The Fuchs MHL 390 is a heavy-duty, purpose-built material handler widely used in industries that require precise, efficient handling of bulk and scrap materials. Designed for continuous, demanding work cycles rather than earthmoving, this machine combines a robust undercarriage and upper structure with specialized hydraulics, a long reach boom, and interchangeable attachments. In this article we explore the machine’s design, typical applications, technical characteristics, available attachments, and operational considerations that make the MHL 390 a popular choice where productivity, reach and durability matter.

Overview and design philosophy

The central idea behind the Fuchs MHL 390 is to provide a stable, versatile platform optimized for material handling tasks rather than digging. Compared with conventional excavators, material handlers like the MHL 390 have a higher cab position or an elevated cab option, an extended boom and stick geometry for enhanced horizontal reach, and hydraulics tuned for repetitive lifting and precise placement.

Key design features include a reinforced upper structure to support sustained rotating operations; a counterweight system sized to balance long-boom configurations; and a chassis that can be tailored as either wheeled or tracked depending on site mobility needs. The hydraulics are generally load-sensing or pressure-compensated to provide smooth, proportional control—essential for fast cycle times and for handling awkward loads such as loose scrap or long timber.

The cab and operator environment are engineered to improve visibility and reduce fatigue. Large glazed surfaces, elevated seating options, tilting cabs and camera systems are common options to create a safer and more productive workspace. Controls are typically joystick-operated with electro-hydraulic or pilot-hydraulic systems and may include programmable presets for attachment control.

Typical applications and industry uses

The Fuchs MHL 390 excels in tasks that require extended reach, continuous 360° rotation and rapid manipulation of bulk or irregular materials. Common sectors and uses include:

• Scrap yards and metal recycling facilities — sorting, loading, and feeding scrap into processing lines or shredders using grapples, shears or magnets.
• Ports and terminals — bulk handling of scrap, ferrous materials, logs, and general bulk cargo during ship/unloading operations.
• Steel plants — moving heavy bundles, charging furnaces (with suitable attachments) and handling secondary raw materials.
• Waste and recycling — handling municipal waste, demolition debris and recyclables where reach and visibility improve efficiency and safety.
• Forestry and biomass — log handling and stacking when fitted with specialized clamps or saw/handling attachments.
• Demolition and specialized material sorting — working in confined yards where precise placement and long reach reduce the need for extra handling steps.

In these environments the MHL 390 is prized for minimizing cycle times, reducing manual labor, and allowing a single operator to perform complex sorting and loading tasks safely. Its adaptability to a wide range of attachments makes it a multi-role asset across site operations.

Technical characteristics and typical specifications

Specific technical details vary with year of manufacture, package options and regional configurations. Below are typical specification ranges for a machine in the MHL 390 class to give an idea of capabilities. Exact values should be confirmed with manufacturer documentation for a given serial number or machine build.

• Operating weight: typically in the range of 30,000 to 45,000 kg, depending on undercarriage type and counterweight configuration.
• Engine power: commonly between 200 and 300 kW (roughly 270–400 hp), tuned for continuous duty cycles and low-end torque required for heavy lifts.
• Maximum reach: standard booms and sticks provide horizontal reach commonly between 11 and 18 meters, with long-reach configurations possible for specialized tasks.
• Lifting capacity: highly configuration-dependent; at short radii the machine can handle several tonnes, while capacity decreases with reach—operators rely on manufacturer load charts for safe lifting limits.
• Fuel consumption: varies with engine size and duty profile; typical operating consumption often ranges from about 15 to 35 liters per hour, higher under heavy continuous lifting.
• Travel and mobility: available with either tracked undercarriage for uneven or softer ground, or wheeled chassis for yard-to-yard mobility on paved surfaces.
• Hydraulic system: high-flow, load-sensing systems with priority circuits for attachment functions; hydraulic oil capacity and filtration are sized for heavy contamination-prone environments.
• Cab options: elevated cab, tilting cab, air-conditioning, ergonomic seats, and integrated monitor systems for cameras and telematics.

These numbers illustrate why the MHL 390 is often chosen for medium-to-large processing yards and port operations where reach and power must be balanced against mobility and operating costs.

Attachments and modularity

The true versatility of the MHL 390 comes from its wide range of available attachments and quick coupling systems. Typical attachments include:

• Hydraulic grapples (scrap grapples, orange-peel grapples) — designed for irregular loads and fast sorting cycles.
• Electromagnets — for rapid separation and loading of ferrous materials at ports and scrap yards.
• Clamshell buckets and clamshell grabs — for bulk loading and unloading of loose materials like sand, gravel or biomass.
• Shears and hydraulic processing tools — for cutting and downsizing scrap and metal sections.
• Log grapples and bunks — specialized for timber yards and biomass handling.
• Rotators and swivels — allow continuous rotation of the attachment to align irregular loads precisely.

Quick-change couplers and hydraulic multi-connectors reduce downtime between attachment swaps, enabling a single machine to perform multiple duties in the same shift. Advanced control systems can be configured to remember attachment-specific hydraulic settings, improving operator efficiency and reducing the risk of misconfiguration.

Operational considerations, safety and maintenance

Material handlers work in harsh, high-cycle environments. Proper operation and maintenance are essential to maximize uptime and extend component life.

Daily and routine maintenance

• Pre-shift inspections: visual checks for leaks, wear on hoses, grease points, and any structural cracks on booms or attachments.
• Lubrication: regular greasing of pins and bushes is crucial given the repetitive swinging and lifting cycles. Many yards schedule daily or shift-based lubrication depending on workload.
• Hydraulic oil and filtration: regular monitoring of oil cleanliness and timely filter replacement protect pumps and valves. Oil sampling programs can predict wear and contamination issues early.
• Cooling system: keep radiators and coolers free of debris; material handling yards can be dust- and contamination-heavy, increasing the risk of overheating.

Safety systems and best practices

• Load charts and limiter systems: always operate within rated capacities and use the manufacturer’s load charts. Electronic overload protection and angle sensors are commonly fitted.
• Stability: ensure outriggers (if fitted) are deployed and ground conditions are suitable. Long-reach lifts require particular attention to counterweight and boom configuration.
• Operator training: specialized training for attachment handling, magnetic loads, and safe docking/undocking of quick couplers will reduce accidents.
• Visibility and signalling: use cameras, mirrors and audible alarms in busy yards. A spotter is often required for ground crew safety when visibility is restricted.

Planned maintenance and predictive monitoring, including telematics systems, help owners reduce unplanned downtime by catching component degradation early. Many operators adopt condition-based maintenance tied to operating hours and machine load histories.

Economic and environmental aspects

Investing in a material handler such as the MHL 390 is a capital-intensive decision but can return value through increased throughput, lower manual handling costs and fewer pieces of equipment required to accomplish the same tasks. Key economic considerations include:

• Acquisition cost: depending on configuration, optional equipment and region, a large material handler commonly ranges from several hundred thousand to over a million euros or dollars for a new machine. Used units and refurbished machines provide lower-cost entry points for smaller operations.
• Operating costs: fuel, hydraulic oil, wear parts (teeth, pins, bushings), and tire or track replacement are the primary ongoing expenses. High-cycle environments will accelerate wear, making maintenance planning essential for cost control.
• Productivity gains: the MHL 390’s reach and attachment flexibility often reduce cycle counts, decrease handling steps, and reduce the number of machines required in a yard, thereby lowering overall operating expense.
• Resale value: well-maintained material handlers hold resale value, particularly if they have proven reliability in high-demand sectors like ports and recycling.

Environmental performance has become a more important purchasing factor. Modern engines meet regional emissions standards and newer models and retrofits incorporate technologies to lower fuel consumption and emissions. Telematics and engine management systems allow operators to optimize idle time and power output to improve overall fuel efficiency.

Comparisons, market context and lifecycle

Within the market, the Fuchs MHL 390 competes with material handlers from other specialized manufacturers. Buyers typically compare machines based on reach, lifting capacity, hydraulic flow, operator ergonomics, and total cost of ownership rather than simply gross engine power. Lifecycle considerations include the availability of spare parts and service networks, which can be decisive for operations with little tolerance for downtime.

Typical working lifetimes for well-maintained handlers can exceed several tens of thousands of operating hours. Major components like engines and hydraulic pumps may be remanufactured or replaced, extending service life further. Operators often plan a 10–20 year lifecycle for these machines with scheduled major overhauls as part of total cost planning.

Practical tips for buyers and fleet managers

• Match machine configuration to primary tasks: choose boom length, undercarriage type and attachment set that fit the most frequent jobs rather than occasional tasks.
• Factor in attachments and quick couplers when comparing prices—these can significantly alter total cost and productivity.
• Check for telematics capability: remote diagnostics and operating data make maintenance planning and fleet optimization easier.
• Evaluate the dealer and service network: prompt parts availability and trained service technicians reduce downtime and lifetime cost.
• Consider used units for smaller operations but verify load charts, structural inspections and service history thoroughly.

Closing perspective

The Fuchs MHL 390 represents a class of machines engineered specifically for handling material where reach, rotation and specialized attachments are more important than trenching or earthmoving performance. Its strength lies in adaptability—by combining a stable platform, efficient hydraulics and a broad attachment ecosystem, it becomes a cornerstone machine for scrap yards, ports, recycling centers and more. When properly specified and maintained, an MHL 390 can deliver high productivity, safer operations and positive returns on investment across a wide range of heavy material handling applications.