HOW DO MOBILE CONVEYORS STACK UP AGAINST WHEEL LOADERS

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Mobile conveyors or stockpilers are not new to the quarrying or recycling industry but each year more and more operators are opting to use them to haul material. What has changed? One of the major factors is the rising cost of fuel needed to power a fleet of wheel loaders, ability to attract labour and the need to more closely fix the cost per tonne of production are the main drivers of the trend towards conveyors.

An ever-growing numbers of quarries are also moving from traditional static crushing and screening solutions to mobile systems and mobile conveyors such as those offered by EDGE Innovate are helping such sites to maximise the benefit from this growing trend.  Using a conveyor for stockpiling material over using a wheel loader can offer several cost saving and environmental benefits, especially in scenarios where material handling is a frequent and essential part of operations. Here are some of the cost benefits:

Labour Efficiency:

Conveyors are automated systems that require minimal manual labour compared to wheel loaders. One operator can manage a conveyor system, whereas wheel loaders often require multiple operators for continuous material handling. This reduces labour costs and minimizes the risk of workplace injuries. Operations that have utilised mobile conveyors in their operation have seen a much lower risk of accidents and it is also allowing quarry operators to reduce their workforce – a key consideration in the current financial climate and with the difficulty in finding skilled operators.

Consistent Productivity:

Conveyors provide a consistent and continuous flow of material, maintaining a steady rate of stockpiling. Wheel loaders, on the other hand, have varying productivity levels depending on operator skill, fatigue, and equipment condition. Consistency in productivity can lead to better planning and resource allocation.

Reduced Fuel and Maintenance Costs:

Conveyors are typically much more energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to wheel loaders that in most cases utilise a larger diesel engine. Additionally, wheel loaders require regular maintenance and repairs due to their mechanical complexity, leading to higher maintenance costs over time.

Higher Stockpile Capacity & Lower Material Loss:

Conveyors can create larger and more organized stockpiles due to their continuous operation and precision. Wheel loaders may create uneven piles, which can lead to material loss, waste, and additional labour costs for reorganization. Conveyors are less likely to spill or scatter materials during stockpiling, reducing material loss and waste. Wheel loaders can inadvertently cause material spillage and degradation, which can result in financial losses.

Longevity:

Well-maintained conveyor systems can have a longer lifespan than wheel loaders, leading to lower capital replacement costs over time.

Environmental Compliance:

In some cases, using conveyors can help companies meet environmental regulations more easily, as they produce fewer emissions compared to diesel-powered wheel loaders. Conveyors represent a more environmentally friendly option as they are quieter, produce less dust and with many manufacturers such as EDGE Innovate offering conveyor which are electrically driven, they produce lower emissions too.

Time Savings:

Conveyors can operate continuously, 24/7 if needed, which can expedite stockpiling processes and lead to faster project completion, reducing associated costs.

Operational Requirements:

Conveyors can offer lower cost per tonne but every operator has differing needs and challenges to overcome. It is essential to consider that the cost benefits of using a conveyor for stockpiling material can vary depending on factors such as the type of material, the distance it needs to be transported, the initial investment in conveyor infrastructure, and the specific operational requirements of the project. Performing a detailed cost-benefit analysis based on your unique circumstances is crucial to make an informed decision.

Partnering with a company that has catered to the best part of all the facets of the material handling industry as well as provides a wide choice of conveyor formats, power-source options from simply hydraulic coupling to dual powered units with differing conveyor lengths and throughput is important.  With over 1000 mobile conveyors manufactured and working across the world to date, the EDGE range of mobile mounted conveyors offer high efficiency and reliability having been tried and tested in the harshest of environments throughout the globe.

ABOUT EDGE INNOVATE

EDGE Innovate develops, manufacturers and markets sophisticated technologies for shredding, stacking, screening and sorting of primary and secondary raw materials in production processes and recycling. Our Material handling and recycling range is made up of reliable, durable and cost saving products with a wide range of mobile stockpilers, tracked stackers, tracked and mobile feeders, trommels, slow-speed waste shredders, picking stations, material classifiers, roll-sizers and truck off-loaders. Our product range allows our customers; to shred, screen, separate, stockpile and size a vast array of materials

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