Rokbak haulers improve FT Aggregates’ service quality

08 August, 2024

FT Aggregates maintain their reputation for service and reliability by using top-tier equipment such as Rokbak articulated haulers

RA40 and RA30 articulated haulers help Canadian materials firm produce high-quality aggregate continuously and on time

SAND and gravel producers FT Aggregates are a premium aggregates supplier to the Greater Edmonton area of Canada with a reputation for reliability and relatability. The Alberta-based company produces more than one million tonnes of sand and gravel every year.

To optimize the efficiency of their haul cycles and deliver optimum performance at the lowest cost per tonne, FT Aggregates rely on using the very best earthmoving equipment available. A symbiotic relationship with Scotland-based articulated hauler manufacturers Rokbak and local construction equipment dealers Headwater Equipment, for example, has helped deliver FT Aggregates’ consistent service quality.

The aggregates producer has used four Rokbak RA40 articulated haulers since 2023 and added an RA30 to its fleet less than a year later. FT Aggregates runs a highly efficient operation and their Rokbak trucks must handle large volumes of material, essential for productivity and consistency of performance, with the trucks on maintenance plans to ensure minimal downtime.

Each RA40 hauler moves around 100-120 loads and 5,000 tonnes of material every day, while the RA30 is an operator’s favourite for its comfort and surface handling. ‘If our operators had to pick a truck amongst our fleet to run on-site, it would be a Rokbak truck,’ said FT Aggregates’ president, Shane Smith. ‘We’ve been very impressed by the fuel economy, the look and the comfort.’

At the company’s ‘Pit 23’, located south of central-Albertan city Camrose, excavators load overburden into the RA40’s all-welded body, which has a capacity of 38 tonnes (41.9 US tons). Each RA40 at Pit 23 transports the overburden and sand and gravel material for production. The truck's body is fabricated from high-hardness steel with a 1,000 MPa yield strength and features a dual-slope tail chute that facilitates the ejection of material.

FT Aggregates continue to test their Rokbak trucks, showcasing the ADTs’ reliability and performance under the extreme conditions of Western Canada. The company operates in harsh climates, from –40°C in winter to +35°C in summer, requiring robust equipment and flexible operations.

‘The seasons are not kind,’ said Mr Smith. ‘And that means we’re probably one of the best places in the world to put trucks through their paces. We’ve found that the Rokbak trucks can be relied upon to operate effectively and efficiently, regardless of conditions.’

Fully automatic transmission ensures smooth gear shifting – reducing fuel consumption and increasing operator comfort, even in tough environments.

The pressurized cab with HVAC offers enhanced control and comfort. Other key features of the Rokbaks include excellent traction and a strong power-to-weight ratio, ensuring fast material movement which, in turn, maximizes productivity and minimizes costs.