Volvo, loading shovel--Volvo loading shovels embark upon a challenging task at GrowHow UK Ltd

GrowHow UK Ltd, the UK's largest producers of Nitrogen & NPK fertiliser products has taken delivery of three Volvo loading shovels that take up residence as the prime movers at the company's facilities at Ince, near Chester.
 
The three models comprising of a Volvo L60F and two L90F's were selected after a careful evaluation of the market, third party references, the operator's environment and Volvo's long experience of specifying and maintaining products working in harsh applications. "After considering the options we arrived at the conclusion that the overall specification and package being offered by Volvo proved to be the best solution for our needs," commented production supervisor John Weise.

And the three new loading shovels will not be found wanting as they embark upon a demanding, round the clock operation at the Ince facility which sees around 3000 tonnes of raw materials arriving at the plant each week and as much as 1.1m tonnes per annum of finished product leaving for both the domestic and export markets. To cope with the aggressive nature of the application, all three loading shovels have undergone significant modifications including; a customised corrosion protection package, lacquer painting, a factory fitted corrosion protected cooling package, stainless steel brake lines and automatic lubrication lines, fully encapsulated electrics with a sealed alternator and an additional air filtration system for the operator's compartment. Additional work lights have also been fitted for working in the bulk storage sheds.

The smaller L60F will be deployed in the reclaim store where material is re-worked back into the production process. It is fitted with a direct mount 3.4m³ materials handling bucket and was chosen due to the restricted access and height in this area of the works. The two larger L90F's have been fitted with 4.3m³ material handling buckets and were deemed to be the optimum size of loading shovel for the bulk storage and bagging areas. "The L90F's are perfectly suited to the operating conditions in the bulk storage area with the bucket widths correctly suited to the loading hoppers," continued Mr Wise. "We fully expect one machine to be able to load material for a 3000 tonne ship within two fourteen hour shifts quite comfortably."

The twelve tonne L60F & fifteen tonne L90F are powered by the Tier III 6 litre Volvo engine developing 155 and 174 hp respectively at just 1600rpm. The Tier III/Stage 3 low emission engine delivers high torque at just above tick over, giving the machine excellent rimpull and low fuel consumption as well as significantly low noise levels. Much effort has been expended to increase mid-range torque; giving better operability in the most economic engine speed range. One practical consequence of this increase in horsepower is better pile penetration and fuller buckets.

Engine power is converted into work via a new smooth shifting electric-hydraulic HTE transmission. All the operator has to do is select Forward or Reverse. The Volvo Full Automatic Power Shift (FAPS) then takes over and selects which of the four forward and four reverse gears is required - and the perfect moment to change ratio. The system is independent of both machine and engine speed. New software in the ECU adapts to the operators' style of driving, optimizing gear changing parameters and saving fuel by always selecting the right gear. The fact that all major components of the driveline (engine, transmission, axles) are designed and built by Volvo means that they work in harmony, in terms of performance, reliability and also fuel efficiency.

To fit in with the shift system, a total of 74 operators will be provided with operator familiarisation and comprehensive training to operate the new arrivals at GrowHow UK Ltd and a full repair an maintenance programme for all three machines is being take care of by Volvo Construction Equipment under its Gold customer support agreement.

GrowHow UK Ltd is the UK's premier fertiliser manufacturer and a major supplier to the Process Chemicals and Utilities industry.  It is the UK's only AN and True Granular Compound fertiliser producer. GrowHow UK provides stability and sustainability for UK fertiliser and associated Process Chemical manufacturing in an increasingly competitive market. GrowHow UK Ltd is preparing for the new European Regulation (REACH) which will improve the protection of human health and the environment.

Volvo Construction Equipment Division markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in the U.K. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.

Source: Hub-4.com