Tyne Tees Crushing and Screening first to benefit from new QJ341 Eco

One of the leading plant hire, contractors and suppliers to the UK construction and aggregates industries has been the first company to invest in the new QJ341 Eco. This tracked mobile jaw crusher is the latest development from Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screens. The new Eco model possesses many unique features, being an environmentally friendly and fuel efficient version of the bestselling QJ341 jaw crusher.

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Founded in 2005, Tyne Tees Crushing and Screening Ltd (Tyne Tees abbrv.), is owned and managed by Andrew Verity, who has over 20 years' experience in the construction and aggregates businesses. A longstanding customer of Sandvik, Tyne Tees is located in Darlington, Co. Durham, and has grown to become one of the leading suppliers of aggregates in the North East of England. The company provides a wide range of services including contract crushing and screening, plant hire as well as supplying recycled material, sand and soil to the aggregates industry.

Tyne Tees now possesses a large fleet of plant, including excavators, loading shovels and low loaders. It's crushing and screening operations is delivered by a Sandvik QJ241 jaw crusher, two Extec C-12+ models (predecessors of the QJ341) and an Extec Robotrac (former model of the current QE141). Operating a large and varied equipment array means that in addition to high efficiency, low running costs are critical factors to the success and profitability of the business.

With a keen eye on the latest innovations, and ways of achieving greater operational efficiency, Andrew Verity was very interested to hear about the new "Eco" model from Sandvik. Introduced in 2016, this is an environmentally friendly and fuel efficient version of the bestselling QJ341 jaw crusher. Already familiar with Sandvik mobile jaw crushers, Andrew was curious to find out what the features of the new "Eco" were, and to see how this could benefit his operation, so was keen to see the first prototype model demonstrated in May 2015.

Andrew was so impressed with the performance and overall efficiency of the QJ341 Eco, he placed an order for the prototype immediately, as the new model was not yet in full production. Andrew then kindly loaned Sandvik the unit back for demonstration at the DEMO EXPO Show (organised by the NFDC) which was held in June 2015. At the event the QJ341 Eco caused quite a stir, winning the Product Innovation Award.

Fuel efficiency

One of the key benefits of the "Eco" model is its fuel efficiency, which is implied by its name, with it having been designed with a focus on reducing operating costs and lowering operators' carbon footprint. The QJ341 Eco comes fitted with a Volvo D11 355 hp / 265 kW engine which complies with the latest emissions regulations. According to the manufacturer, this Tier 4 Final engine has been designed to improve reliability, minimize cost of operation and lower emissions.

What impressed Andrew the most about the QJ341 Eco was the innovative dual-drive function. This advanced design, patent pending feature, enables customers to select between hydraulic or clutch-driven operation, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency. This however does not compromise the QJ341 Eco's ability to reverse-crush, unblock or start a crusher full of material, which is a key function in recycling applications.

The default running system is direct-drive, via a clutch, as this is the most efficient operation mode. By using the hydraulic facility, customers are able to switch the unit from direct-drive to hydraulic simply at the touch of a button. "The machine is far more efficient running in direct drive and we have found it crushes faster as it isn't losing power through the hydraulics," explains Andrew Verity.

Two machines in one

Tyne Tees is currently using the QJ341 Eco to recycle concrete, brick and tarmac, as well as to produce Type 1, 6FS, so the ability to be able to reverse crush to clear any blockages is a huge advantage. "The Eco is excellent because the option of clutch or hydraulic drive means we can select depending upon the application and material to be crushed," says Andrew, who continues, "It has the benefits of two machines in one."

Another advantage for customers provided by the design of the Eco is the variable crushing speed which is available in both hydraulic and direct-drive mode. This enables the gradation of the end product to be manipulated without changing the jaw setting CSS (closed side setting).

In addition to embracing its latest crushing technology, Tyne Tees Crushing and Screening Ltd has established an excellent working relationship with Sandvik Construction. In order to efficiently serve its customers, the local UK team is only a call away to offer parts and service support whenever the need arises. "We have no complaints with regards to the level of service and aftermarket from Sandvik," concludes Andrew.

Key customer focused features of the QJ341 Eco include:

• Direct drive for optimum fuel efficiency

• Fitted with a Volvo D11 Tier 4 Final 355 hp / 265 kW engine to further increase efficiency

• Optional dual-drive with the ability to reverse-crush, unblock or start a crusher full of material

• Full PLC control system and color screen allowing visual data output of all plant operating parameters

• Hydraulically raise and lower facility on the main conveyor