News

Mining operation receives third Volvo

A third Volvo L150H loading shovel has been supplied to Albion Stone for its mining operations at the Jordans and Bowers mines on the Isle of Portland. Joining the two existing L150s that were supplied in 2014 and 2016, the new arrival (powered by a 304hp, 13-litre Stage 5 engine) will take over the primary duties of extracting and rehandling blocks of Portland stone from the mine face, as well as conveying them to the stock yards and designated block cutting areas of the works.

Unlike the two older units that had to be supplied with reduced height operators’ compartments, the new L150H has been supplied with a conventional cab. The new L150H features a hydraulic quick hitch, to facilitate the easy change-over of the existing attachments from the previous machines. These include a 3.8m³ spade nose rock bucket for cleaning up, as well as heavy duty 1,500mm block handling forks that are capable of handling blocks weighing anything from 7 to 12 tonnes.

Whilst the L150H has plenty of breakout torque to prise the majority of part-sawn blocks from the mine face, there is the occasional need to encourage some more awkward blocks away from the face; particularly from the mine roof. To counterbalance the weight of the blocks, the machine has been fitted with Goodyear RL 5K wheel and tyre assemblies, with the rear pair being water and glycol ballasted and an optional block handling counterweight. Other safety features for working underground include an Ardent twin agent fire suppression system, fire resistant hydraulic oil, pyro jacket sleeved fuel lines, a double pole battery isolator and a Chelwyn valve to meet mine regulations, while also reducing the risk of fire.

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