New Doosan ADTs on Mersey Gateway Bridge Project
Total Plant Hire Ltd bolster earthmoving fleet with two new Doosan DA30 articulated dumptrucks
MANCHESTER-based Total Plant Hire (TPH) have purchased two new 30-tonne Doosan DA30 articulated dumptrucks (ADTs) fitted with high-flotation tyres from local dealers Norwest Plant Ltd.
As with all Doosan ADTs, the DA30 model features an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to provide equal weight distribution to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. Together with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie, this ensures equal distribution of weight to each wheel and ensures permanent six-wheel contact and drive for equal power distribution and superior performance on difficult terrain.
According to Doosan, the specially shaped body and sloping frame on the DA30 ADT, combined with the free-swinging tandem, offers ‘best in class’ low ground-bearing pressure, which is further reduced by the use of the high-flotation tyres.
Thomas Halligan, owner of TPH, said: ‘We purchased the new Doosan DA30 ADTs equipped with high-flotation tyres for use on contracts such as the Mersey Gateway Bridge Project, where low ground pressure is required.
‘We believe in offering a ‘one-stop service’ for our customers covering all types of machines needed for their sites. Since we started purchasing Doosan articulated dumptrucks in 2014, we have seen very good utilization of trucks with high-flotation tyres across the North West.’
Scheduled for opening in the autumn of 2017, the Mersey Gateway Bridge Project involves the construction of a new six-lane toll bridge over the river Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes, with the aim of relieving the congested Silver Jubilee Bridge further up the river.
The project will also see the upgrading of 7km of highways to the north and south of the river, to change the traffic flow so the vast majority of traffic will use the new bridge.
A temporary trestle bridge has already been built as an access platform for the construction team to work from. Accessed from the trestle bridge, temporary cofferdams have been built to allow the foundations to be laid for the three pylons that will support the 2.2km long main bridge. The two Doosan DA30 ADTs are being used to remove earth excavated from these cofferdams and from others across the site.
As well as the work on the bridge in the estuary, the Doosan DA30s are being used to help the construction of supporting piers for the elevated approach viaducts, which cross the Manchester Ship Canal and St Helens Canal.
The two new Doosan ADTs join eight other DA30 models that already form part of the equipment hire fleet at TPH. Jonathan Campbell, general manager of Norwest Plant, commented: ‘We’re thrilled that TPH have put their trust in Norwest Plant to supply more Doosan machines, which has resulted in the plant hire firm having the largest fleet of Doosan ADTs in the country.’
