The latest Terex Finlay technology is helping to increase productivity in the quarrying sector
The rest of the UK may have been affected by a productivity crisis in recent times, but significant advances in plant and machinery have ensured the quarrying sector continues to buck the trend.
The introduction of innovative new technology as part of a continuing programme of investment and research has seen production levels soar around the UK – and at the same time help underpin sustainability objectives on site.
Indeed, the design and development of a new generation of engines, along with a string of performance-enhancing features, has helped the industry stay ahead of both the economy and the environment.
Factors for success
Improvements for the quarrying industry have been driven by a number of factors and, according to Rik Kiddle, sales and marketing director at Finlay Group, chief among them has been the advent of dual power models.
As a Terex Finlay dealership, Finlay Group believes that the Omagh manufacturer’s new drive train technology will become increasingly significant within the quarrying sector in the future, due to the significant cost advantages and efficiencies that the plant delivers.
“Terex Finlay’s dual power crushing and screening train represents a major industry development,” explains Rik. “The technology is based on the well-respected J-1175 jaw crusher, C-1540 cone crusher and 694+ inclined screen. The dual powered crushers are electrically driven, which allows users to run the plant from electrical supply to deliver significant savings on energy costs.
“These machines are also fitted with an onboard gen-set, allowing the operator to move and use the machine where there is no electric supply, giving the flexibility and versatility of current standard models.
“In applications where a full train is powered by the on-board gen-set configuration, the crushers generate sufficient energy to enable the operator to run the Terex Finlay 694+ dual power inclined screen for ‘free’ when used in conjunction with the J-1175 dual power jaw crusher.
“Furthermore there’s either no servicing of the engine or refueling, or a reduced need, depending on the amount of tracking being done. Noise levels are also reduced. The electrically driven power systems also provide superior performance in dusty applications and in high altitude environments, so the benefits all really add up.”
Based on the success of the “market-led-pull” and demand for dual power technology in mobile plant by quarry operators and contract crushers, Terex Finlay have extended their product offering in the dual power segment.
The manufacturer has recently extended the dual power offering to the popular 693+ inclined screener and two models in their 8-Series range of heavy duty screeners; the 883+ and the recently launched 873. These machines are real work horses and widely respected in the UK aggregate production and recycling sectors.
The remote solution
Increasing use of telemetry is another key trend that’s making its mark in the quarrying industry. According to Rik, the technology is a key component for customer’s looking to get the best performance from their investment, providing the technology to stay connected and keep track of equipment.
Telemetry enables work progress to be monitored, logistics to be managed and critical machine information is provided. It also analyses and optimises machine performance and even performs remote operator support.
“From a customer perspective, telemetry provides the fleet management fundamentals of knowing the hours and location of a machine, sending specific alerts and tracking its production. Terex Finlay has introduced its T-Link remote monitoring and fleet management system to our full range of mobile crushers and that’s a significant step.
“All Terex Finlay crushers manufactured and shipped from January 2016 are equipped and fitted as standard with the T-Link system complete with a free three-year data subscription.
The T-Link telematics software and hardware combines the machines’ inbuilt CANbus control system with satellite positioning and telematics software, so it’s a powerful tool.”
A strong partnership
One of the major achievements in driving forward increased productivity has been the introduction of machinery featuring Spaleck technology – and the wide-ranging benefits are positioning the plant as a major force in the industry.
Three years ago Terex Finlay joined forces with Spaleck GmbH, specialists in static recycling screening technology, to create a unique product offering on a mobile platform.
Spaleck GmbH are market leaders in the supply of screening technology based upon the principles of Flip-Flow technology and 3D screening segments.
This successful partnership has seen three new products being successfully introduced to the global market incorporating; 873 and 883+ Heavy Duty screeners and 693+ Spaleck inclined screener.
These machines are now also available with dual power technology giving even greater levels of flexibility from what is now the benchmark machines for the processing of difficult and sticky products, even down to fine fractions.
“The relationship brings solutions to the market for processing material that previously would have been virtually impossible to process using a traditional class of screener,” continues Rik.
“The processing capabilities and application flexibility make the machine the only all-in-one mobile solution for processing difficult material. Key features include virtually blockage-free screening in the upper and lower deck, thanks to tried and tested 3D and Flip-Flow technology, and the 3D screening segments guarantee accurate screening with no long pieces passing into the middle-grade material.
“The Flip-Flow screen also features screwless mounted screen mats, which avoids unnecessary cleaning and reduces maintenance times.
“This machinery is already becoming established as a major force in the industry and our customers are really pleased with the performance it delivers.”