New Volvo L180H loading shovel for Suttles
Performance and reliability of existing fleet are key to new machine purchase at Swanworth Quarry
A BRAND new Volvo L180H loading shovel which has recently taken over as the prime mover at Suttles’ Swanworth Quarry, in Dorset, was chosen thanks to the performance and reliability of the company’s existing fleet of Volvo equipment.
The new 28-tonne loading shovel continues a trend at Suttles, who have operated Volvo loading shovels for many years across their three operating sites.
The L180H is the largest Volvo shovel to join the fleet of seven machines and was chosen following a competitive tender process. The purchase also coincided with a significant investment in a new crushing and screening plant for Swanworth Quarry.
‘The package on offer from Volvo was very competitive, so it wasn’t a difficult decision to choose the L180H based upon our past experience when it comes to performance and reliability,’ commented plant manager Jimmy James. ‘Having run Volvo machines for many years now, they are a firm favourite with our operators with regard to comfort, good visibility and user-friendliness.’
The L180H features a 13-litre Stage IV final engine that develops 333hp between 1,300 and 1,400 rev/min. The machine also benefits from Volvo-designed and manufactured driveline components, including Optishift with torque converter lock-up and reverse by braking feature – all designed to offer considerable fuel savings on each shift.
Fuel savings are further enhanced by the Volvo Eco pedal, which encourages the operator to run the machine at its optimum rev/min in the engine’s torque curve.
In order to carry out its duties on site, which include stock rehandling, cleaning up around the belts and screens, loading out stone lorries, and occasional work at the face, the L180H has been fitted with: a 4.4 cubic metre capacity straight-lipped bucket complete with teeth and segments; Volvo’s optional ride-control or boom suspension system; and Bridgestone 26.5 x 25 VSDT L5 tyres.
In this configuration the machine has a load over height of 3.0m, a full-turn tipping load of 20.7 tonnes and a breakout force of 225kN.
The Suttles group have been part of the local stone industry since the 1930s as stone merchants and quarry owners. They operate from three locations across the Isle of Purbeck and Poole, and employ around 60 people. In addition to their seven Volvo loading shovels, the company runs a fleet of 16 Volvo tipper lorries.
