New Terex TR70 for Longcliffe Quarries

Quarrying company invests in new Terex rigid hauler for first time in more than quarter of a century

TDL Equipment, an independent distributor for Terex Construction, have recently supplied the first Terex rigid haul truck – a TR70 model – to enter service with Longcliffe Quarries in more than 25 years.

Previously, the company which extracts high-quality limestone from its two quarries in the Derbyshire Peak District had used Terex R35 trucks, but then went on to use 50- and 60-tonne-capacity trucks from a competitor brand before the purchase of the new Terex TR70 truck.

Excellent performance and fuel returns from a demonstration unit and the enthusiasm and determination shown by TDL areas sales manager Gaz Bourne are said to have led Longcliffe to place the order for the 65-tonne capacity truck.

Powered by a fuel-efficient 760hp (567kW) engine, the Terex TR70 rigid truck met all the requirements set out by the management at Longcliffe. Quarry manager Ian McDonald explained that the operation has a specific requirement for its haul trucks. ‘We need the truck to be able to run under our front-line shovels but also require it to be able to be loaded by our smaller wheel loaders when moving waste material. Terex were the only manufacturer able to give us a low enough body yet retain the payload requirement.’

Another determining factor was the physical width of the truck. The quarry is bisected by the B5056 road with the quarry faces accessed via a narrow tunnel passing under the road. ‘We needed a truck that could fit through the tunnel and yet again Terex were the only manufacturer who could meet our requirements,’ said Mr McDonald.

As with the rest of the Longcliffe fleet, the TR70 truck sports Longcliffe’s striking corporate colour scheme. Being painted on the production line at the Terex facility in Newhouse, Scotland, meant the truck was able to be put to work straight away.

‘The finish on the paintwork is excellent,’ commented Mr McDonald. ‘Previous vehicles from other suppliers have had to be stripped down and repainted in our workshops causing delays to getting the vehicle into action. This wasn’t an issue with Terex.’

Along with the special paint scheme, Longcliffe also specified various aftermarket features, including a hydraulically folding access step and the TDL 360° surround camera system, which were provided and installed by distributors TDL.

The revolutionary camera system, which utilizes four standard cameras mounted to the front, off and near sides, and rear of the TR70 truck, provides a bird’s-eye view of the truck and its working environment on the in-cab colour screen and reduces potential blind spots around the vehicle.

Longcliffe also requested that TDL included their extended oil-change facility. According to Gaz Bourne, this means engine oil and filter life are extended by at least four times, resulting in reduced oil usage and disposal costs.

Another potential cost-saving option fitted to the TR70 truck was the TDL Tyre Monitoring system. ‘Tyres and their maintenance cover a large proportion of the truck’s running costs and TDL believe the Tyre Monitor can reduce these costs by monitoring pressures every 15 minutes and alerting the operator should any tyre drop below or exceed a certain pressure,’ said Mr Bourne. Alerts are brought up on the in-cab monitor and scans can also be sent, via TDL Telematics, to the maintenance teams via email or text message.

Ian McDonald concluded: ‘We are extremely pleased with both the package and service we have had from Terex and TDL. Our operators are very pleased with the new truck and the fuel returns are looking promising. It meets 100% of our requirements; what more could we ask for?’