Aggregate processing may begin with drilling and blasting, but blasted material isn't going anywhere until it is moved from the muckpile to the processing plant. This is often accomplished using loaders and excavators. If this stage of the process is not planned effectively, it will likely have an impact on conveying, crushing and screening efficiencies.

Front-end loaders or hydraulic excavators are often used to scoop blasted material from the quarry face and transfer it to a haul truck to begin the processing sequence. Excavators can further be used to pull loosely defined material directly from the quarry face.

Hydraulic excavators are the workhorses of the quarry and are built to endure severe, punishing conditions. Contemporary hydraulic excavators are designed with a wide range of performance-enhancing features, as well as computerized diagnostic equipment to facilitate maintenance. Improved hydraulics enable operators to precisely maneuver the excavator through the use of fingertip controls.

Like hydraulic excavators, front-end loaders, also referred to as wheel loaders, are used to pick up blasted material from the quarry face. They can be used to deliver material to a haul truck or to load it directly into the primary crusher if it is close enough to the quarry face. Unlike hydraulic excavators, front-end loaders are well suited to transport material from one point to another on the quarry floor.

Today's aggregate producers are on a continual search for reduced cycle times and higher production rates. Efficient loading-and-excavating procedures are the first step toward achieving this goal. Choosing the right loader or excavator requires research.

Buckets

Efficient and productive aggregate processing begins, in large part, with equipment selection. A host of factors, including material composition, production requirements, and of course, budget limitations will enter into the decision. The individual at the pit or quarry responsible for making equipment-purchasing decisions is best advised to do as much research as possible into the requirements of the operation, existing fleet and the equipment that is currently available on the market.

Today's heavy equipment manufacturers are up against a formidable challenge. Not only must they design machines that incorporate the very latest in available technology, but they have to do so with one eye on the competition. Ironically, as many manufacturers would likely agree, this is the easy part. Satisfying the customer and making sure his or her needs are met during and after the sale are the real challenges.

Cleaner works better

The loader-and-excavator markets are full of machines designed to help aggregates producers do their jobs more effectively, both in the areas of productivity and efficiency. While continual technological advancements will mold the machines of the future, rest assured that there is one out there today that will meet your needs.