Volvo serves waste and recycling markets

Volvo is one of several leading materials handling equipment manufacturers who are finding a growing demand for their mobile and versatile plant in the waste management and recycling sectors, as two recent case studies underline


Grundon Waste Management Ltd, reported to be the largest privately owned waste management group in Great Britain, and the Chambers Group, both heavily involved and waste handling and recycling, have recently added to their fleets by investing in equipment from Volvo Construction Equipment.

As a long standing user of Volvo equipment experiencing longevity of service life and a high level of after market support, Grundon has placed orders for two further wheeled loaders and an 18 tonne wheeled excavator. “There’s no doubt that the Volvo brand is a premium product, but what we are investing in is strong, reliable and dependable machines which have a good service life and a high residual value in the market place,” commented Grundon’s Mobile Plant Operations Manager, Simon Dickens. The two wheeled loaders in question are Volvo L120E Waste Handlers, one of which as gone to work at Grundon’s MRF site at Colnbrook Berkshire with the other destined for a brand new facility recently commissioned in the Mole Valley, Leatherhead, Surrey.

The L120E Waste Handler has evolved over a number of years from a “standard” configuration by GB dealer Volvo Construction Equipment Ltd, into a prime mover in waste transfer stations. In essence the machine, powered by a 7 litre 223hp Volvo engine, features the optional long boom as standard, a high capacity 4.5m3 high tip

bucket with trash guard, heavy duty L5 tyres with tyre fill, heavy duty belly plates, radiator guard and full protection for windscreen and work lights.

In this configuration the L120E Waste Handler has an increased operating weight of 24.1 tonnes, a full turn tipping load of 10.1 tonnes and a practical load over height of 5.18 metres. The design of the long boom is such that the complete bucket, frame and hydraulic quick hitch can clear the side of the highest high sided bulkers and yet still manage to tamp loads as the bulkers become full.

The EW180B wheeled excavator has been supplied to Grundon’s composting site at Beenham Common near Thatcham, Berkshire, and is used to feed green waste through a trommel for the composting process. The 21-tonne machine is powered by a six litre Volvo low emission engine developing a nett 150hp and, for this application, has four outriggers for maximum stability working at 180º loading cycles. All hydraulic functions can be performed in complete harmony thanks to the closed centre load sensing hydraulic system for fast efficient cycle times. For precise loading of the trommel the unit has been fitted with an Ardennes selector grab which enables material to be sorted, picked and handled in bulk and positioned precisely for processing. The maximum horizontal reach on the EW180B is a generous 9.6 metres which enables the unit at Beenham Common to remain virtually in one place to carry out its operation.

These latest editions bring the total number of Volvo machines in the Grundon fleet to twenty five, including excavators loading shovels and articulated dumptrucks.

Trio for Chambers Group

Durability of the product and an excellent after sales support are factors cited behind the decision by the Chambers Group of Companies to re-invest in Volvo Construction Equipment plant.

Peter Chambers, Chairman of the Chambers Group, had no concerns when it came to placing orders for two further wheeled loaders and a 29 tonne crawler excavator for his waste management and quarrying activities. “We invest in the Volvo brand wherever possible because the products are durable and dependable,” he commented.

The 40-year old company founded by Peter Chambers has two operating divisions – Chambers Waste Management PLC, with its headquarters and recycling centre based in Guildford, and Chambers Runfold PLC, taking care of the quarrying activities close to Farnham, Surrey.

The latest models to be purchased are a second Volvo L90E for the Guildford operation and a Volvo L150E and EC290BLC for the Runfold operation. As with the existing Volvo fleet, the three new models have been supplied with service contracts and, according to Mr Chambers, this strategy pays dividends in the long run. “For instance, we took one of the first L150 loading shovels into the fleet ten years ago and it ran for 25,000 hours on the original engine. It just proves that if you have a good product and maintain it properly you get good service in return,” he said.

Recycling duties

The two L90E loading shovels based at the Guildford recycling centre contribute to an impressive throughput of material which varies between inert and active waste with a high proportion of material recycled into hardcore, crushed hard core and soil. Both machines are fitted with foam filled slick tyres and a bespoke extension arm for the loader frame can be attached in minutes to the attachment bracket to facilitate the loading of high sided bulkers.

These latest editions bring the total number of machines in the Chambers fleet to 30 – predominantly made up of Volvo branded products. The group also operates 50 road vehicles for its operations within a 20 mile radius of Guildford and employs a complement of 120 staff.

Volvo Construction Equipment Ltd markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders and Volvo Compact Equipment. Eight strategically placed customer support centres and a network of compact equipment dealers provide customer support throughout Great Britain.

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