Trio of new Volvo machines for Hogan Group

Efficient after-sales support ensures continued business with North Wales-based Hogan Group

PRODUCT reliability coupled with consistent and efficient after-sales support has led to North Wales-based Hogan Group replacing an existing Volvo L70 for their asphalt plant and, for the first time, adding two new Volvo A30G articulated haulers for their quarrying operations on Anglesey.

‘We’ve run Volvo loading shovels for many years at our asphalt plant here in Bangor,’ commented production director Jamie Hogan. ‘The machines have proved to be very reliable, but of equal importance is the fact that Volvo and SMT have provided consistent and efficient after-sales support for many years, which is vital for our 24-hour, seven-days-a-week operation.

‘The L70H is the optimal-sized loading shovel for our plants, which produce asphalt and concrete products,’ he continued. ‘In addition, the new loading shovel is proving to be very fuel efficient, thanks to the engine’s maximum torque being reached at low rev/min.’

The Volvo L70H benefits from a Volvo-designed and purpose-built powertrain, which includes the latest six-litre Stage V 173hp Volvo engine, transmission and axles. Hogan Group also opted for an optional boom suspension for the new loader. The benefit of this is that it gives the operator a smooth ride, whilst ensuring full bucket loads are maintained with minimal spillage.

The L70H is fitted with a 2.3 cubic metre heavy-duty general-purpose bucket to handle the variety of materials destined for the batching plant. Thanks to the hydraulic attachment bracket, the machine can easily alternate between the bucket and loading forks to handle palletized material on site.

For the first time, the Hogan Group also opted to purchase Volvo articulated haulers, with two A30G machines going to work at the company’s aggregates division, which is located at Gwyndy Quarry on Anglesey.

‘Opting for the Volvo brand was a significant investment,’ continued Mr Hogan. ‘SMT came up with a strong commercial package following a successful demonstration of the A30G, whereby we had the chance to evaluate this machine’s productivity, cycle times and, not least, operator acceptance. When we looked at all the factors, particularly the lifetime running costs of the truck, opting for the Volvo brand made perfect sense.’ 

Both haulers are powered by Volvo’s six-cylinder V-ACT diesel engines, which generate 264kW and comply with all Stage V final emissions legislation. Representing some of the latest innovations in Volvo engine design, high torque is delivered at low engine speeds for greater fuel efficiency, high performance, quicker engine response, less wear and a long service life.

The efficiency of the V-ACT engine is further improved by being perfectly matched to a purpose-built Volvo drivetrain, which ensures that all available power and torque is put to the best use possible, even in tough working conditions.

Furthermore, a fast and adaptive fully automatic transmission and torque converter, with built in lock-up function, serve to further increase the high fuel efficiency delivered by both A30G articulated haulers. 

With a carrying capacity of 28 tonnes, both trucks have been supplied with full cantilever tailgates and 200mm side extensions, giving a maximum-heaped capacity of 18.4 cubic metres.

One truck, which is deployed as the prime mover from the face to the crusher, has had optional Hardox 450 wear plates installed to combat the impact and wear from the highly abrasive nature of the granite being quarried at Gwyndy.

The second A30G is deployed around the stockyard, rehandling a variety of crushed material. Additional spill plates have been added at the front of the skips, to prevent any possible damage to the cab and hitch areas of the trucks.

Both the L70H and the two A30G articulated haulers have been supplied with the Level 3 OPTIMISE support package, whereby SMT take care of all repairs and maintenance. This provides peace of mind by ensuring that, as well as all scheduled maintenance, any repairs that are required are also covered by one fixed rate fee.

As part of this package, Hogan Group can also send up to six operators on a day’s training on SMT GB’s in-house simulators, to refine their skills and knowledge while also further improving the total cost of ownership.