Volvo heavyweights move in at Johnsons Wellfield

Following an objective appraisal and competitive tendering process, Volvo Construction Equipment has secured an order for a 70 tonne EC700C, an additional A40G articulated hauler and a 22 tonne EC220E from Johnsons Wellfield of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. 

Johnsons Wellfield, a family run business now in its fourth generation specialises in primary block extraction and the processing of dimensional stone from its 300 acre site on the outskirts of Huddersfield. The company has in fact the largest facility in the UK for cutting and processing what is referred to as buff hard Yorkstone with the finished material adorning prestigious buildings and famous structures throughout the UK including the Thames Embankment, The Houses of Parliament and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

With a need to replace one of the quarry’s prime movers along with a smaller 22 tonne sized excavator and an additional 40 tonne hauler, Johnsons Wellfield began the process of appraising the marketplace and invited competitive tenders for the equipment that was required. “We were looking at several key buying criteria from the market with the main driver being the ability to provide consistent and reliable after-market support,” comments General Manager Shaun Berry. “From our experience of operating Volvo loading shovels and articulated haulers since 1983 and with a good track record for support we knew Volvo scored highly in this area and having subsequently appraised third parties currently operating the EC700C, we were confident in the robustness and build quality of the equipment,” he continues.

“In the final assessment, Volvo came through our buying criteria process ahead of the competition. They proved to have stood out as the best in terms of third party assessments and recommendations, their proven track record in the level of service they provide, the overall commercial package and not least, the alignment of their core values with our own company ethos,” concludes Shaun Berry.

The new 70 tonne EC700C has been supplied to Johnsons Wellfield in mass excavator configuration together with a heavy duty rock handling bucket and a ripper tooth both of which can easily be interchanged thanks to a twin lock quick hitch. The machine uses the ripper tooth to prize Yorkstone blocks from the extraction benches and face then uses the bucket to load them onto the awaiting articulated hauler. The blocks weighing anywhere up to 12 tonnes are selected at the extraction area for their integrity and strength since only prime block material is hauled to the processing plant.

At the heart of the EC700C a 16 litre Stage III V-ACT engine developing 430 nett hp operates in conjunction with an advanced mode control system ensuring the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions. A maximum torque of 2250Nm is achieved at just 1350r/min and this in conjunction with the machine’s advanced hydraulic system ensures maximum fuel efficiency is achieved through every work cycle. Equipped in mass excavation configuration, the EC700C offers a maximum reach of 11.2 metres, a digging depth of 7.25 metres and an impressive lifting capacity across carriage at full reach of 12.4 tonnes.

Joining the fleet of equipment is another A40G articulated hauler which works in conjunction with the EC700C hauling the prime stone blocks to the processing plant. With a carrying capacity of 39 tonnes, the Volvo A40G is powered by the latest Tier IV final Volvo 16 litre engine developing 347kW net horsepower, featuring high torque at low engine speeds, resulting in good fuel efficiency, high performance, quicker engine response and less wear, i.e. long service life. The whole powertrain is designed and purpose built ensuring the best use is made of the available power and torque, even in tough working conditions. The engine in the drivetrain is matched to a torque converter with built in lock-up function and fitted with a fully automatic fast adaptive transmission. The drivetrain features Volvo’s Automatic Traction Control (ATC) system as standard, which prevents operators leaving their haulers permanently set in all-wheel drive mode, even when not needed, for example on good or paved roads, when only 6X4 drive is required. ATC automatically disengages the rear axle when not needed; eliminating tire skid when cornering and reducing tire wear. However, when ATC system does sense slippage, the longitudinal differential lock and the 6X6 clutch are engaged together: this gives the hauler the optimum traction in all conditions.

And last but not least a Volvo 22 tonne EC220E has also been included in Johnsons Wellfield’s shopping list, which has been put in charge of various duties around the stock yard re-handling blocks that have arrived from the quarry and general muck shifting and tidying up around the site. Powered by a six cylinder Volvo engine developing 174 nett hp the EC220E offers the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication. For example pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, whilst maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque. When Eco mode is selected the machine provides better fuel efficiency without loss of performance in most operating conditions.

Associated Businesses

  • Cambridge, CB22 4QX