Finning install on-site hose solution for Tillicoultry

Bespoke one-stop hose solution facility installed at Northfield Quarry to maximize machine uptime

FINNING have completed the bespoke installation of an on-site, one-stop hose solution facility at Tillicoultry Quarries, which will see the quarry company benefit from fast hose and coupling maintenance to maximize productivity.

The hose solution facility was installed at Tillicoultry Quarries’ Northfield site where it will support a fleet of machines, both Cat and non-Cat. Cat hoses are designed to provide a solution for mixed fleets and the on-site facility will significantly reduce machine downtime and allow proactive repairs and routine maintenance.

Tillicoultry Quarries took delivery of the unit – converted from a former shipping container – on 6 February this year after working with hydraulics experts at Finning to develop a bespoke solution that would provide on-site access to hose and coupling service capabilities and parts. This was led by Finning Hydraulic Services (FHS) engineer Chris Mains, who played a key part in the physical set-up of the hose container and will provide ongoing support on site.

Designed to support a large mixed fleet, the workshop is stocked with Cat hose assembly tooling – the only approved solutions for Cat machines but which can support a range of other machinery too. Ahead of installation, Finning carried out a thorough analysis of the site’s specific needs to make sure the unit was equipped to meet the weekly or monthly demand for assembly builds.

Finning account manager John Gallacher said: ‘Finning are always looking for ways to bring exceptional value and support to customers and building a dedicated on-site hose facility for Tillicoultry Quarries is a great example of this.

‘Accessibility is a real strong point in this initiative, giving Tillicoultry Quarries the flexibility to carry out work as and when it is needed. It has been rewarding to work on creating such an innovative and practical solution and we hope to see great results from the use of the on-site workshop for Tillicoultry Quarries.

‘Due to the nature of the industries Cat machines are used in, site locations can often be quite a distance from the nearest dealer. Having the parts and know-how on site to remedy an issue or fit a new hose makes sense to minimize downtime and keep machine productivity high.

‘The ultimate purpose of the on-site facility is to support optimal machine use in a production-critical quarry by cutting back on the time needed for hose and coupling work, especially on machines such as hydraulic excavators, and increased uptime will aid site efficiency. All Cat hose and coupling products meet or exceed major industry standards and can be used across different fleets ensuring that standards remain high.’

Robert Hamilton, hard rock production manager at Tillicoultry Quarries, added: ‘Having the on-site facility should reduce our downtime, enabling us to have the speed of turnaround in our own hands and we expect to see an immediate impact on efficiency. We have had four engineers trained, which should give us cover at all times and allow us to maximize use.

‘Finning support our business well. We have our product support account manager and other key personnel that we have built good relationships with, who understand our business and its needs. Northfield is our largest unit with the biggest fleet, and I expect us to be able to support our other units by making up some stock hoses for them too.’