HL975A Cvt Delivers Fuel Savings for Whitelocks Plant

A Hyundai HL975A CVT is providing massive fuel efficiency savings for North Yorkshire plant hire and civil engineering contractor Whitelocks Plant. The wheel loader, which is working in a sandstone quarry to the north of Leeds, is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that optimises power matching, to maintain low engine rpm while delivering smooth, seamless acceleration.

Supplied by local dealer Taylor & Braithwaite, Whitelocks underwent multiple demonstrations to find the perfect machine for the site. With a mix of stockpiling, filling trucks and load and carry duties, the machine is consuming barely 8.6 litres of fuel per hour, a massive saving over the 26 litres per hour of the loader that it replaced.

The 26.5-tonne loader is equipped a 5.2m³ general purpose bucket, making it an ideal size for a variety of operations within the quarry. Along with stockpiling and mixing of materials, the HL975A CVT is loading eight-wheeler tippers in two passes and articulated tipping trailers in three bucket loads.

“We’d had a lot of good feedback and already had machines from Taylor & Braithwaite,” said Site Manager Luke Jones.

“We went with the Hyundai for its fuel savings and ease of maintenance. It’s been saving us up to 18 litres an hour.”

Taylor & Braithwaite has supplied the machine with a 5,000-hour extended warranty, ensuring that the loader will remain reliable and available for work for many years to come. As with all larger Hyundai machines, the HL975A CVT is equipped with the company’s Hi-MATE telematic monitoring system, with real-time operating data available to both the customer and the dealer.

“We don’t even have to ring T&B for service,” said Mr Jones. “There was a fault code registered early on and before we even knew about it, T&B was on site the next day. With the service package, we’re hoping to get at least 20,000-hours of operation from the machine.”

Whitelocks’ Hyundai has been highly specified, complete with optional Advanced Around View Monitoring (AAVM) 360° cameras and Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD) radar sensors, joystick steering, high-visibility handrails and an autolube system. The HL975A CVT is powered by a stage V compliant Cummins X12 diesel engine, delivering 335hp (250kW) and 1,765Nm of torque. The engine features an all-in-one exhaust aftertreatment system, with no requirement for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

The ZF CVT transmission continually changes the ratio of hydraulic to mechanical energy depending on load and speed, creating four virtual forward gears and three reverse ratios for the operator. The transmission is also equipped with a Traction Mode, a Dynamic Mode and a Creep Mode, allowing the operator to select driveline characteristics to suit each task. A hydraulic differential lock ensures maximum traction, with minimal tyre slip, when digging into a stockpile or face.

“We’ve noticed with the CVT that we are getting much better tyre wear as well,” said Mr Jones.

He also applauded the ease of access to regular service points and the fact that the machine can automatically register that daily checks have been carried out.

“We’d like to thank John Whitelock and the team for the continued business and trust in Taylor & Brathwaite,” said Matt Bradley, Area Sales Representative. “We look forward to continuing to support this growing business.”

Whitelocks Plant is a leading plant hire, earthworks, reclamation and remediation business based near Skipton in Yorkshire. Established in 1997, the company rapidly established a trusted reputation for plant and services to contractors, utilities and civils business throughout the region. The business has a fleet of more than 600 machines, along with 20 road tippers.

“Being able to load a truck in two passes gives us the productivity and the reliability that we require,” said Mr Jones. “But the biggest plus for the Hyundai has been its fuel efficiency. It’s got to be the lowest cost shovel to operate by the hour by a long way.”