Tudor Griffiths take on Volvo excavator
Quarry operators Tudor Griffiths Group have added a new Volvo EC360C LC crawler excavator to their fleet, as a replacement for their old B-series model. Operating at Wood Lane Quarry, in Shropshire, the 36-tonne excavator is powered by a 12-litre Volvo Tier III low-emission engine developing 250hp
The EC360C benefits from a ‘integrated work mode control’ hydraulic system that, say Volvo, provides more productivity, better digging capacity provision and, above all, greater fuel economy.
In addition to purchasing the new excavator, Tudor Griffiths have signed a ‘Silver’ customer service and maintenance support agreement with Volvo Construction Equipment to ensure their machines are run in a cost-effective way. This will involve six monthly reviews on all the Volvo equipment owned by the company, including L180E loading shovels, A35 articulated haulers and two other excavators.
‘The service support we get is first class,’ said Jamie Jones, group transport manager at Tudor Griffiths. ‘We are talking about fast reaction times to any problems that arise and the fact that we have competent people who understand both our needs as a customer and the products they are dealing with.’
As part of the customer-support package, a monitoring and diagnostic tool, known as ‘Matris’, will be used to assess the machines’ performance.
Meanwhile, long-term users of Volvo products, Raymond Brown Group, have recently supplemented their fleet with five A25E articulated haulers. ‘We’ve been associated with Volvo haulers for over 25 years,’ commented director Mark Isaac. ‘The quality of build and overall performance, coupled with excellent residual values, are reasons why we choose Volvo.’
The A25E is equipped with a 9-litre turbo-charged, low-emission diesel engine that develops 305hp and offers higher torque at lower engine speed. This is a particularly important feature when starting the hauler from standstill in difficult terrain.
The A25E has all-wheel drive and 100% differential-locks, offering the operator a number of driving options. The entire drivetrain – engine, transmission, dropbox and axles – is made up of Volvo components.
The dump body has a load capacity of 24,000kg with a 15m3 heaped SAE 2:1 volume and is constructed from 400HB steel throughout, providing both yield and tensile strength.
A special feature of the A25E is the patented Volvo Road and Dump Brake. When the hauler is in position for loading or dumping, the operator presses a button to automatically apply the brakes and place the transmission in neutral.
This improves safety and minimizes wear on the brakes and drivetrain. Once loading or dumping has been completed, the operator selects a gear and the Load and Dump Brake is disengaged.
