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Solid performance and quality service sees Western Hill Quarry stick with Hyundai when time came to upgrade an excavator.
Each year they take out about 70,000 to 80,000 tonnes of greywacke, most of which is destined for use as subbase in the building trade. It’s a small operation – just the two brothers and a third staff member, Ian, who works as an operator alongside John, who also keeps the bookwork up to date. Dave is the quarry manager and says they own 300 acres of land and, in the 40 years of quarry operation, have got through about 50 acres. Amongst its plant of loaders, diggers, bulldozers, crushers and dumptrucks is a brand new Hyundai R210LC-9 excavator. It was purchased in mid-December to feed the portable crusher, and to break large rocks. The new Hyundai replaces an old 210-3, which was traded in. The technological improvements from the old to the new are staggering, and it’s no wonder operator Ian “quite likes it”. “We stuck with Hyundai because they go well,” Dave told Contractor. “We’ve only had the new machine for a week but it’s going pretty well so far.” The R210LC-9 features new hydraulic technologies and a multitude of standard features, making it an ideal performer and great value for Western Hill Quarry.
It also features, as standard, a heated air-ride suspension seat, transparent skylight, CD player and radio with mp3 input and remote mounted controls, seven inch colour cluster display, control pattern selector valve, battery cut-off switch, lockable fuel cap, right and left side boom flood lights. The colour cluster controls all systems as well as provides systems information. It has quick reference buttons, maintenance information, error codes and the availability to show the views from the three cameras. There are three operator modes set from here: power, standard and economy. The system includes an anti-theft system with password control. Dave says the factory fitted quick hitch is a good feature of the new excavator, and the ROPS and FOPS cab is excellent. All 9 Series models feature a larger operator’s cab with additional sound proofing insulation and a reinforced structure for a quieter and safer operating experience. The heated seat and control consoles are fully adjustable with unlimited custom configurations for the most ergonomic operator preference. Operators can adjust the height of each control console individually for optimum access to the joysticks.
In a comparative test, Hyundai’s R210LC-9 was able to operate for three entire days on a single tank of fuel while operating in the economy mode. New engine efficiencies, improved electronic control, and new hydraulic technologies are incorporated in the 9 series for increased efficiency, according to the manufacturer. However, it was more than just the features and efficiency of the R210LC-9 that made the Brock brothers choose it. The service they receive from Hyundai dealer Eagle Equipment played a big part in their decision. “We find Eagle very good to deal with and that’s one of the reasons we went with them,” says Dave. “Their spare parts and service is excellent.”
Contractor Vol.34 No.1 February 2010 |
Western Hill Quarry in nestled in the picturesque hills just outside of Whangerei. Owned by brothers Dave and John Brock, the quarry was opened in 1970 by their late father Edward.
The machine has an operating weight of 21,900 kg, and comes standard equipped with a 2.92 metre arm and a 0.91 cubic metre bucket.
Visibility also is enhanced with a larger one-piece right side window, larger rear window, smaller front window seam and upper transparent skylight. The front window also is easier to open with a redesigned system.