New Lokotrack LT120E for Heidelberger Sand und Kies
Successful primary crushing of hard, round-shaped natural stone boulders pose a big challenge for any quarry operator. Germany-based Heidelberger Sand und Kies GmbH (part of HeidelbergCement), however, found the right tool for the job using Metso’s new diesel-electric Lokotrack LT120E jaw plant at Langhagen Quarry, near Rostock, which has proved to be a very cost-effective solution while fulfilling environmental regulations.
The machine’s good energy economy is a result of several factors. The C120 crusher with high-inertia flywheels provides a balanced process, while the Cat C13 Tier 4 diesel engine with generator runs steadily at 1,500 revs/min.
After more than seven months of operation and over 970h of crushing at Langhagen, quarry manager Hans-Jurgen Jeschke is delighted with the new Lokotrack jaw plant.
‘Dealing with extremely difficult feed material, we have achieved good and steady capacities,’ he explained. ‘During the rental period, no unexpected stoppages occurred. It’s great how well the C120 jaw crusher processes and keeps even the roundest large boulders inside the crusher cavity. It must be a combination of the well-designed nip angle, the superior long cavity and correctly shaped special quarry jaws.’
Langhagen Quarry produces around 1 million tonnes of aggregates per annum for road-base materials, manufactured sand and asphalt products. The quarry has natural sand and gravel reserves where boulders up to 1,200mm in size can be found. Boulders up to 700mm are crushed and screened in two stages for different sized aggregates.
The Lokotrack LT120E on site is operated as a primary crusher for 12h a day. Using a 110mm closed-side setting, the round stones are crushed efficiently with the jaw crusher for secondary reduction. Also available as a hydraulic version, high synergy is featured in the design of both alternative models to ensure that the LT120 suits the customers’ specifications.
The Lokotrack LT120E can be used as a diesel-electric driven unit powered by a diesel motor with a 420kVA generator or fully electric by connecting the machine to the external electric network via a cable. The starting system of the crusher allows reverse running in the event of oversize feed blockages. The tracks, vibrating feed and optional boom and hammer are all powered by a hydraulic system.
