THE first DA45-7 articulated dump truck from Develon to be sold in Italy is impressing in the chalk basin of Roccastrada.
Develon explained that the machine was bought after been seen as the best suited for the movement of rock in the region’s so-called ‘Chalk Valley’ quarries.
The DA45-7 is working in the province of Grosseto, in the Tuscan Maremma, home to one of Italy’s largest chalk deposits. The machine is owned by Fibran Group, a Greek multi-national with production sites in seven European countries and commercial activities in over 60 nations globally.
In 2021, Fibran acquired Gessi Roccastrada, the company that owned the two largest natural chalk quarries and plants in the Tuscan mining basin. Today, Fibran owns and manages a total of 700 hectares in ‘Chalk Valley’, including three active quarries and two undergoing environmental restoration.
The quarries serve two production sites: Fibran SpA, which specialises in dry construction solutions (coated chalk slabs, grouts, metal devices and accessories); and Gessi Roccastrada, which is involved in the production of chalk blocks for interior walls and powdered chalk.
The movement of earth and chalk rock is a crucial part of the process and required the addition of a new dump truck.
Felice Tirabasso, chief technology officer of Fibran and Gessi Roccastrada, opted for the new DA45-7 6×6 ADT – the first to be sold in Italy in the 45-tonne class. Since joining the fleet, it has been used in the earth moving operations needed to reveal surface rock and manage at least 130 metres of terracing.
At the ‘Chalk Valley’ quarry, the DA45-7 transports both chalk rock and waste soil from surface excavations over an average in-out distance of 4km.
Felice Tirabasso said, “Many factors contributed to our choice of the DA45-7 dump truck. A great deal of care went into the selection process, thanks in no small way to Develon’s willingness to show me the vehicle in action elsewhere, in central-northern England in particular, where the machine is also being used in quarrying.
“One extremely important feature of this machine compared to others on the market, is its separate control of its front axle and free-swinging rear tandem bogie, which enables the vehicle to follow the terrain and prevents slippage and sliding. The DA45-7 is also very simple and robust, with a high load capacity, excellent engine power and an exceptionally comfortable cab, something we pay a great deal of attention to with a view to maximizing operator wellbeing.”
Develon said the six-wheel-drive DA45-7 model stands out for the front-mounted turning ring, which ensures equal load distribution even under tight steering. Working in conjunction with free-swinging rear tandem bogie, the machine’s configuration is designed to ensure even weight distribution on the tyres and ‘guarantees’ permanent contact and traction at all six wheels.
“The DA45-7 is the first Develon vehicle in Chalk Valley, but we are so happy with it that we are already evaluating the option of adding the brand’s excavators to our fleet,” Tirabasso added.
