Terex Trucks TR70 proves a concrete choice for Conco

Conco Quarries using rigid hauler to increase productivity at limestone quarry in Missouri

FROM soil conditioner to building material, and toothpaste filler to decorative garden stone, limestone has many uses. Found throughout the world, vast quantities of limestone are located in the US state of Missouri, where two abundant deposits are owned by family business Conco Companies.

Founded in 1947, Conco Companies were set up by Ralph Reed and his stepson Tom Baird, with a primary focus on the production of ready-mixed concrete. A decision to purchase the Garrett Construction Company in 1958 helped Conco become a leader in the industry by expanding their operations significantly and also led to the business becoming the owner of two quarries, which gave rise to Conco Quarries.

Today Conco are also a subsidiary of Ash Grove Cement, the largest privately owned cement company in the US.

To help ensure continued smooth running of the limestone operations at the company’s facility in Willard, Missouri, Conco Quarries recently purchased a 72-tonne capacity TR70 rigid hauler from Terex Trucks as part of an ongoing equipment renewal programme.

Designed to deliver maximum production with minimum effort, the machine is working 10-hour days hauling crushed limestone from the quarry face to the crusher.

‘The reputation of Terex Trucks’ rigid-frame trucks precedes itself and it’s great to have a respected company such as Conco putting our machines to the test,’ said Dan Meara, regional sales manager at Terex Trucks.

‘When we got a call from  GW Van Keppel [Terex Trucks’ Midwest dealer] saying Conco were keen to put one of our trucks to work at their Willard facility, we knew the TR70 would fit right in, and we worked together to create a competitive offer.

‘Once the deal was done, we did two days of training with operators on site at the quarry and the machine has been delivering ever since.’

The TR70 is fitted with a 12-cylinder, 24-litre Detroit Diesel MTU-2000TA engine that provides a maximum torque of 3,323Nm and gross power of 567kW (760hp).

The robustly built rigid hauler features a high-capacity body with exhaust heating to limit carry-back and increase productivity, whilst a 15° sloping tail chute ensures good retention and permits controlled dumping into the crusher.

Constructed in Motherwell, Scotland, the TR70’s haul cycles are kept short thanks to smooth acceleration which helps to keep the operator comfortable.

Furthermore, the hauler boasts a spacious air-conditioned cab complete with an air-suspension seat to reduce operator fatigue, along with ergonomic controls, large mirrors and a colour reversing camera for excellent visibility.

‘The truck is a welcome addition to the operation we run at our Willard facility,’ commented Chris Upp, vice-president and general manager of the quarry division at Conco Companies.

‘Here at Conco we provide vital services to our community; we have many high-priority customers so everything we crush, we sell, meaning downtime simply isn’t an option. Our expectations for the TR70 were big and it’s done well to help increase productivity.’

He added: ‘Going into this transaction we were a first-time Terex Trucks customer, but based on our early analysis, we believe this truck will give us solid long-term performance.’