Next Generation material handling in Kuopio – Cat MH3022 in action
Operating next to the Kuopio landfill, Metallivälitys Räsänen Oy brings over three decades of experience to the field. The company specializes in metal recycling, including the reception, sorting, processing, and onward delivery of scrap metal.
The work is demanding, the environment constantly changing, and efficiency is critical—placing high requirements on the machinery used. The latest acquisition, the Caterpillar MH3022 material handler, has quickly taken on a key role in the company’s operations. It is also the first brand-new Caterpillar machine purchased by the company.
Experience you can see in the work
Pasi Räsänen, founder of Metallivälitys Räsänen Oy, has been in the industry for around 35 years. The company operates mainly in the North Savo region, and large volumes of various types of metal are processed daily at the Kuopio site. “This is a traditional scrap business where metal scrap is purchased, sorted, and sold. In practice, almost all the metal you see around you passes through our hands,” Räsänen explains.
Caterpillar machines are nothing new to the company. Cat equipment has been part of the fleet for several years, with clearly positive experiences. “As a brand, Caterpillar has been very good. Service works excellently here in Kuopio, and this new Next Gen model is fuel-efficient. On top of that, its versatility is in a class of its own.”
One machine, multiple tasks
At Metallivälitys Räsänen, the MH3022 is equipped with a wide range of attachments. These include various sorting grapples, a shear, and a magnet. A fast hydraulic coupler system allows attachments to be changed directly from the cab. “Changing tools takes about 10 seconds, and there’s no need to leave the cab. It improves both safety and comfort, especially in winter. With this setup, the machine essentially replaces four different machines,” Räsänen summarizes.
The machine is used for sorting scrap, pre-cutting materials, feeding scrap into the shear, and moving finished pieces forward. The work requires precision, power, and constant awareness of the surroundings. “The 360-degree camera system is an excellent addition. It allows us to monitor the surroundings and everything happening around the machine. We have all kinds of materials on site, and the cameras help us avoid collisions.”
Top marks from the operator
Machine operator Joonas Lind has already logged around 100 operating hours with the MH3022, and his experience has been clearly positive.
“The machine is really great to operate. It’s much more ergonomic than older machines and clearly more fuel-efficient. You don’t have to refuel all the time.” Ergonomics stand out as a key factor in Lind’s feedback. “I used to have issues with my hands and elbows, but they almost disappeared as soon as I started operating this machine. There’s much less strain on the hands.”
The quick attachment changes also bring clear efficiency gains to everyday work. “When a change takes only 10–15 seconds, the machine is constantly working. That shows directly in productivity.”
Next Gen takes technology to a new level
Kalle Korhonen, responsible for material handling machines at Avesco Oy, describes the MH3022 as Caterpillar’s latest-generation machine. “This is a completely new Next Gen model. The hydraulics are electronically pre-controlled, and the operator has programmable electric joysticks as well as personal profiles. The operating feel is on a completely different level compared to previous generations.”
The new technology is also reflected in safety and production management. Standard features include an onboard weighing system and electronic motion limits, allowing the machine’s working area to be precisely defined. “If there are, for example, power lines, walls, or a roof in the area, the machine’s movements can be restricted to prevent any damage.”
The VisionLink system brings transparency to machine usage. “It allows monitoring of fuel consumption, operating hours, service needs, and idling. It helps optimize usage and keep costs under control.”
After-sales support makes the difference in daily operations
Both Metallivälitys Räsänen and Avesco highlight one decisive factor: reliable after-sales support. Avesco’s Kuopio service point is located practically within calling distance. “It’s important for us that help is truly close. If service is needed, it can be on site quickly,” Räsänen says. According to Korhonen, the cooperation has worked smoothly on both sides. “Even though this isn’t a large fleet, every customer is important to us. In this case, service and equipment have matched well.”
An efficient solution for metal recycling
The Caterpillar MH3022 has quickly found its place in the daily operations of Metallivälitys Räsänen. It combines efficiency, ergonomics, safety, and cost-effectiveness—qualities that truly matter in the demanding environment of metal recycling. “The new Caterpillar is a versatile powerhouse—you’re not really tempted to jump into other machines anymore. With this, you can handle all tasks related to metal recycling,” Lind concludes.
