The robustness of POWER serving the community's recycling division

10.06.2025

The POWER hookloader has received an impressive technological upgrade in 2025, enabling it to better meet the various requirements of customers thanks to new options, great flexibility in the new TEC configuration and increased performance. The new, intuitive and polyvalent V Drive control system is a key element in this wave of innovation. The first equipment in the range to benefit from these advances was delivered to SMICVAL near Bordeaux a few weeks ago, completing an already 100% PALFINGER fleet.

SMICVAL, Syndicat Mixte Intercommunal de Collecte et de Valorisation, is a public organization responsible for waste collection and treatment for 137 communes in the Libourne region of south-west France. By recovering waste through recycling, composting and energy recovery, SMICVAL plays an essential role in preserving the environment and the local economy.

HP 20 A TEC, a lastest generation unit

To carry out its missions, SMICVAL's Recycling Division relies on a fleet of high-performance hookloaders: 6 POWER hooklifts from PALFINGER, including the latest-generation HP 20 A TEC. This robust and multipurpose equipment ensures the safe and efficient handling and transportation of containers, even in challenging work environments.
Indeed, the operators carry out numerous rotations between the various voluntary drop-off sites to group together different types of waste, including the heaviest, such as gravel. Additionally, green waste is periodically delivered to farmers' sites to enrich the soil in a sustainable and natural manner. To carry out this wide range of activities, a robust tool that can withstand intense and powerful work is needed, to cope with any situation. For this reason, the organization has relied on POWER hookloaders for several years to handle 137 containers spread over 12 sites.

An intuitiv controller

The arrival of the new vehicle equipped with the HP 20 hooklift was particularly welcomed by Frédéric, a driver with 11 years of experience at SMICVAL. "The movements are seamless, and we have full confidence in the hookloader to consistently deliver results. Operating the latest generation of hooklift equipment, controlled by the new control system, is a truly satisfying experience. It's intuitive, and users can quickly master it."

New features to save even more time

Once the daily tasks have been completed, it's time to consider the time-saving options available to the team: "We meticulously maintain our equipment, given the demanding nature of its operations. The centralized lubrication system is a significant time-saving benefit for maintenance," asserts Jérôme MESSERI, one of the Recycling Division's managers. To make picking easier, the automatic cycle is used extensively by operators, who can also speed up the arm movement process by activating the advanced high-speed option through a simple double press on the joystick.

The new POWER HP 20 A hookloader has proven to be a reliable asset in the process of recovering recyclable waste. By offering a high-performance, sustainable solution for transporting it to the final site, the hookloader has contributed significantly to the efficient management of resources.

ABOUT PALFINGER AG

PALFINGER is an international technology and mechanical engineering company and the world’s leading producer and provider of innovative crane and lifting solutions. With around 12,350 employees (without contract workers), 30 manufacturing sites and a worldwide, comprehensive sales and service network, PALFINGER creates added value from the challenges of its customers. PALFINGER is consistently continuing on its course as a provider of innovative, complete solutions that deliver increased efficiency and better operability, while leveraging the potential of digitalization along the entire production and value chain.

PALFINGER AG has been listed on the Vienna stock exchange since 1999, and in 2024 achieved revenue of EUR 2.36 billion.

For further information please get in contact with us: emea-marketing@palfinger.com