Rygol limestone quarry, Germany, buys new Cat 740B ADT

Located at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers, Regensburg is a Bavarian city in Southern Germany. In nearby Painten, the Rygol quarry has been a family business since 1947. After a period of rain, the surface can become waterlogged on the site, and when stockpiling clay it is often barely possible to get through

A year ago, Rygol bought a 395 Caterpillar 740B articulated truck that replaces the Cat 769C truck that had clocked 20,000 hours and had been on site for over 20 years.

Operators Johann Schels and Stefan Liebl say they are happy with the investment as the new 39.5tonne truck is suited to the difficult conditions and is used to transport the limestone from the loading area to the crusher.

With three axles, the 740B has good traction and weight distribution, and the Automatic Traction control (ATC) ensures maximum power to the ground.

“Thanks to the true on-the-go ATC, the operator has nothing to do or remember regarding traction Controls on the machine,” says Caterpillar. The truck remains in 6x6 drive and automatically modulates the correct level of inter-axle and cross-axle differential lock engagement as the underfoot conditions change.

“The three-point oil/nitrogen front suspension oscillates +/-6o to provide a smooth ride. It allows the operator to travel at speed over uneven terrain and helps him remain comfortable throughout the shift.”

With safety now a critical aspect of the quarry industry, the Cat B Series articulated trucks meet all the requirements of the German Quarry Trade Association: rear view camera, heated mirrors, the ergonomic driver’s seat and the handrails are all supplied as standard.
“Many companies are investing significantly more in safety than would be requested by legislation and/or professional trade associations,” says Michael Holzhey, product specialist at Cat dealer, Zeppelin.

Five years ago, the quarry stopped drilling and blasting and started ripping with a customised excavator bucket.

It is claimed this reduced the vibration and the noise levels for the surrounding residents in the area. Less filler material is now required to maintain moisture in the rock to optimise the processing line and less dust is produced.

Apart from environmental considerations, the new method has also reduced waste, transport and loading costs and improved efficiency. The end result is a high yield of 250,000tonnes of raw material produced annually.

Chief executive officer Wolfgang Rygol explains: “The limestone contains a high calcium carbonate content which makes our products of a very high quality.”

Since 1976, Rygol has worked under franchise in partnership with the European 7238 Sakret Group, one of the largest producers of ready-mix concrete and mortar products in the world. Today, Rygol operates five mixing plants and employs around 140 people.