The new wheel loaders were supplied by Blue Machinery (Central) Ltd (Blue Central), based in Northwich in Cheshire, the authorised Develon dealer for North West England and North Wales.

Compared to the machines they have replaced, the new wheel loaders are said to be using 4l/h less fuel (11l/h instead of 15l/h). They are the first in the UK to be equipped with Develon’s transparent bucket safety system. John Dennan, Director of ASH Group, said: “We are very impressed with the fuel economy and high performance of the new Develon wheel loaders and our drivers really like to work with them. With the new transparent bucket system on the machines, we have also enhanced safety for both the drivers and the rest of the workforce at the wash plant. The new wheel loaders align with our commitment to sustainability and safety and with their help, our wash plant will continue to provide much needed high value recycled sand and aggregates for the UK construction industry. The operation is designed to produce up to 600,000t/year, ensuring maximum resource recovery and to divert even more waste from landfill.”

The DL420CVT-7 is also equipped with ‘Continuously Variable Transmission’ (CVT), which is designed to combine hydraulic technology and mechanical technology to provide smooth and continuous speed variation. It is said to allow the DL420CVT-7 to automatically transition from hydrostatic power at low speed to the mechanical system to operate at higher speeds. The complete driving range, forwards and in reverse, is controlled by the CVT system. Low engine speeds are said to ensure high efficiency and the highest driving comfort irrespective of the traction speed. The power splitting continuously variable technology facilitates moving off softly and hydraulically. Furthermore, with the CVT, Develon states that a fuel saving of up to 25% can be achieved.

The ASH Group has operated for over 35 years in waste management, incorporating recycling and energy production whilst continuing to divert waste from landfill. The core ethos of the business is founded on the three ‘Rs’ principle - recover, recycle, reuse. This has enabled the company to produce an environmentally friendly high quality aggregate. ASH Aggregates offers a sustainable alternative to virgin quarried materials that helps to improve the carbon footprint of customers’ contracts whilst helping to shape and define their social corporate responsibility targets.