After discussions with Caterpillar dealer Finning, Hillhouse has reduced the size of its fleet by two units at its quartz-dolerite quarry in Ayrshire, but retained the same level of productivity.
Following multiple on-site surveys, it has invested in two Cat 775G off-highway trucks and a Cat 390D hydraulic excavator, replacing smaller articulated dump trucks (ADTs) and a Cat 365C excavator.
The Cat 390D is larger than the company’s previous excavator and has lift capacity to cope with the task of filling the Cat 775Gs.
Quarry manager Gary Jones said: “Our highest priority was reducing fuel costs, while at the same time it was essential that we retained the same level of productivity we were able to achieve with the old set up. We had been engaged in conversation with a number of companies to help us achieve this, but it was Finning that provided the most cost efficient and financially viable solution.
“We also asked Finning to help customise the excavator by installing extra wide walkways all around the side of the machine. This setup allows the engineer to reach all the important service points quickly and easily, enhancing safety. With the Cat 390D being the main excavator on the site, obviously we need to keep it running optimally at all times, and this additional feature will help us achieve that.”
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