The company also purchased seven JCB tracked excavators - one JS130, two JS160, three JS220 and a JS260 model - in the same deal. These will be used for earthmoving, demolition and general works by the Owen Pugh Contracts team.
The two new JCB 457 wheeled loading shovels are operating at Marsden Quarry - on behalf of the Owen Pugh Aggregates division - loading quarried materials onto vehicles leaving the site.
The quarry provides a range of primary and recycled construction aggregates, including type 1 sub-base, pipe beddings and clean stone that supply markets throughout the north east of England.
Andy Mountford, general manager at Owen Pugh Aggregates, said: “The two new loading shovels at Marsden Quarry have directly replaced longstanding JCB equipment which has performed admirably for us over the years. We’re already seeing a positive impact on productivity as a result of the new machines, and as they boast fuel-efficient Tier 4i engines, we expect that over time we’ll see a positive impact on fuel costs too.”
Paul Cockburn, general manager of Owen Pugh & Co Ltd, who oversaw the purchase of the new plant machinery, added: “ It’s important for us to work with recognised leading industry brands which our customers know and trust. The excellent customer service and the parts and service back-up from Scot JCB also played a key part in our decision.”
The JCB 457 wheeled loading shovels are powered by an 8.9 litre engine delivering 186kW of power, an increase of 16% on the previous model. With a variable geometry turbocharger, high-pressure common rail fuel injection and a diesel oxidation catalyst with diesel particulate filter (DPF), this engine also provides an 18% increase in torque while meeting requirements of the EU Stage IIIB (EPA Tier 4 Interim) emissions regulations.
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