A small mining enterprise engaged in the extraction of construction stone approached us with a request to purchase a compact wheel loader for operation in the confined conditions of a quarry. The main tasks included loading crushed stone into dump trucks, moving raw materials to the crushing plant, cleaning work areas, and seasonal maintenance of access roads.
The enterprise needed a maneuverable and reliable machine capable of operating in narrow working faces with limited clearance width. A compact wheel loader with a bucket width of 2.3 meters and a lifting capacity of 3 tons was selected, adapted for operation under conditions of high dust levels and abrasive wear. The machine is equipped with a reinforced bucket with wear-resistant liners, additional LED headlights for nighttime operation, and a dust suppression system.
Special attention was given to fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance, which are critically important for a small enterprise with a limited mechanic staff. The loader is powered by a diesel engine with an exhaust gas recirculation system to reduce emissions when operating in enclosed spaces. Improved cabin sound insulation reduces operator fatigue during long shifts.
Delivery of the equipment to the site was carried out in the shortest possible time. Our engineers performed commissioning and trained two operators in efficient machine operation, taking into account the specificities of mining work. During operation, it was noted that the machine handles the assigned tasks excellently: loading time for one dump truck was reduced from 12 to 7 minutes, while fuel consumption remains 20% lower compared to similar machines from other manufacturers.
In the first year of use, the loader logged over 2,000 operating hours without any major breakdowns, requiring only scheduled maintenance. Thanks to its compact dimensions and small turning radius, the enterprise was able to expand its work front in hard-to-reach areas of the quarry and increase production volume by 30% without additional capital investment.
The company’s management highly rated the machine: low cost of ownership, reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of operation. The possibility of purchasing additional attachments and a second loader to increase production capacity is being considered.
Result: Dump truck loading time reduced from 12 to 7 minutes, 20% fuel savings, 30% increase in production volume, reliable operation under high dust conditions, payback period of 14 months.
