Bell wheel loaders for Goonvean Aggregates

Cornish secondary aggregates processing business purchases three Bell L2606E wheel loaders

ROBUST design and fuel economy were key drivers behind the decision by Goonvean Aggregates to purchase three L2606E wheel loaders from Bell Equipment for their recycled aggregate processing operation in Cornwall.

The Goonvean name has been synonymous with china clay since 1932, but in 2012, when the company’s china clay business was sold to Imerys, the directors realized that there was the scope to enhance and promote the existing aggregates business and founded Goonvean Aggregates Ltd.

As part of the package with Imerys, Goonvean Aggregates have a contractual arrangement for the supply of material to increase the future use of secondary aggregates from the by-products of their china clay processes, thereby reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Goonvean Aggregates began an immediate and intensive programme of reviewing their plant equipment, and to specify new machines where needed.

One of the areas in question was Goonvean Aggregates’ loading operation, a vital plank in the supply of their products to both the local construction industry and the south-east of England via the nearby deep-water sea port at Fowey Docks.

Given the abrasive nature of the granite, a robust solution was required and Goonvean Aggregates trialled wheel loaders from several manufacturers, including Bell Equipment.

‘Prior to its sale to Imerys, the Goonvean china clay business had used Bell ADTs and so we were aware of the company’s reputation,’ explained Kevin Foley, general manager of Goonvean Aggregates.

The trial confirmed the suitability of Bell loaders for the task in hand because, as Mr Foley explained: ‘Bell ticked more boxes than the competitors. The Bell loaders delivered on all of the aspects we needed in terms of efficient loading to ensure fast turnaround for vehicles in the quarries.’

At the same time, Goonvean Aggregates were impressed by the Bell loaders’ exceptional fuel efficiency; when reviewed on a cost basis against other models, consumption was significantly lower. ‘Our entire business model revolves around minimizing waste to get the most of natural resources, and Bell’s commitment to fuel efficiency complements those goals perfectly,’ said Mr Foley.

The chosen machines are all L2606Es, the largest wheel loader available from Bell Equipment UK. Like all Bell loaders, the L2606Es benefit from a John Deere engine and the highest ‘as-standard’ specification of any loader available in the UK – making them well-equipped to handle the demands of the harsh quarry environment.

‘All three Bell loaders are working five-and-a-half days per week under tough conditions, and have instantly proved their credentials, helping us to implement a fast, efficient processing operation,’ confirmed Mr Foley.