Pit & Quarry - May 2009

or timed bunkers where they’ll drop a 40-ton load in a couple of seconds. Our loadout times are 45 seconds for 40 tons of material on the timed bunkers,” Delaney said. “We found in some locations we’re able to run two of these, where we had to supplement with a third truck before, because they’re faster and can get back to the bins quicker.”

Making the difference

Delaney pointed to improvements in capital, saying the 6900XD is one-third less expensive to buy up front compared to similar models. Oldcastle paid about $300,000 each for its most recent 40-ton 6900XDs, with the dumps installed.

There are also cost benefits in overall operation ($25 savings per hour), fuel efficiency (up to 35 percent more) and replacement tires (40 percent less). In addition, Delaney estimated the company is hauling at least 15 percent more material with the 6900XD,

With the Western Star 6900XD 40-ton off-road haulers, Oldcastle Materials has improved cycle times, leaving downtime behind with speed and stability.

depending on the site.

“Three big chops right off the block” support Oldcastle’s decision to purchase the 6900s, Whitehead said, as the company benefits from its return on investment (especially with a reduced capital expenditure for the initial purchase) and improvements in fuel efficiency and

overall efficiency. He also stressed the trucks’ reliability, mobility and driver-comfort features.

Improvements in fuel efficiency are gained through several factors, Whitehead added, starting with the Detroit Diesel Series 60, Tier 3-com- pliant engine, which provides gross

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