Meet the Fleet of the Future

In its continuous quest to lead the way in helping the industry to reach its net zero sustainability targets, Chepstow Plant International (CPI) has invested over £60m in overhauling its entire fleet over the last three years.

As a result, not only is CPI aiming to reduce its environmental impact by investing in assets with Tier V engines, but it is also driving down fuel and operating costs to ensure that its fleet is the most efficient and environmentally friendly in quarrying and aggregates sector.

With its fleet now totalling over 400 units, CPI really is going the extra mile when it comes to decarbonisation. The latest line-up includes over 45 Volvo A40G articulated haulers, two Liebherr PR 736 G8 bulldozers and two Liebherr X-Power wheel loaders (L580 and L576), to name but a few.

So what are the mighty machines that are on a mission to achieve net zero within CPI’s 400-strong fleet? Here we take a glimpse at the sustainable credentials of a handful of assets from CPI’s wider fleet of the future.

Volvo A40G

All of CPI’s A40G’s are fully equipped with Volvo’s flagship system: Haul Assist. This features two main functions, mapping and onboard weighing. Both of these can have substantial impact on fuel management and reducing emissions.

On-site mapping helps improve the site traffic management, as the dumptrucks can see each other on site. This means that trucks aren’t burning unnecessary fuel idling while waiting to be loaded, and drive more efficiently around the site.

Meanwhile the onboard weighing and traffic light management system ensures trucks are neither under or over-filled, ensuring that the site does not have to carry out unnecessary loads or burn more fuel than is necessary.

The granular data Haul Assist then allows CPI to closely monitor operator and dumptruck performance, to ensure greater efficiencies and identify any “zero-carbon” operator training opportunities to further enhance the site’s environmental impact.

Keep an eye on this blog for regular updates on CPI’s decarbonisation initiatives, as well as company view points from the team who are championing this important issue.

Liebherr PR736

Making complex tasks look perfectly simple, and with a focus on sustainability, the multifunctional new Generation 8 dozer features Eco Mode for light work and material transfer. This lets the operator achieve both the required pushing performance and maximum fuel economy.

Delivering incredible performance across all operating conditions, the PR 736 G8 dozer also features real-time Load Sensing. This means that the machine only calls up the hydraulic power that is currently needed. Excess energy, however, is not dissipated, as is normally the case with conventional systems. This protects the components and reduces diesel consumption. Furthermore, the efficient high-temperature combustion in the Liebherr diesel engine and exhaust gas after treatment with the SCR filter (combined diesel particle filter and selective catalyst with AdBlue injection) helps protect the environment.

In short, the PR736 will burn around 30% less fuel than the other bulldozers in the fleet, saving around 15,000 litres per year! With additional electronic drive-train Cat D6T XE’s ordered for next year too, CPI’s bulldozer fleet could be on track to burn 100,000 litres less in 2022.

Liebherr L580 and L576 X Power

The innovative Liebherr X-Power driveline achieves a substantial fuel saving of up to five litres per hour which represents a cost saving of up to 25%. This not only minimises fuel consumption but also cuts emissions. Meanwhile, thanks to its continuous traction control, combined with automatic self-locking differential, this prevents wheel spin. Productivity is therefore increased and tyre wear reduced by up to 25%, meaning less environmental impact through unnecessary tyre purchases. Its excellent handling capacity also helps cut back on operating costs increase profitability.

Both the L580 and PR 736 G8 feature LiDAT, Liebherr’s own data analytics platform. This enables efficient management, monitoring and control of the entire fleet to in turn provide greater insights to clients for operational performance and ensure maximum asset on-site availability.

By Ross Hayward

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