Johnsons Wellfield take on Volvo heavyweights
Stone specialists invest in new Volvo machines as part of fleet renewal programme
FOLLOWING a competitive tendering process, Volvo CE have secured a new order comprising a 70-tonne EC700C excavator, A40G articulated hauler and 22-tonne EC220E crawler excavator from Huddersfield-based Johnsons Wellfield.
The family-owned has one of the largest facilities in the UK for cutting and processing what is referred to as buff hard Yorkstone with the finished material adorning prestigious UK buildings and famous structures, including the Thames Embankment, Houses of Parliament, and Victoria and Albert Museum.
With a need to replace one of the quarry operator’s prime movers along with a smaller 22-tonne excavator and a 40-tonne hauler, Johnsons Wellfield began the process of appraising the marketplace and invited competitive tenders for the newly required equipment.
‘We were looking at several key buying criteria from the market with the main driver being the ability to provide consistent and reliable after-market support,’ commented general manager Shaun Berry.
‘From our experience of operating Volvo loading shovels and articulated haulers since 1983, and with a good track record for support we knew, Volvo scored highly in this area and having subsequently appraised third parties currently operating the EC700C, we were confident in the robustness and build quality of the equipment.’
The Volvo EC700C model has been supplied to Johnsons Wellfield in mass excavator configuration, together with a heavy-duty rock handling bucket and a ripper tooth, both of which can easily be interchanged thanks to a twin lock quick hitch. The machine uses the ripper tooth to prize Yorkstone blocks from the extraction benches and face.
A bucket is then used to load them on to an awaiting articulated hauler. The blocks, which can weigh anywhere up to 12 tonnes, are selected at the extraction area for their integrity and strength since only prime block material is hauled to the processing plant.
At the heart of the EC700C excavator is a 16-litre Stage III V-ACT engine that develops 430hp and a maximum torque of 2,250Nm at just 1,350 rev/min. In mass-excavation configuration, the machine offers a maximum reach of 11.2m, a digging depth of 7.25m and a lifting capacity, at full reach, of 12.4 tonnes.
Working in conjunction with the EC700C will be the new A40G articulated dumptruck (ADT) that transports the prime stone blocks to the processing plant.
Meeting the requirements of Tier IV Final emissions legislation, the A40G hauler is powered by a 16-litre Volvo engine (347kW) which delivers high torque at low engine speeds, resulting in good fuel efficiency, high performance, quicker engine response and reduced wear/longer service life.
The whole powertrain is designed to make best use of the available power and torque, even in tough working conditions. The engine in the drivetrain is matched to a torque converter with built in lock-up function and fully automatic fast adaptive transmission.
Powered by a six-cylinder Volvo engine developing 174hp, the EC220E excavator is said to offer the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication. For example, pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, while maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque.
Also, when Eco mode is selected the machine provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions. The EC220E will be used for various duties around the stockyard re-handling blocks from the quarry and undertaking general muck shifting and housekeeping on site.
