Recycling Specialist Goes For Case

A trio of machines from Case Construction Equipment is helping to increase productivity and reduce fuel costs for one of the UK's leading wood processing and recycling specialists.

Barnsley-based Case dealer Warwick Ward has supplied two new Case 821 F XR Waste Spec Wheel Loaders and a TX130-45 Waste Spec Telehandler to R Plevin & Sons for use in their Elkesley processing plant in Nottinghamshire.

Elkesley is one of three sites that in total collect, process and distribute in excess of 600,000 tonnes of wood a year, which is then used to make biomass fuel, composite wood products and animal bedding.

The three machines are used to handle wood waste coming into the plant as well as processed fibre stockpiled at the site. Working 2 shifts per day up to 6 days per week in dry, dusty environments, the machines were chosen primarily for their durability, productivity and fuel efficiency.

The Case 821 FXR wheel loader is one of three F-Series loaders introduced last year. Equipped with a 6.7 litre Tier 4 interim certified diesel engine, the F Series loaders offer increased horsepower and torque output while selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology ensures they meet the latest emissions regulations.. The high lift arm machines are fitted with 8m3 High Tip buckets.

Designed with the operators in mind the 821F range is equipped with a spacious operator's cab, ensuring unobstructed views to both edges of the bucket while a wide window and sloping engine cover ensure excellent visibility to the rear.

Ergonomically placed controls and a fully adjustable seat guarantees a comfortable, stress-free environment for the operator

The award-winning Case Joystick Steering system lets operators move seamlessly between the joystick and the steering wheel for high production operations, while the Case PowerInch feature assists the operator in tight loading areas, regardless of engine speed, providing full power to the loader arms and bucket cylinders.

"The two 821F XR loading shovels are working two shifts from 6 o'clock in the morning to 10 o'clock at night over five days and sometimes six" says Dean Ashton, Group Engineering Director with Plevins.

"I look at having the least machines as possible and having them work as long as they can" he adds.

To find the right machines, Plevins undertook an exhaustive selection process which eventually led to the company abandoning its previous policy of running a Volvo-only fleet. "We looked at every factor and came to the conclusion that Case was our best option for fuel returns, loading capability, manoeuvrability and durability" says Mr Ashton.

Plevins quickly formed a close working relationship with local Case dealer Warwick Ward. "Wood recycling business is highly specialised", explains Mr Ashton. "We went through the spec in detail with Warwick Ward and they met that spec, met delivery times and have been extremely supportive at all stages".

"We expected the operators to be a bit of a stumbling block, having used the same machines for past 20 years, but they were very quickly on board" he adds. "They were impressed with the better visibility and overall performance, especially when pushing the stockpiles and loading high sided vehicles".

Another deciding factor for Plevins was the rear-mounted engine on the Case machines. "This meant the weight distribution was better and they don't have to carry a big counterbalance weight" explains Mr Ashton.

Furthermore, with the cooling system positioned behind the cab, there is also less risk of the engines overheating in the very dusty environment in which the machines work. "The cooling elements remain clear and the operators don't have to keep stopping work to clean the radiators as they did with the traditional machines" explains Mr Ashton.

In addition to the two 821 FXR shovels, Plevins has also taken delivery of a new TX130-45 telescopic handler which will undertake general duties about the site. Like the F-Series loaders, the TX range telehandlers are suitable for heavy duty applications, highly manoeuvrable and productive. Its 13 m telescopic boom gives unrivalled lift height and, when equipped with a high tipping bucket, the TX130-45 is an ideal general materials handling machine.

"The telehandler is ideal for our bulk low-density material. We put a large 4m3 bucket on it to deal with chipping operations and we can use it for loading high-sided vehicles if ever one of the loading shovels were unavailable" says Mr Ashton.

"On top of that we can use it for general use around the facility, either for lifting with the forks or, with the rear hitch, pulling the fuel bowsers around."

Since taking delivery of the three vehicles late last year, Plevins has noticed a dramatic drop in fuel consumption at the site, says Mr Ashton: "We're using far less fuel with the new Case products than we traditionally have."

Lower fuel consumption not only saves money but also saves time. Capable of working longer on a single tankful, the Case machines need fewer interruptions for refuelling on a daily basis.