The CASE for Shifting Sand

July 19, 2024 3:26 pm

“Manoeuvrability and safe speed around our pit means that we are getting more done in a day’s work. Sand is a high volume product to get tonnage in the bucket. We get trucks in here that take 50 tonne payloads and they get loaded quickly and efficiently because the reach on the Case is very good.”

Mark Thwaites – Mt Compass Sand and Loam

When Mt Compass Sand and Loam needed a new Wheel Loader just over a year ago, the Case Construction 821F was the clear favourite. The growing business on the Fleurieu Peninsula, an hour south of Adelaide, was replacing another Case Wheel Loader, but that connection was just a starting point for comparisons before the final purchase decision.

Mt Compass Sand and Loam mines, mixes and supplies sand and loam to building, landscaping and local government customers.

“The sand mine has operated on this site since 1990, and the current owner, Rodney Miller, took over from a previous owner who had a long and happy relationship with Case equipment,” Operations Manager Mark Thwaites said.

Experience with Case Construction equipment wasn’t the only factor in the selection process for the new Wheel Loader.

The Wheel Loader role at Mt Compass Sand and Loam revolves around keeping screening equipment supplied, as well as loading company and customer trucks.

“Our excavator digs the sand out of our mine wall, but occasionally a Wheel Loader also carries out that task,” Mark said.

FUEL ECONOMY

Selection comparisons covered many aspects of the work role, but fuel consumption was a very big factor for Mt Compass Sand and Loam and the Case 821F won that battle easily.

“I’d say its fuel economy is phenomenal,” Mark said. “That wasn’t just going on the maker’s claims; we had the evidence here on site during our comparison testing to show that it was a fact.”

“Since purchasing the 821F and running it day in and day, out we have been highly impressed by its economy.”

The heart of the 821F Wheel Loader is a Case 6.7-litre engine, with best-in-class horsepower and massive torque to deliver power for every work cycle. Four upgraded power modes let operators match available engine power to the job while saving fuel, while a raised-up hood, environmentally safe fluid drains, sight gauges and ground-level checkpoints make maintenance easy.

“The rear engine of the 821F means it needs less counterweight. The engine sits down low at the back which also means you have good stability.”

MACHINE FEATURES

“Manoeuvrability and safe speed around our pit means that we are getting more done in a day’s work. Sand is a high volume product to get tonnage in the bucket. We get trucks in here that take 50 tonne payloads and they get loaded quickly and efficiently because the reach on the Case is very good.”

“Our people have been very impressed with it. The ceiling to floor glass in the cab is a bonus. The visibility out of the cab is fantastic and I see a couple of other manufacturers have now tried to copy that feature.”

“The ergonomics and the working platform are great. It provides a very comfortable work environment and we find it is quiet.”

“I’d say the ergonomics and comfort in the cabin made it an absolute class leader in that regard during the selection process.”

“Reliability came into it as well as potential resale value, because it is a very well-known fact that the Case product holds its value.”

RELIABILITY

Mt Compass Sand and Loam runs its Case 821F Wheel Loader nine hours a day for five and a half days per week. After just over a year of operation, this key piece of the company’s equipment is about to undergo its 2,000 hour service.

The company plans to keep the Case 821F for 5,000 or 6,000 hours, although it knows the 821F could still earn its keep for much longer.

“We have had a dream run in terms of reliability,” Mark said.

“With the constant growth of this business, it looks like it won’t be long before we think about adding another production loader and we’ll definitely be looking at another Case most favourably.”

For more information contact us at CASE Victoria on 03 6242 1897.