Another Bell loader for growing quarry operation

Packington Estate purchases new L1706 wheel loader to meet growing demand for quarried materials

THE Packington Estate, a thriving West Midlands mixed-use enterprise combining farming, forestry, residential and commercial divisions, is continuing its relationship with Bell Equipment UK by extending its Bell fleet from four to five vehicles with the purchase of a new L1706 wheel loader.

The estate, which extends to nearly 5,000 acres between Birmingham and Coventry, began its relationship with Bell in 2012 when it was granted permission to develop ‘The Stonebridge Quarry’ within a mineral-rich area of the estate.

Quarry manager Lindsay Smith joined the team in early 2013 to oversee the setting up and operation of the project, which was designed to reveal two distinct tiers: a top layer of sand that is dry screened for use in mortar, and a mixed bottom layer of sand and gravel which, once processed, can be used in concrete mixes.

Successfully converting the land from farmland to a working quarry required the acquisition of new equipment, and sourcing the most capable and appropriate machines for the job was assigned to Mr Smith and his team.

He explained: ‘I was already familiar with the Bell Equipment range of wheel loaders and ADTs, and knew the size and types of machine the company manufactured would be correct for our purpose in the quarry.

‘More importantly, I had worked with the team at Bell previously, and knew they had the experience and competence I was looking for from a supplier. I trusted Bell and wanted to work with them again.’

Mr Smith also explained how he chose to secure two new B25D trucks at the outset of the project in early 2013. These machines became ‘excavation enablers’, and were used to dig out the lagoons as part of the initial site setup.

‘These models were the ideal workhorses for this extensive task,’ he said. ‘Their impressively low fuel consumption has been a stand-out feature over the years, and I’m happy to confirm that regarding the vehicles, I’ve received the level of service, maintenance and support I was hoping for from Bell; which was one of my main objectives in choosing them.’

More than three years later, the ADTs are still being used daily, hauling raw material from the excavation area to the processing plant, and performing earthwork and restoration procedures on site.

The ADTs still work alongside two L2106 wheel loaders that Mr Smith added to the quarry’s fleet at the end of 2013; a decision made after Bell offered him an L2106 on a trial basis.

He remarked on how pleased his operatives were with this machine at the time, favouring it over competitor models, as they felt the Bell loader’s engine power made it easier to operate.

The ‘power’ his team referred to is provided by a John Deere PowerTech Plus 6090H engine, certified to EPA Tier 2 / EU Stage II non-road emission standards, and capable of a 197kW at 1,800 rev/min net peak power.

Impressed with the trial loader’s abilities, Mr Smith secured the two models for the quarry’s fleet as soon as the facility’s wash plant was installed. Both L2106s have performed successfully ever since, with one used to load material into delivery lorries, and the other to fill the wash plant feed hopper.

However, with the call for materials steadily increasing, Mr Smith has recently made a further investment with Bell Equipment and brought a new L1706 loader on board to help meet the growing demand.

‘We’re delighted with our newly acquired L1706, and are setting it to task feeding material into the quarry’s dry sand screen,’ he said.

‘The machine’s performance has been superb to date. We’ve had no major issues and any minor problems have been quickly resolved.

‘Bell’s service team has kept all our machines in good working order and has made itself readily available to us, providing support and information whenever it’s needed.’

He added: ‘I’d certainly buy from Bell again, because in my experience, when it comes to choosing a plant machine, there is often little to choose between brands. However, for me, it’s the people you deal with that make the difference, and with Bell, I get what I’m looking for from a supplier, each and every time.’