A new Volvo L220H loading shovel has been delivered to Bathgate Silica Sand, Arclid, Cheshire and takes over as the prime mover at the firm’s quarry, extracting high quality silica sand for a variety of specialist markets.
The new 32 tonne loading shovel continues a trend at Bathgate Silica Sand, replacing a five-year-old L220F and joins a G series L220 and a Volvo L150G which was purchased just two years ago for the company’s soil blending operation.
Bathgate’s General Manager, David Robinson, said, “The Volvo shovels are a firm favourite with our operators especially with the cab interiors for comfort, ease of operation and excellent visibility.”
Launched at this year’s Hillhead exhibition, the L220H features a 13 litre stage IV final engine developing 373hp in a relatively low rpm range of between 1300 and 1400 rpm. The machine also benefits from Volvo designed and manufactured driveline components including optishift with torque converter lock up and reverse by braking feature – all designed to offer considerable fuel savings each shift.
In order to produce around 2000 tonnes of material per day at Bathgate, the L220H has been fitted with a 6.1m³ straight lipped bucket, Volvo’s optional ride control or boom suspension system together with Goodyear 29.5 x 25 TL3A tyres. So configured the new arrival is capable of extracting from the face and carrying bucket loads of up to eleven tonnes on one way hauls of up to 400 metres to field hoppers, strategically placed in the quarry feeding a conveyor system.
At the same time Bathgate Silica Sand has taken delivery of a 14 tonne Volvo EC140D which replaces a venerable EC140 which originally took up residence back in 2000. The machine will be deployed around the quarry and site for general maintenance cleaning gulleys, culverts and water courses.
