Hanson,
one of the largest
suppliers of bulk construction aggregates in the UK, has invested in the Cat^Ò 986K Wheel Loader – the first
machine of this size and class in UK – in a deal with Finning UK & Ireland.
The machine was chosen for its compact sizing and advanced technology features.

The wheel loader is the
penultimate addition in a series of new Caterpillarassets added to Hanson’s fleet as part of a 31-machine deal struck
in 2018, and will be in operation at Hingston Down Quarry in Cornwall. Hanson
has worked extensively with Finning over many years, building a strong
relationship that has led to a number of ongoing projects with the business.

The Cat 986K combines
reliable, efficient loading with machine longevity, providing lower cost of
ownership. Performance is optimised thanks to the power shift transmission, torque
converter with lock-up clutch and axle shaft disc brakes.

VisionLink® offers
insight into the health, location and productivity of the machine, helping to
increase productivity, control costs, improve operator performance and ensure
safety on site. Cat Connect PAYLOAD technologies such as Cat Production
Measurement provide on-the-go load weighing to assist operators with achieving
precise targets every time, further optimising efficiency and increasing
jobsite productivity.

The Cat 986K also boasts
a redesigned state-of-the-art operator cab featuring STIC steering, touch
screen display, enhanced safety with improved access/egress, and better cab
visibility. Serviceability is improved with ground-level or platform access and
grouped service points, and a suite of performance series buckets are available
too.

Sizing was an important
determining factor in Hanson’s selection of the machine, and the Cat 986K proved
to be the ideal size – larger than a Cat 982M but more compact than a new Cat 988K.
The recent reintroduction of the Cat 988K range saw machines larger than their
predecessors, and so the Cat 986K was launched as a size replacement for the
original Cat 988G.

The machine will be
maintained through a Customer Service Agreement (CSA Under the agreement,
Finning will also provide technical support through the Finsight condition
monitoring team, supplying Hanson with data on machine health that links to the
CSA. This data will provide accurate information to organise preventative
maintenance operations, as well as information on uptime and machine
productivity.

Dave Jenkins, Unit
Manager at Hanson UK, explained: “We were in the process of renewing aspects of
our fleet at Hingston Down Quarry last year. We sought advice from Finning and Caterpillar
on which machines to invest in for better site management and optimisation, and
they recommended the new Cat 986K.

“The whole of the site
team at the quarry are looking forward to the arrival of the first UK based
Cat
986K, with the loader bringing all of Caterpillar’s latest improvements with
ongoing upgrades and advanced technologies. This machine is
matched perfectly with our face fleet, which includes a 772G and continues the long
standing partnership that this quarry has had with Finning – a relationship
forged over many years.

“We have been operating
our current Cat 988G face loading shovel since its arrival in 2005, and this
machine is performing really well after a long working life. It’s still running
on its original powertrain, which is proven testament to the Caterpillar
standards of durability and reliability for the whole life of their machinery.�

Phil Battle, Head of
Quarrying & Aggregates – Finning UK & Ireland, added: “The Cat 986K
Wheel Loader is the right size, perfectly matched with Cat off-highway trucks
to maximise the volume of material moved and offer the lowest cost per tonne.

“The robust structures
withstand tough loading conditions to achieve multiple lifecycles – for a lower
total cost of ownership. Hanson will see improved mobility, versatility, and
technology built into the 986K Wheel Loader to burn less fuel, operate more
efficiently, and achieve a low total cost of ownership.â€�             

For more
information on Cat products and services from Finning UK & Ireland, please visit
www.finning.com,
or for more information on Hanson UK, please visit www.hanson.co.uk.