Astec Industries has launched further models in its next generation mobile crushing and screening plant range. Adam Gordon, the company’s business line manager, explains what’s changed.
In 1908, the first Model T rolled off the Ford Motor Company’s production line in Detroit.
While the Model T was arguably one of the most influential cars in history, Ford went on to produce automobiles that were, and are, miles ahead of it in terms of horsepower, safety and drivability.
Adam Gordon, Astec Australia’s business line manager – material solutions, said like Ford, Astec is continually working to introduce new technologies into its product range, which is why the company has released the next generation of crushing and screening plants.
“We draw on five decades of experience and global expertise to continuously improve our products,” he told Quarry.
“Astec has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. Our goal is to produce equipment that is safer, more operator friendly, more productive and more reliable for our customers.”
The FT300-OC Mobile Cone Plant and the PTSC2818Vm Portable High-Frequency Screening Plant were officially launched at ConExpo in Las Vegas.
Gordon said the proven Kodiak 300+ cone crusher is still a feature of the updated FT300-OC, but the new model includes a number of changes.
The most significant of these is the orientation of the crushers to ensure the drive motor is not in line with the unders conveyor and material flow. This change, along with orientating the diesel motor and associated fans away from the material flow, minimises the amount of dust that can be disturbed during processing operations.
A number of the changes to the FT300-OC have been driven by customer feedback. The updated plant incorporates Astec’s proven TRAC10 control system.
The integrated system monitors the crusher operations, providing the operator with automated calibration and setting controls. According to Gordon, the result is greatly improved crushing performance, yield, product shape and efficiency.
Safety has also been a major focus in the redesign.
“In particular we looked at access,” Gordon said. “Stairways and gates have been repositioned and installed to enhance safety on the machine and operational usability. It might seem like a small issue, but access is a key component in the safe operation of any piece of mobile equipment.”
The updated FC300-OC also features new hydraulic drives.
“There have been major advancements in hydraulic drive technology in recent years. The technology now incorporated into this NextGen model means it is more economical, more fuel efficient and better for the environment.”
Astec’s new PTSC2818Vm Portable High Frequency Screening Plant boasts a 2.4m-wide top deck, making it the widest high-frequency screen on the market. The screen’s unique design feature is externally-mounted vibrators at the ends of the tappets. This modification creates a higher G-force, delivering a more aggressive screening action, and reduces heat load from material to motors as compared to single, centre-mounted vibrators. Access for maintenance and operational tuning is also improved with the change.
The screen is equipped with hydraulic operating angle adjustment, a fines collection hopper, top- and bottom-deck discharge chutes and an aggregate spreader for the feed material.
Similar to other Astec PTSC plants, the 2818Vm features a delivery conveyor with hydraulic drive and full-length skirtboards. The chassis is fitted with manually-operating support legs, outriggers for additional support and folding walkways along the screen.
Gordon said the company’s next generation equipment is already performing well in Australian quarries.
“We have a couple of GT125 Tracked Jaw Crushers and a GT205-3D Tracked Screen already working on the east coast of Australia,” he said.
“The GT125 is a smaller overall machine in its category, but it definitely punches above its size. The customers have been delighted with its performance.”
Astec jaw plants are built for maximum jaw crushing mobility. Featuring the company’s Pioneer series jaw crushers, the plants offer high-capacity throughput, easy relocation between sites, and are very efficient in mobile applications.
The GT125’s reduced size makes it easy to transport. Well-suited for mobility on Australian roads, the machine can be moved quickly and safely, providing economic benefits for plant owners and contractors.
Next generation manufacturing
To ensure it can support the high demand for its machinery, Astec designs its equipment to work in most climates around the world, whether that be in South America, Australia or the Middle East.
“As a manufacturer we produce equipment to a standard that will deliver for most projects. This helps reduce costs and simplifies plant operating requirements and maintenance for our customers,” he said.
To better serve growing market demand for its mobile crushing and screening products, Astec has again invested in a major expansion of its Omagh facility in Northern Ireland.
Built in 2021 to support the increased demand for Astec’s tracked equipment range, the facility soon required an additional 4000 square metres of production space.
Martin Dummigan, Astec group vice president of operations, said the expansion would almost double the facility’s size, highlighting the demand for Astec’s high-quality products.
“More than half of the world’s mobile crushing and screening equipment originates in Northern Ireland, and establishing a larger footprint here will not only help us grow the business but also better serve our customers and partners,” he said.
The expansion is expected to be complete by mid-2023. Gordon said this will help increase its distribution and supply of tracked equipment globally.
“Like all OEMs, component supply remains a challenge for us, and this supply chain all across the industry is still facing serious disruptions for the foreseeable future,” he said.
“That’s why we stay in close touch with our customers. We work hard to understand their businesses and their future requirements, often placing orders many months, and sometimes years, in advance to ensure we minimise any potential shortfalls.
“Our customers depend on us, and our job is to try and make sure they have what they need, when they need it. More than that, it’s also to ensure the equipment we produce is safe, productive and reliable.
“The right machine for every application, every time. That’s what Astec customers rely on. It’s what we’ve been doing for more than fifty years. And it’s what we’ll continue to do.”
Visit astecaustralia.com.au to learn more.