Abstract: A mobile vehicle for crushing scrap metal, especially for flattening car body shells, has a crusher jaw mechanism (11) carried ahead of a generally conventional vehicle body (12). The jaw includes a press plate (55) above a platform (31). The car body shell (90) is loaded on to the platform by advancing the vehicle towards the body shell and driving the platform under the shell, and is then crushed between the press plate and the platform. The jaw mechanism may be carried on an arm or arms (13) which can be raised and lowered. Side plates (32) and a rear gate (80) may be provided on the crusher jaw mechanism to contain light scrap. The jaws may be tiltable, and may be provided with front fork tines (71) to act as an entry ramp and for manipulating the body shells before and after flattening.

Abstract: Apparatus for crushing scrap metal, especially for flattening car body shells, has a jaw mechanism (11) which includes a lower jaw member (30) and an upper jaw member (50). The lower jaw carries a platform (31) for the object to be crushed and the upper jaw carries a flat press plate (55). The two jaw members are hinged together behind both the platform and the press plate, and above both the platform and the press plate when the jaws are closed to a position in which the press plate is parallel to, yet spaced from, the platform. Side plates (32) and a rear gate (80) may be provided to contain light scrap in the jaws. The jaws may be tiltable and/or vehicle mounted, and may be provided with front fork tines (71) to act as an entry ramp and for manipulating the scrap.