Crushing Dynamics has become a trusted quarry operator with the help of Caterpillar and Queensland dealer Hastings Deering.
Crushing Dynamics understands what it takes to run a successful business that thrives in the Australian quarrying sector.
Crushing Dynamics has made its reputation in Queensland after initially starting out in New South Wales as a mobile crushing contractor.
The Queensland-based business operates Yatala Quarry, located on Flame Trees Drive, which produces 4000 and 6000 tonnes a day of aggregates, roadbase and fill material. At the heart of the operation is Crushing Dynamics’ dependable fleet of Caterpillar machines.
“We’re a small, family-owned business and we’re growing every year,” Crushing Dynamics quarry manager Bob Campbell said.
“We deliver a great product and providing a high level of customer service is key to our success. We recently expanded our crushing plant and are bringing in more Cat machines from Hastings Deering to help with the expanded throughput, so it’s going very well.”
Ready to rumble
Campbell has been around the industry for a while. When it comes to purchasing decisions for Yatala Quarry, Campbell knew exactly what machinery would get the most out of the hard rock quarry.
“I’ve managed a number of different quarries, and over time you get to know the difference between the various brands and bits of gear,” he said.
“I’ve always preferred Caterpillar as a brand; they make great machines. So, when I was in the position to decide on what equipment this site should have, I chose Caterpillar because my experience with them has always been great.”
The Queensland quarry extracts metagreywacke rock, a known hard rock, to produce its range of aggregates and construction materials. Using the site specifications of Yatala Quarry, Queensland Caterpillar dealer Hastings Deering tailored its selections for the fleet to the application.
The site’s current Caterpillar fleet includes a Next Generation Cat 349 excavator, multiple Cat 336 excavators, Cat 980 and 982 model wheel loaders as well as a Cat 772G off-highway truck. The company will also welcome a second Cat 772G off-highway truck later this year with the order already placed with Hastings Deering.
“These Cat machines, they dig through it and pull the material out quite easily. They’ve got the power there to move that rock, which is great,” Campbell said.
“(The 982 has) a really good capacity bucket so you can move more material with them, and they’re just an all-round great machine that are a little bit quicker than the 980s.”
A key part of the performance of Caterpillar machinery in the quarry is its range of technology. Caterpillar has fitted its new machinery with technological features that make the daily tasks of quarry managers and operators easier.
Operators can monitor loading activities through Cat Payload, achieve more accurate cutting with Cat Grade and Grade Assist, and Lift Assist provides real-time data on the weight of material in the bucket. E-Fence ensures an excavator is kept within a pre-defined area while Cat Product Link provides accurate information to Caterpillar’s VisionLink interface which assists with making informed decisions.
Campbell said that the real-time data, including fuel burn and idle time, had helped the quarry operate efficiently.
“I can sit in my office and see exactly what the machines are doing at any time,” he said.
“I can see how hard they are working, or if there are any problems on site and unexpected idling.
“The payload system is also great because I can see how much material an excavator or truck has moved in a day. As we do a lot of stockpiling from the crushers and screens, we count our production by the load. So, at the end of each day, I can see the total amounts stockpiled and get all of my figures straight off the platform.”
Valued partners
The Caterpillar fleet is a real-world example of a long-standing partnership between Crushing Dynamics and Hastings Deering, which has spanned more than 20 years.
Campbell said one factor sets Hastings Deering apart from the pack: the Queensland dealer’s focus on after-sales service.
“If I’ve ever had any queries about a machine or the technology, I just jump straight on the phone with Hastings Deering and they’re more than helpful,” he said.
“They’ll either give me advice over the phone, or if it’s something they need to come out and have a look at, they’ll get somebody out pretty quickly and give us guidance.
“Not only are they helpful, but the team I work with has a lot of knowledge, which benefits us as a business. A lot of the Hastings Deering team have been in the industry for a long time, and they know their stuff, so it’s great to ring someone who has that know-how and can get us set on the right track.
“When we get a new delivery, a Hastings Deering trainer will come out to the quarry and give everybody a rundown on the machine, how to use all of the various functions and how we can get the full benefit from the gear.
“Overall, we find that Caterpillar and Hastings Deering give us the reliability and support we need to have fewer breakdowns and higher productivity.
“Those two things are key for our business.”•
For more information, visit cat.com or hastingsdeering.com.au
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