Marshalls reinvest in Epiroc breakers
Marshalls replace Epiroc HP 3600 and HB 4100 breakers with new IPS-equipped versions
ON the back of excellent productivity and their proven low maintenance requirements, Marshalls plc have invested in the latest versions of Epiroc’s HB 3600 IPS and HB 4100 IPS hydraulic hammers to replace their earlier equivalents, which have extracted more than 2.5 million tonnes of the hardest sandstone in England over the last five years.
‘We extract approximately 500,000 tonnes of rock each year using hydraulic breakers at Scout Moor Quarry in Lancashire,’ said operations manager David Smith.
‘With hydraulic breakers, the two key factors for us are productivity levels and reliability. We already have both an HB 3600 and an HB 4100, so we know from experience that Epiroc breakers come out top on both of these key factors.’
Marshalls bought their new breakers from Trojan Plant Equipment Ltd, the Epiroc dealer for the north of England.
‘I have been extremely impressed by the professionalism and level of service provided by Lester Spencer (left of photo) and his team at Trojan, as they have ensured our existing breakers have kept delivering the required output despite some very tough working conditions,’ continued Mr Smith (right of photo).
‘When it came to selecting and ordering their replacements, Trojan made the process simple and easy, right through to commissioning them on site.’
The key difference between the latest Epiroc breakers and the previous models is the patented Intelligent Protection System (IPS), which simplifies the breaking process by automatically adapting the breaker’s operating behaviour to any working condition.
The system permits more accurate and significantly faster positioning of the breaker, thanks to the centring effect, and avoids the blank firing that often results in tool damage and mechanical strain on the carrier.
Other considerations when selecting the breakers included their environmental impact. The power-to-weight ratio of Epiroc breakers allows Marshalls to use smaller breakers than those of other manufacturers, without reducing productivity, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and, in turn, the carbon footprint of the operation.
Also, being super silenced as standard, Epiroc HB breakers help reduce noise pollution, whilst the on-board lubricator can be used with Epiroc’s biodegradable bio chisel paste.
