Modern Quarrying Q2 2023

Since its launch some two years ago, the L3180 has seen an increased uptake in the local quarrying industry, with several big quarrying groups among the early adopters.

trigger for an investigation into the underlying causes. These causes can vary widely, from operator error to equipment failure.” Once productivity benchmarks are set, fleet managers can customise their systems to capture a wide range of other data such as cycle times, which can then be used to identify process bottlenecks and inefficiencies. By resolving these issues, managers can improve productivity and reduce operating costs. “The Loadrite system can also measure the cycle times between each loading event, which can show how efficiently material is being moved. Shorter cycle times generally point to a more efficient and therefore more profitable operation,” says Webster. The system actively helps reduce fuel usage. By using an accurate on-board weighing system, operators can ensure trucks are filled correctly the first time, with no productivity lost due to under loading or overloading. “By loading trucks correctly from the outset, unnecessary truck movement is reduced as there is no need to turn around for either a refill or a removal of material once the trucks get to the weighbridge,” concludes Webster. l

alert features to set benchmarks and measure productivity,” he says.

reducing the need for truck drivers to leave the cab while on site, and get on the road quicker. In the COVID-19 world, an eTicket-enabled worksite also helps support a safer environment for visiting truck drivers as there is one less reason to exit the truck cab and potentially put themselves in an unsafe area. “Before COVID-19, it was standard practice to use a paper workflow with load tickets for truck drivers. With social distancing and the risk of injury to truck drivers who leave their cab around heavy equipment, this may no longer be acceptable. The answer is paperless, contactless Trimble eTickets,” says Webster. Increased uptake Since its launch some two years ago, the L3180 has seen an increased uptake in the local quarrying industry, with several big quarrying groups among the early adopters, says Webster. “We sold about 90 units in the first year and about 200 the second year. There is an apparent mindset shift in the industry. Quarry owners are now aware that they can actively reduce their total cost of ownership across their earthmoving equipment and trucks by using load weighing systems’ monitoring and

Webster says the industry has seen the importance of

understanding how productive their machines are, including how much fuel they use and how much material they move. They can also use that information to make changes where necessary to improve efficiency and reduce costs. benchmarks using load weighing systems, operators can identify underperforming machines and make appropriate adjustments to ensure all equipment is working at its optimum efficiency. An on-board weighing system calculate the weight of material in an excavator’s or loader’s bucket, relay this information to the operator and record the weight for later use. Being able to track the amount of material moved per hour can then be used internally as part of an overall business analysis to measure productivity and set benchmarks. “Once you know your benchmark productivity rates, it’s also easy to identify equipment that is underperforming, which sets off a By tracking the amount of material moved per hour to measure productivity and set such as the Loadrite L3180 SmartScale can be used to

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 2 | 2023