Rokbak RA30 lightens the load in the outback

Articulated hauler brings big benefits ‘Down Under’ for Aerolite Quarries’ scoria operations

A ROKBAK RA30 articulated hauler is currently transporting hundreds of tonnes of rock a day at a demanding quarry site which provides important construction materials to locations around southern Australia.

Based half an hour north of Geelong, in Victoria, Aerolite Quarries are one of the leading producers of construction materials for large infrastructure projects, supplying scoria and basalt-based construction materials to Melbourne and the surrounding area.

Scoria – a lightweight but high-strength honeycombed volcanic rock – is commonly used in roadbase and overpasses throughout Victoria, and, as one of the region’s biggest scoria suppliers, Aerolite projects often require 60,000 tonnes in the space of a few months.

Finding robust and reliable and robust equipment for this task is paramount, so Aerolite Quarries turned to Porter Group, Rokbak’s Global Parts Dealer of the Year, who they have worked with for close to a decade.

Now, with the RA30’s arrival on site in Anakie, the articulated hauler is assisting the quarrying operation. Since arriving on site, it has demonstrated its efficiency working in a constant circuit, travelling back and forth between the fixed plant and extraction area.

‘We are flat out all the time,’ said Aerolite Quarries’ general manager, Trevor Bartlett. ‘We’ve done a lot of projects where we are supplying 50,000 or 60,000 tonnes over a period of months, hence the need for more and more equipment.’

Covering 1,800ha, Aerolite Quarries operate two scoria quarries and a basalt ‘bluestone’ quarry. Excavators fill up the RA30, which moves the material across a distance of 100m to one of two fixed crushing plants which process between 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes per plant per day.

According to Aerolite, the Rokbak is efficient and consistent at what it does, with the ability to deliver a 28-tonne haul. The machine’s superior traction and stability, combined with its payload, means it is able to transport larger quantities of construction materials and maximize productivity.

The RA30’s advanced articulated steering system also allows for greater manoeuvrability, allowing it to effortlessly navigate challenging terrains and confined spaces with ease, while the visibility has been singled out for considerable praise.

‘The vision and the cameras are very good,’ added Mr Bartlett. ‘There are no blind spots, so the drivers can see everything, which is critical for us. The side mirrors are big, the camera works exceptionally well and the view through the windows in all three directions is perfect for us. And the driver’s seat is adjustable, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re 5ft 2in or 5ft 10in, you get great visibility.

‘The seats are air cushioned, so you can bounce up and down with them. It doesn’t matter how bad the roads get. The cabin is almost like an independent capsule if you like – the driver comfort is fantastic.’

The Australian articulated hauler market is currently the fifth biggest in the world and one in which Rokbak are making inroads. ‘In Australia, we’ve seen the Rokbak colours go down very well,’ said Rokbak regional business manager Lee Irving. ‘The sand-coloured aesthetic is distinctive from any other equipment colour, and the brand name is growing and standing by itself.’

‘Our brand name stands for power, performance and reliability,’ added Rokbak managing director Paul Douglas. ‘It’s a name that reflects that we’re a skilled, experienced and passionate team with a growing reputation. We are committed to making rock-solid haulers every day and will never waver on our promise to always support our customers and deliver powerful and reliable machines.’