In the world of scrap, recycling, and bulk material handling, operators are looking for equipment that is faster, safer, cleaner, and easier to maintain. Sierra International Machinery, long recognized for its balers, shears, and conveyors, is bringing innovation to its material handler line with the introduction of fully electric models and a new cab design.
Sierra's material handlers are built in collaboration with Tabarelli, a 75-year-old Italian manufacturer with decades of expertise in portable balers and shears.
"They've been building material handlers since 1961," Hickson explained, "but Sierra had never imported them into the U.S. until recently. Now we're expanding the model range in North America, and customers are responding very positively."
The T815 is a mature model in Europe. Its design reflects lessons learned over decades of real-world use, resulting in a robust, 86,000-pound machine with a 53-foot reach, a completely redesigned control layout, and a cab with no steering wheel for maximum space.
Slip, trip, and fall incidents continue to be a major cause of injuries in scrapyards. Sierra's patented Fly-Cab addresses that risk directly. The entire cab can lower to ground level, allowing operators to step in and out safely without climbing a ladder. It offers additional ease of entry with a sliding door.
The cab will only operate when it is fully elevated and clear of the undercarriage, preventing accidental movement and further reducing risk. At maximum height, the cab extends to 19 feet, offering enhanced visibility when working with larger piles or in loading operations.
Comfort and ergonomics are more than a luxury; they drive productivity. The redesigned cab has been engineered as a comfortable workspace with a spacious interior. Panoramic visibility is aided by rear and side cameras and utilizes a tablet-style digital display that replaces older analog gauges. The cab also features USB charging ports, Bluetooth radio, cellphone holders, and adjustable seating for operators of all body types.
Despite an industry shift toward fully electronic control systems, Sierra remains committed to pilot hydraulic-over-hydraulic controls. According to Hickson, this approach gives operators more dexterity and a smoother response, a key advantage when precision-placing or swinging large loads.
"It's simpler, easier to maintain, and keeps mechanics in the loop," Hickson explained. "With electronics, you're plugging in a laptop. This is wrench and oil."
Sierra currently offers the T308, T409, T510, and T815 models, with a T916 in the pipeline. These machines range from compact handlers to heavy-duty crawlers with more than 50 feet of reach.
Electrification is also rapidly being introduced to the portfolio. Sierra now offers the T409E and recently brought over an electric T510 from Italy for demonstration. These models use modular lead-acid battery packs that can be swapped in approximately 15 minutes, delivering six to nine hours of operation per charge, making them ideal for indoor facilities or states with emissions regulations.
Sierra follows a direct sales model in North America, bypassing third-party dealers. This allows the company to control service quality and maintain close customer relationships. Sierra also stocks parts for every machine it sells.
"We have mechanics around the country and are adding more even as we speak," said Hickson. "If a customer already has five of our balers or shears, they know what to expect when they call Sierra, and that trust extends to these material handlers."
With strong early sales of the 815 and growing interest in its electric models, Sierra is positioned to further expand its footprint in North America. The combination of safety innovation (like the Fly-Cab), operator comfort, hydraulic precision, and dependable service creates a compelling value proposition.
Hickson summed it up: "We're nudging our way into the industry with this product line. The Sierra name stands for reliability — and now it stands for purpose-built material handlers, too."
This article originally appeared in the November/December issue of Recycling Product News.
1620 E. Brundage Lane
Bakersfield, CA
US, 93307
Website:
sierraintl.com