A custom-designed bucket is helping the Barro Group get the most out of its excavators while improving comfort for the operator.
At the Barro Group Mountain View Quarry, basalt could be right at the surface or deep beneath several metres of clay. The site, located in Point Wilson, Victoria, has produced high-grade basalt for around 50 years, providing the ideal aggregate for the company’s pre-mixed concrete.
As part of the process, it’s important to minimise the amount of clay on the stone before processing. This helps to improve the crushing process, enhancing the overall productivity of the site.
Barro Group excavator operator Greg Duggan told Quarry the previous original equipment manufacturer excavator bucket did not have the right design for this application.
“It was too bulky,” he said. “It wasn’t a suitable design for the work we needed to do here.”
Barro Group heavy mobile equipment supervisor Dean Edwards said although the excavator was a brand-new machine, the standard bucket made the desired result difficult for operators like Duggan.
Barro Group had previously purchased a premium bucket from the ONTRAC Group, a specialist supplier of excavator attachments. Barro Group engaged ONTRAC Group to perform an initial ‘on-site discovery session’ to understand their needs.
Duggan said he liked using the ONTRAC bucket and wanted to have one on the new excavator as well – ideally it would be bigger as well. The ONTRAC Group soon had a design that considered things like capacity, width of the lip, the depth of the bucket, and more.
Critically, the bucket was entirely constructed from Hardox 450 and Hardox 500 Tuf steel, a highly wear-resistant material with tight tolerances and excellent structural properties. This meant the bucket would provide better dent and abrasion resistance, as well as a longer wear life.
Duggan said it was amazing how much of a difference the new bucket made.
“You can feel how much easier it is for the machine, because it’s been set up for the job,” he said.
“The way it’s been put together, it works so much better for what we do here. The cutting edge is tucked into the bottom of the bucket itself, so you know you can cut an edge and pick things up easily.
“It also cleans the top of the rock really well, which is pretty important for the operation.”
In a short space of time, the ONTRAC bucket has resulted in an exceptional change in productivity. Edwards said it was clear to see just how much more could be stripped in a day compared with the previous bucket.
“It’s easy to use, we’re getting more out of it, and it’s much more comfortable for the operator,” he said.
“The productivity is off the scale compared with the other bucket, and the stone is so clean you could eat your lunch off it.
“It shows just how important it is to have a bucket that is fit for purpose –not a ‘one-size fits-all’ solution.”
Because the bucket is not working against the operator, truck turnarounds have become a lot quicker. In addition, the team have reported significantly less downtime thanks to the durable nature of the buckets’ construction.
Where previously the team would be bolting on a new cutting edge every week, the ONTRAC bucket hasn’t been touched in six months. Edwards also praised ONTRAC’s support and fast response times.
“When you’re working with a manufacturer that takes the time to listen to your needs, it makes all the difference.”
This approach is what helps separate the ONTRAC Group from other bucket manufacturers. The company aims to provide the highest quality excavator attachments that maximise a return on investment by minimising downtime and improving day-to day operations.
Edwards said he was delighted that the Barro Group was working with providers that make life easier on a quarry.
“The company is buying brand new gear that is paying off in the long run,” he said. “I’ve been here for 35 years and it’s great to see them really trying to make things easier for the operator.”
“In my opinion, it’s part of what makes the Barro Group one of the best companies to work for.” •
For more information, visit ontracgroup.com.au
