Tulloch Developments of Lerwick, Shetland, has taken delivery of a new 25tonne
According to project manager Shaun Tulloch, the new EC250D was selected thanks to operator preference and comfort, smooth performance and the expectation of significant fuel savings based on the experiences of the three existing 14tonne EC140Ds bought in March 2103 for contracts supplying plant, equipment and material to the oil and gas industries at Sullom Voe.
Acting as the prime mover in Staney Hill Quarry, the EC250D is proving to be on top of the job of loading the resident mobile crusher.
“So far we’ve been very pleased with its performance and already we are starting to see some significant fuel savings over the machine it replaces,” says Tulloch.
At the heart of the machine is a 6litre Stage IIIB engine, which operates in conjunction with an advanced mode control system ensuring the maximum possible hydraulic horsepower available is delivered at a constant engine speed under varying load conditions. Maximum reach with the intermediate dipper arm is a generous 10.7m while maximum digging depth is 7.34m and lifting capacity across carriage at full reach is 3.16tonnes.
But quarrying is just one facet of Tulloch Development’s business interests on Shetland. Established in the late 1960s by Shaun Tulloch’s grandfather, who started out as a carpenter and builder, the family business developed with his father and uncle joining in the late 1970s.
The now fully-fledged civil engineering company undertakes a whole variety of works and projects such as industrial construction, pipelines and harbour reconstruction and development. In particular it concentrates on harbour and port development in Lerwick and other ports on Shetland as well as long term contracts in the oil and gas plant at Sullom Voe and plant hire.
And to support that and other general activity, Tulloch Developments invested in three 14tonne EC140Ds in early 2013. The overall performance and acceptance of the EC140s by Tulloch’s machine operators acted as the catalyst for the latest acquisition.
“We’ve found the 14tonner to be a good all-rounder for general contracting work,” says Shaun Tulloch.
Tulloch Developments also provides equipment to Shetland Council and specifically bought an ECR48C reduced swing compact excavator in 2013 with the larger Volvo ECR88D ordered for delivery in March, 2014.
The recent Volvo additions join a mixed fleet of equipment in Tulloch Development’s portfolio with excavators up to 36tonnes, a variety of loading shovels and other equipment such as tele-handlers and rollers.
The company also operates a fleet of eight tipper trucks, two articulated lorries, truck-mounted concrete pumps and asphalt pavers, and employs some 65 permanent staff.
