view from the cab
THE STUNNING NEW H4 SERIES HIDROMEK 390LC CRAWLER EXCAVATOR Thought to be one of the first, if not the first, in the UK, this new generation H4 Series Hidromek crawler excavator is now earning its keep at the Johnsons Wellfield Quarry on the outskirts of Huddersfield, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes reports. There’s no doubt this latest generation Hidromek 390LC H4, supplied through Bunton Plant, is a real eye-catcher. Replacing the earlier 370LC model, this new machine is busy working at the famous Wellfield Quarry in the Yorkshire Pennines. Johnsons Wellfield is Britain’s leading supplier of natural hard Yorkstone. With extensive reserves of the finest ‘Crosland Hill’ Yorkstone available combined with state-of-the-art industry leading processing facilities, Johnsons Wellfield has grown to become the supplier of choice for prestige projects where only the best will do. Established in 1854 the famous Wellfield Quarries came into Johnson’s ownership in 1928 and was acquired by the Myers Group some 50 years later. Investment has continued under Myers Group stewardship and the business is now at the forefront of the UK stone industry, producing in excess of 60,000 square metres of dimensional stone on an annual basis; the quarry extraction site currently covers an impressive 250 acres of West Yorkshire hillside.
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PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
This stunning looking Hidromek 390LC H4 is certainly a big step up from the machine it has replaced, featuring as it does much smoother and sharper lines and a brand new upgraded, restyled cab that offers an excellent working environment for the operator. “Although it is a relatively new brand in the market here, we didn’t have any reservations about acquiring the new Hidromek as an addition to our fleet as we have operated several smaller models at the quarry last summer, so we knew what to expect and it hasn’t disappointed,” says quarry supervisor Phil Rogers.
Robust & Responsive “The machine, which is currently being used to feed a crusher, has plenty of power, it is very responsive on the hydraulics; we are very pleased with its robustness, reliability and performance.” It is powered by the latest fuel efficient Isuzu-AQ-6HK1X, water-cooled, six
cylinder electronic diesel engine, producing net 282hp@1900rpm, with maximum net torque of 1043Nm@1500 rpm, and complying with Tier 4 final and EU stage IV emission regulations. “We have noticed that it is very easy on fuel, even though we work it long and hard,” adds Phil, “so it is both productive and efficient.”
Spacious Cab While it certainly looks the part, it is inside the cab that the real difference can be seen in comparison to the earlier 370LC model. Features include a relocated switchboard, remodelled travel pedals and levers, high capacity air-conditioning and high resolution, LED backlight colour LCD display. With a cab door that is large enough to enable the operator to open it easily, while providing
