine that could provide the solution: a bandsaw dismantler that may be operated by either one or two men.

The pallet is oriented on the dismantling machine so the stringers are parallel to the blade. Once the top deck boards are cut free, the pallet is turned over to finish the process on the bottom deck boards. The machine has a rounded trough under the blade; sliding the pallet into the trough after the first pass makes it easier to flip over. The blade stays inside the pallet cavity.

The company’s other three basic dismantler models offer pallet recyclers the option of either one- or two-man operation. The third model is designed for removing lead boards. All three models come in a variety of sizes and blade speeds and may be powered either by electricity or gasoline engine. They feature 52 inch or 64 inch capacity, gear reduction drive unit, hydraulic blade tensioning, push-button table height adjustment and low-maintenance blade guide bearings.

Lee Tipton of Tico Mfg. has been using Smart Products bandsaw dismantlers since 1997, when he purchased the company’s first one. "Since then, I've sold the first saw to a friend and have purchased two more," he said. "The Smart machine has been the heart of our pallet recycling operation. It has been extremely durable with minimal maintenance. We run at least two saws 10 hours a day, five days a week, every week. Our productivity varies according to the types of pallets we tear down, but we will consistently disassemble 1,000 to 1,200 pallets daily."

Lee added a Smart Products trim saw with feed conveyor last year, and was equally enthusiastic about the trim saw. "It is a great trim saw, enabling us to saw deck boards and recover stringers at the same time. Incorporating the Smart trim saw with the two Smart bandsaw dismantlers saves us eight man hours a day. I would recommend Smart Products to any of my friends."

In recent years the pallet industry has witnessed increased automation in recycling, particularly in the moving and handling of pallets and materials. In the past, at a small recycling operation with one or two dismantling machines, recovered boards and stringers typically were retrieved by the machine operators and placed in a basket or stacked on a pallet. The full basket or pallet eventually was moved via forklift to another work station for trimming – one station for deck boards and one for stringers. Now however, it is more common for dismantling machines to be positioned next to conveyors that automatically move the material to the next work station, such as a trim saw. "It just keeps getting more and more automated," Ron observed. The use of conveying equipment to move material automatically reduces forklift and labor costs, he added. Bandsaw dismantling machines also are more sophisticated and efficient; for example, some dismantling machines are designed for one-man operation instead of two.

Smart Products can supply a small-scale recycling operation with a one-man dismantler, conveyor and trim saw for under $25,000. "That’s a basic system that saves you the cost of one employee and makes a company revenues," said Ron. "It’s easy to justify even a small level of automation." The number of machines and equipment and the lay-out can be configured for pallet recycling operations of varying size, he noted.

Smart’s automated recycling systems "work quite well," Ron reported. In some cases the company has obtained ‘before’ and ‘after’ video of customer recycling operations -- video taken before a customer automated and after the addition of Smart equipment. The differences are notable, he said. The automated systems require workers to perform less walking, lifting and handling pallets while also reducing time that a dismantler is idle.

The Smart Products automated trim saw earned good reviews from Mike Bernoski, vice president of North Texas AAA Pallet Co. Inc. "It is simple -- simple to operate, simple to maintain -- and most importantly, simple to make money with." It is "price competitive yet is built for a serious production environment."

"I have four of these saws producing 60,000 board feet of ready-to-nail reclaimed lumber each day," Mike added, "with virtually zero unscheduled downtime."

Smart Products has developed and tested a prototype machine of a patented innovative concept -- a machine that potentially could automate pallet dismantling and lumber recycling operations. The machine essentially combines two bandsaws in a vertical alignment to remove the deck boards from both sides of the pallet at the same time; the pallet is in an upright position as it passes through the machine. The prototype machine was exhibited earlier this year at the East Coast Sawmill and Logging Equipment Exposition.

For more information about Smart Products or its pallet recycling machinery, contact the company at (800) 401-0099, fax (765) 284-7270, e-mail smartpro@iei.net or visit the Web site at www.smartproductsinc.com.

Since its first bandsaw introduction six years ago, Smetco has steadily improved the performance and versatility of its dismantler. The company’s slogan, ‘One Saw Does it All,’ sums up the success of this machine: one saw gives operators the versatility of several machines.

The Smetco dismantler can be adjusted for one or two man operations and has a patented fence design for ease of pallet tracking through the blade. The Smetco dismantler comes standard with a heavy-duty 15 hp motor. Recent improvements include steel band wheels, pneumatic blade tensioning, custom designed blade guides and bearings. Optional lead board arms aid in lead board removal.

The patented fence and floating table make this a versatile machine. The goal behind the design is to provide maximum production, maximum blade life, and long-lasting versatility.

Smetco has been known in the industry for decades as a manufacturer and supplier of systems for pallet handling, sorting, and repairing. Its focus was mainly pallet sorting and repair systems, including component machinery and equipment, such as pallet dispensers, stackers, conveyors, platers, and other equipment until it brought out its first bandsaw machine six years ago. In addition to its bandsaw, Smetco also manufactures a trim saw and single and double notchers – all built to the same rugged standards of design.

Automated pallet sorting and repair systems remain a strong focus of Smetco, which can design, build, and install systems for recycling businesses across the country. Systems vary according to volume and the types and sizes of pallets being used. Smetco specializes in catering to both small and large business concerns.

Smetco, founded by John Smets Sr., has been in the material handling manufacturing business for over 30 years.

As a company, Smetco prides itself in providing the kind of products and services that keep pallet industry professionals competitive in a demanding marketplace.

For more information, contact Smetco Inc., at (800)253-5400, e-mail smetcoinc@aol.com, or visit the Web site at www.smetco.com.

Trace Equipment supplies several types of pallet disassembly machines, including both bandsaw and disc or shear equipment.

The Solo pallet disassembler, an economy model for new or experienced pallet repair operations, is a single-head disc type machine that can remove any single stringer or all stringers. It adjusts automatically for stringer height and deck board thickness. The Solo produces quality used pallet components; flush shearing with the underside of the deck board eliminates decking stubble and protruding nail heads that would damage a shipper’s product.

The Solo, operated by one man, has a single lever to control a hydraulic table cylinder with variable feed speed; no air is required. It is equipped with long-life blades to reduce maintenance costs.

Trace Equipment also supplies a high-volume disc type disassembling machine, the Trio pallet disassembler. The Trio is a three-headed machine for fast disassembly of three stringers at one time.

The underside of the deck boards is flush without nail stubble. The shorter arms keep the angle of the knives constant for more accurate disassembly. Trace indicates that pallet suppliers that use the Trio report a much lower ratio of scrap.

The Trio increases production yet reduces pallet disassembly costs because disc blades do not require replacement as frequently as bandsaw blades. A bandsaw disassembler operating eight hours daily may require $8-10,000 worth of blades annually.

Trace supplies the Mark I bandsaw pallet disassembler, an economical machine designed for one-man operation. Bandsaw machines are especially effective at disassembling odd-size pallets, over-size pallets, and block-style pallets.

The Mark I has a 62-inch capacity and features a manually adjusted table for different stringer heights. The blade rides on a sheave system to achieve better tracking. Other features of the Mark I include a 10 hp motor, high torque, a two-groove pulley system, Carter guide system, hydraulic jack for tensioning, and low blade speed.

The Mark I is designed to disassemble 400 to 700 pallets per shift with one operator. This versatile machine can increase production of recycled pallet components while its one-man operation helps reduce labor costs.

An optional two-stage conveyor system automates material handling. The material clearance conveyor clears stringers and boards from the machine, and a trough-style inclined conveyor delivers them directly to a turntable, trim saw, or other work station.

Trace Equipment supplies machinery for pallet repair, pallet manufacturing and wood recycling. In addition to pallet disassembly equipment, the company supplies nailing stations, sorters, stackers, trim saws, chop saws, notchers, chamfers, stake machines and grinders.

Trace Equipment manufactures its own brand of machines and also represents other machinery manufacturers known for high quality equipment.

With the wide range of machinery that she can supply to pallet recyclers and her experience serving the pallet industry, Mona Tracy can provide valuable assistance to develop a pallet company, including design of plant layouts.

Mona is guided by a philosophy of providing the best machine for each customer. No single machine or system is perfect for everyone. She will customize the set-up to suit individual needs.

Mona also places a priority on strong follow-up service. After-the-sale service includes offering parts and information to help customers.

In addition to new machinery sales, Trace Equipment also provides a service to broker sales of used equipment and can provide appraisals of used machinery. The company maintains a list of companies that are offering to buy or sell used equipment. Trace Equipment also provides parts and service information for previously owned machines, including many models of older machines.

Mona adheres to high standards in both sales and service to her customers. Her expertise in the pallet industry can be a resource for pallet suppliers.

For more information, contact Trace Equipment at (877) 778-7223, fax (812) 299-0566 or e-mail trace6075@aol.com.