New Volvo wheel loader for Bathgate Silica Sand

16 October, 2014

Volvo L220H loading shovel takes over as prime mover handling high-quality silica sand at Cheshire quarry

BATHGATE Silica Sand have taken delivery of a new Volvo L220H wheel loader for prime mover duties at their Arclid Quarry in Cheshire. The 32-tonne loading shovel replaces a five-year-old L220F and joins a L220G and a Volvo L150G which were purchased two years ago for the company’s soil blending operation.

According to Bathgate’s general manager, David Robinson, operator preference and Volvo’s first-class after-market support were the main drivers in determining the choice of the latest machine purchase.

‘The Volvo shovels are a firm favourite with our operators especially with the cab interiors for comfort, ease of operation and excellent visibility,’ he said. ‘Volvo have always provided a very good aftermarket support which is extremely important to our operation here at Bathgate and once again we’ve decided to invest in a full repair and maintenance agreement for the new L220H for complete peace of mind.’

Launched at this year’s Hillhead exhibition, the L220H loader features a 13-litre Stage IV Final engine developing 373hp between 1,300 and 1,400 rev/min. The machine also benefits from Volvo’s designed and manufactured driveline components, including the company’s Optishift system with torque converter lock-up and reverse-by-braking features – all designed to offer considerable fuel savings each shift.

Fuel savings are further enhanced by an ‘Eco pedal’ encouraging the operator to run the machine at its optimum rev/min in the engine torque curve.

In order to load and haul around 2,000 tonnes of material per day at Bathgate’s Arclid site, the L220H model has been fitted with a 6.1 cubic metre-capacity straight-lipped bucket, Volvo’s optional ride control and boom suspension system, together with Goodyear 29.5 x 25 TL3A tyres.

In addition to the L220H, Bathgate Silica Sand have taken delivery of a 14-tonne Volvo EC140D which replaces a EC140 purchased in 2000. The machine will be deployed around the quarry and site for general maintenance such as cleaning gulleys, culverts and watercourses.