REVOLUTIONIZING ASPHALT RECYCLING
THE KEESTRACK R3E AT FULTON HOGAN’S AUCKLAND RAP PLANT
In the evolving landscape of quarrying and recycling, innovative operators are finding ways to enhance productivity while meeting growing sustainability expectations.
Wayne Richardson, overseeing Fulton Hogan’s Auckland RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement) plant, has implemented a solution worth noting: the Keestrack R3e electric crusher. This equipment is proving to be a significant asset, offering tangible benefits in efficiency and environmental performance.
For Quarry Owners weighing their equipment options, Wayne’s experience provides valuable insights into how electric crushing technology can address both operational and sustainability challenges in today’s competitive market.
Efficient Recycling for a Circular Economy
The Auckland RAP plant exemplifies the circular economy in action. As Wayne explains, “We take all the leftover asphalt, dig outs, all of that sort of stuff, millings, we recycle it and crush it down first then screen it out... It’s a cool product because it just goes round and round endlessly.”
This 100% recyclable product not only reduces waste but also provides a high-quality material for new asphalt mixes, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
The Electric Advantage
The Keestrack R3e's electric operation brings several key advantages:
• Versatility: "When you're not plugged into the mains, it's diesel-electric. But we mostly run it plugged into mains, so it's running all electric for us," Wayne notes.
• Noise Reduction: "It's super quiet, so you can have a conversation in the yard while the machine's working," improving workplace communication and safety.
• Enhanced Troubleshooting: The quiet operation allows for better problem detection. Wayne shares, "You can hear stuff going through the crusher... we can now tell when there's something wrong, bit of steel gone through, because you can hear it."
• Reduced Heat Generation: "Everything being electric, it doesn't generate the same sort of heat as it does with your diesel hydraulic type thing, so that's a real bonus for us dealing with asphalt," Wayne explains.
The service and the backup support has been really, really good...Guys know what they’re talking about. Actually fantastic. - Wayne Richardson
Impressive Performance
The R3e has exceeded expectations in terms of output and reliability:
• High Production Rates: "On a good day we're getting over 130 ton/hour finished product," Wayne reports.
• Consistent Performance: "If you overload it or surge feed it... it's got all that torque from the electric motor, it doesn't [slow down], it just crushes it," maintaining high productivity even under challenging conditions.
• Adaptability: The machine performs well in various conditions. "Even in those [wet winter] conditions, we're exceeding our expectations. Summertime, the stuff just pours through the plant," Wayne states.
Ease of Maintenance and Support
The R3e's design and Equip2's support make maintenance straightforward:
• Simplified Mechanics: "It's a pleasure to deal with, pleasure to work on, nice and simple... with less stuff to sort of worry about," Wayne notes.
• Quick Repairs: "We've broken the hammer and broken some apron bars - piece of cake to change," demonstrating the machine's serviceability.
• Excellent Support: Wayne praises Equip2's service: "The service and the backup support has been really, really good. Guys know what they're talking about, actually fantastic."
A Sustainable Investment
For quarry owners looking to improve their sustainability profile, the R3e aligns perfectly with environmental goals.
As Wayne puts it, "It fits with what we're doing at Fulton Hogan, trying to reduce our carbon footprint, sustainability and all that stuff. It fits with our whole recycling motto."
In conclusion, the Keestrack R3e electric crusher offers a powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for asphalt recycling and aggregate production.
Its performance at Fulton Hogan's Auckland RAP plant demonstrates its capability to meet and exceed the demands of modern quarrying operations while contributing to sustainability efforts.
As Wayne succinctly puts it: "Good bit of kit. Really like it."
