G A Smith choose Bell for Port of Tyne contract

Bulk handling specialists take delivery of four new bespoke B40 ADTs from Bell Equipment

G A Smith Ltd have further expanded the coal-handling capabilities of their fleet in the North East with the purchase of four new Bell coal trucks for use at the Port of Tyne, near Newcastle.

The machines, which are based on the popular B40 articulated dumptruck but fitted with 1,200mm coal extensions, are proving an essential resource in the fulfilment of a sizeable coal import contract for G A Smith.

The firm, which has been established since 1987, has become responsible for overseeing the successful handling of more than 4 million tonnes of coal imported into the Port of Tyne. The trucks are needed to transfer coal from incoming boats to the stockpiles.

‘The Port of Tyne contract presents our fleet with a heavy work consignment, requiring machines to be operated around the clock,’ explained company director George Smith. ‘Needless to say, with such demands on our machinery, we can only bring equipment on board that’s reliable, fuel efficient and fit for purpose.’

Given that G A Smith were relatively unfamiliar with Bell Equipment, Mr Smith was invited to visit Bell’s UK base to see the extent of the company’s operation. Impressed with the equipment and service on offer, he made the decision to introduce Bell coal trucks to his company’s fleet.

‘It was easy to develop confidence in the capabilities of Bell’s equipment,’ he explained. ‘We made the purchases, selecting four machines that were extremely well-built and offered the right specification. Integration within our existing fleet has been seamless, with Bell providing specialist training to all our operatives on both the day and night shift, to ensure that we know how to get the best out of the coal trucks.’

According to Mr Smith, the Port of Tyne is currently extremely busy, particularly with the competitive price of coal at present. The Bell trucks have, therefore, been regularly set to task, working two 12h shifts, seven days a week.

‘Without doubt the machines are performing to and beyond expectations, with impressive fuel economy and a notably positive response from site operatives,’ he added.

Nick Learoyd, managing director of Bell Equipment UK, commented: ‘It’s great to hear more positive feedback from satisfied customers who’ve chosen to add our hard-working machinery to their fleets. The reputation of our B40 models goes before them, as they are economical to run and receive glowing reports from operators time and time again. These machines are really industrious, and can be relied upon to offer return on investment, as well as minimal downtime.

‘Increasingly we’re finding that customers are showing the confidence to work our machines around the clock. G A Smith provide a perfect example of this trend, and it’s pleasing to hear that the chosen equipment is already matching up to expectations.’