Tarmac expand fleet of Bobcat telehandlers

The Tarmac Group have purchased three new Bobcat T40140 14m telehandlers.

Although chosen after a competitive evaluation of equivalent machines from three other manufacturers, the new purchases were influenced by the performance of a Bobcat T40170 17m telehandler of similar design supplied to Buxton Lime Industries, also part of the Tarmac Group.

The new telehandlers are in operation at three quarries run by Tarmac Southern. At all three quarries the telehandlers are used for unloading and transporting materials delivered to the site and for general service and repair work on buildings and plant in the quarries. One of the telehandlers is also used to move a conveyor. By using a fork attachment it can relocate 4-tonne conveyor rolls that carry sand from a hopper which is fed by an excavator extracting sand from the quarry.

Owing to the design and construction of the new boom, which pivots at the rear of the machine, the T40140 can lift 4 tonnes to a maximum lifting height of 13.61m, and 1,300kg at its maximum reach of 9.7m.

Made from high-tensile steel, the boom on the T40140 utilizes a feature used in crane construction whereby a built-in counter-bow ensures straightness when extended under full load. There is a large contact surface between the support pads and the boom segments, providing a smoother proportional telescoping action without loss of hydraulic power as well as reduced pad wear. A compensator cylinder allows self-levelling of the fork carriage.