Engcon smooths the way for second tiltrotator installation by CBL

Engcon’s support team has assisted the smooth installation of a second Engcon Generation 2 tiltrotator and control system by CBL, one of Southern Britain’s leading providers of compact plant.

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Ben Smith, an award-winning third year apprentice at CBL’s Newbury depot, recently fitted his second Engcon EC214 tiltrotator and DC2 proportional control systems for key customer, Profusion Environmental Ltd. Both installations were to new CASE CX130 excavators, custom-specified by Profusion. Based in Salisbury, Profusion specialises in sports facility construction and landscaping and uses Engcon tiltrotators exclusively on all its excavators to enhance their productivity and accuracy on site.

Although CBL did consider sub-contracting the first installation, after studying Engcon’s user-friendly fitting instructions they decided to take it on themselves. “Ben loves a challenge,” explains CBL Depot Manager, Paul Turner, “so he was delighted when we gave him the job. Considering this was the first time we’d fitted an Engcon tiltrotator it all went very smoothly thanks to superb support and speedy service from Engcon.” For the second installation, Engcon UK Engineer, Tim Leach, went on site to support Ben through the final stages of initial testing and system calibration. “He didn’t really need me,” jokes Tim. “His skill levels are impressive and his willingness to listen and learn are refreshing. He’s a young man with a bright future ahead of him.”

Ben gained valuable experience during the first tiltrotator installation. Following the instructions supplied by Engcon he was able to work through the electrical and mechanical fitting process and complete installation to the point of first testing unaided. Ben was then guided through the programming and calibration of the entire system by Engcon product specialist, Nils Giesen, using the remote sharing facility. “Nils couldn’t have been more helpful,” says Ben. “He also showed me how to test individual components and fault-finding techniques which has proved very useful.” With this first installation under his belt, Ben had no hesitation in tackling the next one for Profusion. He comments: “I felt much more confident the second time round and having Tim on hand to talk me through the final phase was really helpful.”

The Engcon EC214 tilrotators fitted by CBL to Profusion Environmental’s new CASE CX130 excavators are part of the Generation 2 series and are adaptable for all excavators in the 9-14 ton weight class. Serving as the excavator’s wrist, the Engcon tiltrotator lets the operator tilt or rotate the bucket (or any other attachment) for optimum flexibility and accuracy. Rotating the bucket makes tasks like backfilling and offset digging quick and easy, while tilting allows grading to be carried out precisely and in tight spaces.

As part of a fully integrated tiltrotator package, Profusion Environmental also specified Engcon’s DC2 proportional control system for both of its new CASE excavators. Operators can connect their smartphone to the DC2 via Bluetooth and switch between up to four different operator profiles and tools or enter speed settings. Once connected, operators can access Engcon’s remote support via a smartphone app to enable troubleshooting and machine calibration to be carried out remotely and immediately, dramatically reducing machine downtime.

Summing up, CBL’s Paul Turner, says: “We’ve had great support from Engcon during both installations and Ben has gained valuable hands-on experience in hydraulic attachment fitting for his plant engineering course at Wiltshire College.”

A model student, Ben won the Level 2 Regional Award for the College in the CPA’s ‘Stars of the Future’ Plant Mechanic Apprentice Awards. He followed this success by winning the Selwood Cup Apprenticeship Award for Best All Round Student NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Construction Plant Maintenance at Wiltshire College Lackham.also highley comended for level 3 from CPA.