Hillhouse Quarry has taken delivery of the first Bell B50D articulated dump truck to be sold in Scotland.

It is part of an on-going move by the quarry in Troon, Ayrshire, to phase out its fleet of rigid dump trucks in favour of ADTs from Bell.

Hillhouse Quarry's relationship with Bell Equipment predates the ADT manufacturer's acquisition of Heathfield Haulamatic 10 years ago.

John McGregor, quarry manager at Hillhouse, said he had enjoyed a high level of after-sales support from Heathfield going back to the 1970s, which had continued with Bell. The other driving factor, he said, was the superior fuel efficiency provided by the Bell ADTs.

“The support from Bell has always been good,” said Mr McGregor. “Having said that, the machines have always been extremely reliable, so we haven't needed that much support.

“The fuel consumption also seems to be a lot better with the Bells, and the drivers find them much better to operate.”

Mr McGregor said the new 50-tonner, which is a Mk 5 version of the D-Series B50D originally launched in 2004, was currently being monitored in terms of cycle speed compared to the rigid, but the initial signs were very positive.

The B50D is carrying blasted material direct from the rock face to the crushing plant in cycles of up to 1,200 metres. The substrate is transported in lumps of up to 1-metre in diameter (3 tonnes in weight). It is crushed to make aggregate ranging from 75mm to rock sand. The quarry operates on 10-hour shift cycles.

Hillhouse Quarry still operates three rigid trucks. Over the years it has gradually phased in four Bell B40D ADTs and one B30D to its fleet, in addition to the new B50D. But the replacement programme is continuing.

George Graham, Bell regional sales manager for Scotland, said the latest purchase by Hillhouse represented a significant landmark in terms of the Scottish market.

“Bell has been growing its market share year on year in Scotland, but up until now we haven't seen a B50D north of the border. I'm delighted that this landmark purchase has been made by one of our most long-standing and loyal customers.”