LAND development specialist Booth Ventures has reportedly made significant fuel savings after putting a Next Generation Hyundai HX360L crawler excavator to work within its Ravenhead Quarry, near Skelmersdale.
The 36-tonne machine replaces a larger model that had been working at the site, with ‘no drop in productivity’.
Ravenhead is a bullion sandstone site, that mainly produces a 6F5 crushed stone aggregate, for use as a sub-base or capping material. With a production level of around 5,000-tonnes a week, the material is broken out using crawler excavators with hydraulic breakers. This material is then run through an in-pit McCluskey J45 crusher, before being hauled out to storage and distribution areas.
Booth Ventures already has a Hyundai HX330A L excavator in its fleet and the HX360L has been brought in to replace an ageing larger competitor within the quarry.
“It’s far more efficient, better on fuel and we are seeing less in repairs,” said Stuart Andrews, Booth Ventures’ fleet and plant manager. “We are seeing up to a 7% fuel saving compared with the older HX330 when carrying out the same work; that’s as much as three litres an hour.”
The HX360L is powered by Hyundai’s own DX08 diesel engine. This six-cylinder Stage V diesel engine delivers 227kW (304hp).
The machine is one of the first in the range to use full electro-hydraulic (FEH) levers, which Hyundai said delivers increased operating control, reduced effort, and lower fuel consumption. Operators can set individual lever response and feel to meet their own preference.
The excavator was delivered by local Hyundai dealer Taylor & Braithwaite.
