Repeat business for Volvo
A NEW Volvo L220F loading shovel has recently been delivered to Bathgate Silica Sand’s Arclid Quarry, in Cheshire, where it has taken over as the site’s prime mover, extracting high-quality silica sand for a variety of specialist markets.
The new 32-tonne loading shovel continues a trend at Bathgate Silica Sand by replacing the original L220E that was delivered in 2003 and joining a second E-series model that was delivered in 2005. According to Bathgate’s general manager, Dave Robinson, operator preference together with Volvo’s track record for after-market support were the main drivers in determining the choice of the new replacement machine.
‘There’s no doubt my operators favour the Volvo product, especially now with the enhancements to the cab of the F-series machine in terms of added comfort and increased visibility,’ he said. ‘This time around though, we’ve decided to invest in Volvo’s Gold Service Agreement for complete peace of mind.’
The L220F is powered by a Tier III/Stage 3-compliant 12-litre Volvo engine, which develops 352hp at 1,400 rev/min. This provides high torque at just above tick over and delivers plenty of rimpull, low fuel consumption and a significant reduction in noise levels over the previous E-series machine. The transmission is also significantly quieter than its predecessor, and maximum speed has been increased.
To help the L220F produce the required 2,000 tonnes of material per day, extracting from the face and carrying bucket loads of up to 11 tonnes on one-way hauls of up to 400m to the field conveyor feed hopper, the loader has been fitted with a 5.4m3 straight-lipped bucket, Volvo’s optional ride control or boom suspension system, together with Goodyear 29.5 x 25 TL3A tyres.
Opting for Volvo’s Gold Service Agreement instead of their normal service agreement was a new departure for Bathgate. The agreement, which follows a similar arrangement that the company recently undertook with Volvo Trucks for their road fleet, covers all servicing, including oils, filters and associated parts, labour travel and mileage, together with breakdowns and repairs, for a period of up to 10,000h or 48 months.
