Following a successful trial and detailed evaluation, Gallagher Aggregates Ltd has opted for two Volvo A60H articulated haulers as prime movers for hauling Kentish Ragstone at its Hermitage Quarry near Maidstone.
Specifically for Gallagher Aggregates, the two A60Hs have had additional features fitted to them including 200mm side extensions coupled to a cantilever tailgate, increasing the hauler’s body capacity to 39m³ and maximizing payload. To give extra protection to the hitch area and cab, optional front spill guards have been added to the front of the skips. Thus configured the trucks are capable of handling all of the duties on site, which includes hauling blasted material from the face to the primary crusher, besides some secondary duties around the plant. Working ten-hour shifts Monday to Friday, with half a day on Saturday, the two new A60Hs will contribute to the annual output of the quarry. “Again, we are really impressed with the power of the trucks, especially on the gradients with the typical payloads they are carrying” says Pat. “The new arrivals are proving very popular with their operators too. The cab is extremely comfortable and has been well thought out in its design. The two speed reverse and fast tip and lower functions add to the overall faster cycle times, and Volvo’s unique suspension system provides excellent load retention and operator comfort.”
Following an initial enquiry made at last year’s Hillhead exhibition, the 55 tonne capacity A60H was trialed by Gallagher Aggregates to assess the suitability of introducing an articulated hauler of this size to the operations at Hermitage. “In essence, we were impressed with the tonnage moved for a very economical fuel burn, together with fast cycle times” comments Gallagher’s Operations Manager Pat Gooney. “It certainly proved to be a success in all areas of the quarry’s production and was an immediate hit with our operators. The two new trucks are carrying out the same production of the three fifty tonne trucks they replace, and we are already seeing the immediate benefits when it comes to fuel consumption and the savings on running costs, whilst maintaining the production we require” he continues.
With an industry leading 55 tonne (60 ton) payload, the A60H brings a new dimension to reducing the cost per tonne of material moved, using tried and tested frame and powertrain designs with the emphasis on fuel efficiency. The A60H is powered by a 16 litre Volvo engine, delivering 495 kW and 3200Nm of torque, and has a maximum speed of 54.9kph. It shares the same features and benefits in terms of design and overall layout as its smaller brothers in the Volvo articulated hauler range.
With the A60H, valuable data is on hand to improve onsite efficiency and save costs. With intelligent systems from Volvo, such as: MATRIS™, CareTrack™ and the On Board Weighing system, customers can optimize production and minimize operational costs. Volvo uses the latest technology to monitor machine operation and status, advising on the best ways to increase profitability. The On Board Weighing System guarantees the optimal load every cycle. This maximizes production, boosts fuel efficiency and reduces machine wear in all site conditions and operations.
The ground breaking A60H features the latest innovations from Volvo. With matched drivetrain, automatic drive combinations, including 100% differential locks, all terrain bogie, hydro mechanical steering and active suspension, this machine is unbeatable. Fitted with an active hydraulic front suspension for higher hauling speeds in tough conditions, the A60H optimizes operator comfort and stability during travel, allowing more material to be moved in a shorter time for unmatched productivity. The A60H’s dump support system, Hill Assist and load and dump brake, all help the operator to stay in control at all times, for extra productivity and safety.
The new arrivals at Gallagher Aggregates have been supplied with an enhanced four year, 10000 hour driveline warranty and will be serviced and maintained by Volvo trained engineers under SMT GB’s Level Two ENHANCE service agreement.
Gallagher Aggregates Ltd is part of the Gallagher Group, engaged in the mineral extraction industry and is now the only remaining company actively quarrying Kentish Ragstone. The company operates two quarries in Kent, supplying customers throughout the South East, these being Hermitage Quarry, close to Junction 5 of the M20 and Blaise Farm Quarry near to Junction 4 of the M20. Hermitage Quarry supplies over 70 different products including primary aggregates, recycled aggregates, HBM, ready mix concrete, flowing screeds, soils and block stone for new build and heritage projects. In addition, Hermitage Quarry operates an inert landfill site. Blaise Farm Quarry produces a suite of fills and roadstones.
SMT GB markets Volvo Construction Equipment products which include wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in Great Britain. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres, a dedicated National Used Equipment Centre and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.
