Flagship loader is the new King Coal at Bristol Port Company

A new Volvo L350F loading shovel complete with a 12.8m³ rehandling bucket has been delivered to The Bristol Port Company Ltd and takes over as the prime mover on train loading duties at the coal stock yard on the Royal Portbury Dock, Avonmouth.

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Resplendent in its striking red and white livery the new 52 tonne L350F joins two Volvo L330E machines originally supplied to the company back in 2006. “Both our L330E’s have performed well, working virtually 24/7 and clocking up around 20000 hours in the process,” comments Bristol Port Company’s Director of Operational Engineering Martin Downey. “They have been good, reliable machines which has been the key to us selecting the new L350F. The support from Volvo when required has been equally impressive,” he continues.

The L350F will now take over as the prime loading shovel on site supported by the younger of the two L330E’s. Together they will load a rake of twenty three, 72 tonne rail wagons in the space of one and a half hours. Equipped with a 12.8m³ rehandling bucket the L350F is capable of loading a wagon in just five passes and in the course of a year’s work will dispatch 1.5M tonnes of coal from the yard.

The new L350F will offer significant efficiencies in terms of fuel economy and productivity thanks to the combination of the machine’s Stage III 16 litre Volvo engine producing 535hp, maximum torque reached at just 1400RPM, stronger hydraulics, a Volvo transmission with lock-up and Volvo designed and manufactured axles. As a result, the L350F is easy and comfortable to operate, leading to fast cycle times, sustained high performance throughout the working day and reduced operator fatigue. The machine features CDC (Comfort Drive Control) as standard, automatic lubrication, a heavy duty air filter, wide core radiator and a fire suppression system.  Access to the Volvo Care Cab, where the operator will enjoy a spacious air-conditioned interior that is insulated from noise, dust and vibrations is via the rear steps on the machine. Safety features on the L350F include all round visibility aids, flashing rear lights and a white noise reverse alarm. To enhance lateral stability The Bristol Port Company opted for the recently introduced Goodyear 875/65 L4 sized tyre as opposed the traditional 35/65 L5 size. The main feature is the tyre width which measures 904mm with a diameter of 2079mm. 

Supplied with a Volvo Blue service agreement whereby the machine will be properly maintained by a qualified Volvo service engineer, the new L350F is expected to live up to the reputation of its older Volvo relatives and give an effective service life of 25000 hours. Working around the clock the combined machines are expected to load up to 12 trains a day dispatching up to 6 million tonnes of imported coal to the major power stations in the UK including Fiddlers Ferry, Rugeley, Ratcliffe and Aberthawe.   

Volvo Construction Equipment  markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in the U.K. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.