Brought on board to perform demanding tasks, including stock handling and haul back up, the new E-series truck was selected over two competitor models based on operator preference, residual value, fuel cost, service cost and Bell Equipment’s assuring warranty.
“As a hard-stone quarry, producing ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, concrete blocks and drystone, we need trucks capable of taking the strain,” explains Justin Gill, Operations Director of The Hillhouse Group.
“We pride ourselves on having the ability to take an uncompromising approach to quality and service when supplying our customers with quarry products and feel similarly about selecting the right machines to perform the associated excavating tasks.
“Having used Bell D-series trucks for 15 years, we’re definitely familiar with the manufacturer’s build quality and capabilities. Bell is a brand we’ve always been impressed with, and we’ve certainly made the most of the machines we’ve bought over the years; having routinely serviced and rebuilt trucks to get the most out of each individual machine. As a result, the hardworking ADTs within our fleet have contributed to our production of up to one million tonnes of quarry product every year.”
Although still productive, with well over 20,000 hours on the clock, Justin acknowledges that the age profile of his existing Bell trucks, combined with their rebuild histories, pointed to a replacement requirement.
In order to help him make the most comprehensive decision about which make and model of machine would best meet his team’s requirements, Bell Equipment placed a B45E demo vehicle in the Hillhouse quarry so operators could get a true feel of the handling capabilities of a modern Bell truck.
Impressed with the machine’s function and capacity, as well as the E-series’ advanced onboard technological features, Hillhouse operators made Bell their first choice, leading Justin to secure a deal with Bell Equipment’s Regional Sales Manager for Scotland, Russell Conn.
“We’re delighted to have supplied The Hillhouse Quarry Group with an updated Bell machine,” Russell says. “The E-series offers truly powerful robust machines that enhance any fleet. All trucks in the series are fitted with the latest technology as standard to provide industry leading features geared towards improving safety, productivity and the overall operating experience.
“It has also been great to hear the positive reports from the quarry regarding the ‘refresher training’ that we provided on delivery. As manufacturers’ makes and models vary significantly, not all machine operation is the same, so even qualified, experienced drivers can benefit from a training session in a new machine’s cab.
“We offered Justin’s team the training expertise of Bell Equipment’s Mark Lockett who took a functional approach to bringing the quarry’s operators up-to-speed on the new machine; not only demonstrating the basics, but giving a tutorial on how to get the most out of the onboard software, and performing the vital daily checks. This valuable session provided operators with the knowledge and confidence to achieve maximum efficiency from the new B45E and understand how to keep the truck performing soundly.”
Derived from proven technology and decades of experience, the truck has been fitted with a 390 kW/2 460 Nm inline six-cylinder engine from Mercedes Benz. Designed to deliver the low fuel consumption typical of Bell ADTs, this E-series model also features wet brakes, a spacious cab offering great comfort and visibility, and ‘ease-of-operation’ features that use real-time data collection.
“We’re very pleased with the new B45E,” Justin concludes, “and we can’t fault the service and maintenance scheme we’ve received. As such, we anticipate the machine’s efficient, powerful performance will last for many years to come.”
