Over the moon with the new Volvo L180H

by Nick Drew | Wed 18 Mar 2015

Over the moon with the new Volvo L180H

A brand new Volvo L180H loading shovel has been delivered to John Wainwright & Co Ltd and takes up duties as one of the prime stock handling loading shovel at the company’s Moons Hill Quarry located in the Mendips.

The new 28 tonne loading shovel continues a trend at Wainwright, who have operated Volvo loading shovels for many years enjoying high performance and excellent machine reliability at Moons Hill Quarry. With an increase in operating capacity to handle a significant upturn in production output at Moons Hill, the new L180H replaces an older L150E that had clocked up around 30,000 hours. “The package on offer from Volvo was very competitive and based on our past experience when it comes to performance and reliability, it wasn’t a difficult decision to choose the L180H as a replacement,” comments Quarry Manager Kevin Sargant. “We know the Volvo product very well and know what to expect of the new loader,” he continues.

The L180H features a 13 litre stage IV final engine developing 333hp in a relatively low rpm range of between 1300 and 1400 rpm. The machine also benefits from Volvo designed and manufactured driveline components including optishift with torque converter lock up and reverse by braking feature – all designed to offer considerable fuel savings each shift. Fuel savings are further enhanced by the Volvo Eco pedal encouraging the operator to run the machine at its optimum rpm in the engine’s torque curve. In order to carry out its duties on site in the stock handling yard, the L180H has been equipped with a 5.6m³ straight lipped rehandling bucket, Volvo’s optional ride control and boom suspension system together with Goodyear RL5K tyres and a rehandling counterweight. This combination has made a significant increase in output over its predecessor – the machine capable of dispatching a 29 tonne articulated bulker to the weighbridge in just three passes. Safety features include automatic door opening for the operator; by flicking a switch on his key fob the operator can open the door to his cab automatically before assuming the conventional three point hold to climb up thus avoiding the hazard of a swinging door opening at height. The machine is also fitted with an Ogden reverse RADAR breaking system, hi viz pulsating strobe lights and LED side markers. A further feature that Wainwright chose from the option list was an Eberspacher independent heater for the operator’s cab to maximise machine uptime first thing in the morning.

With increased production output at Moons Hill Quarry the new L180H will work a daily 12 hour shift covered by a Volvo Blue service agreement including an optional contract on wear parts. “It’s extremely important to us to protect our investment with a proper service agreement knowing that the machine is going to be maintained by qualified Volvo engineers,” says Kevin. “All of our predominantly Volvo badged equipment is similarly covered.” Based in the heart of the Mendips close to Shepton Mallet, John Wainwright & Co has been supplying premium aggregates to the construction industry since 1891. The company is continually investing in its extractive and road surfacing divisions remaining stoically independent for over 100 years. A new Volvo L120H has been ordered for a new asphalt plant located in Avonmouth which is to be built this year.

The magazine for owners + operators

Digger Man Blog

Over the moon with the new Volvo L180H

Loads more

Getting Attached with Holp

Red & Grey all the way for Mays

It’s Intermat Time!

Subscribe to Earthmovers