Anyone looking to buy an alligator shear is quickly faced with a number of technical questions that product listings alone cannot answer. Cutting performance, drive type, material throughput, ease of maintenance—and then there’s the question: new or used? This article provides a practical overview of the most important factors to consider.
Alligator shears are used in the scrap metal trade and in metal recycling to cut steel beams, structural steel, pipes, cable bundles, and scrap metal into manageable pieces. The requirements depend directly on the material being processed each day.
Two factors determine the suitability of a pair of scissors more than anything else:
The cutting width and height determine which profiles will actually fit into the machine. A user who occasionally cuts thick beams needs different dimensions than a facility that mainly processes cables and small parts.
The cutting force in tons determines how hard the material can be. Grade S355 is the standard—for harder steel grades or thicker walls, the shears must be appropriately rated. If you underestimate this requirement, you risk overloading the machine and having to replace the blades prematurely.
Most commercial alligator shears are hydraulic. The advantage: consistent cutting force throughout the entire stroke, less wear, and easier adaptation to different materials. Mechanical shears are less expensive to purchase, but are only suitable for more homogeneous material streams and lower throughput rates.
For facilities that regularly handle mixed scrap, the hydraulic model is almost always the right choice.
Used alligator shears are often significantly cheaper than new machines—and for many businesses, they are the more economical choice. However, it is crucial that the machine has been technically inspected and that this has been documented.
When purchasing a used machine, you should pay attention to the following points:
Technically inspected used machines, when in good condition, offer a service life that is hardly inferior to that of a new machine—at a significantly lower cost.
For stationary operations, a stationary solution is generally more powerful and durable. Mobile alligator shears or shear-type attachments are suitable for outdoor use or changing locations, but they have clear limitations in terms of cutting performance and throughput.
It is not reasonable to provide a clear price quote without knowing the specifications. Used entry-level models start well below five-figure amounts, while high-performance new hydraulic shears can cost significantly more, depending on cutting force and features. The key factor is the balance between purchase cost, maintenance expenses, and expected throughput.
If you're unsure which machine is right for your business, you shouldn't base your purchasing decision solely on product specifications.
Our product range includes new and used Alligator shears in various performance classes—all technically inspected, with delivery and installation included. You can find an overview of other scrap balers and metal balers directly in our product range. If you’re not sure which machine is right for your business, please contact us —we’ll advise you without any sales pressure.