Scottish quarry operator stays loyal to Hyva brand
Tillicoultry Quarries’ newest tippers now fitted with latest FCA137 tipping cylinders
AS long-time users of Hyva tipping cylinders, Tillicoultry Quarries have once gain put into service another new batch of Hyva-equipped vehicles. But whereas the company’s previous trucks have typically been fitted with Hyva’s well-established FC149 tipping gear, the latest tippers all feature the latest FCA137 model.
The principal difference between the two models is that the FCA137 is a separate ram and tank design, whereas the FC149 had these combined. As the oil tank in the newer FCA137 unit is not load bearing – unlike the heavy-duty steel tank used in the FC149 model – the weight of the former has been significantly reduced.
In addition, further weight saving has been achieved by the FCA137 having smaller diameter tubes. However, thicker tube walls and longer overlaps mean that strength, rigidity and reliability are all increased. When all the weight savings are added up, the 450kg FCA137 sheds more than 40kg from the previous FC149.
Craig Wilson, transport manager for Tillicoultry, said: ‘The FC149 was a great tipping gear and gave us many years of good service. But now the technology has simply moved on. The new FCA137 model offers more without any downsides. Operationally, the new model is that bit faster, too. And as a separate ram and tank design, it’s also easier to look after and maintain.’
Initially developed for the Chinese mining industry, the performance and long-term durability of FCA137 was proven long before it was ever made available to operators in the UK. With its 35-tonne lift capacity, the tipping gear also makes easy work of any 8x4 tipping application where gvw does not exceed 32 tonnes.
Specified with Scania chassis and Wilcox insulated alloy bodies, Tillicoultry’s four new bright red 8x4s and single 6x4 are now hard at work delivering a full range of quarry products across Scotland’s Central Belt.
Mike Taylor, managing director of Hyva UK, commented: ‘As a key part of our latest Alpha range of tipping cylinders, the FCA137 has proven to be a game changer – not just for Hyva, but for the whole UK tipping industry. Nothing else demonstrates so well how the technology of tipping cylinders has really moved on.’
He added: ‘The fact is that the FCA137 combines heavyweight performance in a lightweight package that no other tipping cylinder can match. As such it is supremely versatile and ideal for the great majority of rigid tipper applications.’
