EarthMovers Issue 186 October 2019 - First Impressions Wacker DV100

A recent four page spread in the magazine EarthMovers, highlighted Galtecs proactive moves towards changing attitudes on running large site dumpers.

https://www.earthmoversmagazine.co.uk/back-issues-2019/

Tom Rayer, MD for Galtec Ltd “My idea was to look at ways that could save us money by ultimately changing the way we run our dumpers on site. Looking at the running hours on our current dumpers, we found that most of them were actually only running around two to three hours per week. We realised the reality is, they are a very expensive commodity when you break it all down.

Our concept was to invest in some cabbed dumpers and allocate them to dedicated drivers, while thinning out the actual number of dumpers on the fleet. In effect we would deploy one cabbed dumper to take the place of three standard dumpers, while utilising them more efficiently on the job. They would actually work 40 hours per week, as opposed to two to three hours, and then be parked up”

Initially two Wacker Neuson Dual View dumpers were purchased, quickly followed by an additional four more.

The Dual View wheeled dumpers are fitted with a ROPS, TOPS and FOPS level 2 certified cab and laminated safety glass front and rear. There is also a cab guard at the back of the skip which is tested to withstand a force of 2.5 tonnes, positioned with a metre of clearance between it and the cab.

Internally, the cab boasts, air conditioning, a full telematics system and a Bluetooth phone kit, to enable each gang on site to call for a particular load, for example, Type 1 stone or pipe bedding.

Reduced numbers of dumpers on site, and dedicated drivers, help to minimise risks.

The operator also never has to look over a heaped load, and is always facing the direction of travel. All these factors help to improve site safety.

Regarding the question of the operator staying in the cab or not during loading, the advice given by the Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group, in partnership with the Health & Safety Executive is as follows: The operator maybe allowed to remain seated if the cab and associated structures have been designed to withstand the dynamic forces resulting from contact with part of a loading machine. This is not a blanket approval for this practice, but sets the stage for a risk assessment. Such assessments must include what is being used to load the dumper and how it is being used, in addition to the protection level offered by the dumper. A Guide is available for download at www.cpa.uk.net/sfpsgpublications.