Special loader for fast-growing recycling centre

Stonegrave Aggregates, part of the John Wade Group, have installed a specially configured Terex–Atlas loader for their fast-expanding recycling facility at Aycliffe Quarry near Darlington.

The new 17-tonne Atlas 1705MI is a mixed-specification hybrid machine that utilizes the base of a standard Atlas 1705 wheel loader with the elevating cab and controls of an Atlas MI handling machine. The reason for this hybridization was to provide a machine with the highest possible multi-role versatility.

With a short, conventional boom-and-stick arrangement, the 1705MI has the compactness to operate inside the large reception/ sorting shed coupled with the strength of a conventional excavator to be able to operate with a variety of front-end equipment for other rehandling, loading and digging duties. It is equipped with a generator for magnet operation and auxiliary hydraulics for the operation of other attachments, which can be changed with a quick-hitch facility.

Bruce Whitley, operations manager, said: ‘This is a very busy, expanding, self-contained recycling facility, one of the biggest in the North-East. Terex were very helpful in shaping the specification of this special Atlas loader. It is now the key machine for sorting the main bulk of incoming material and provides a high-capacity throughput on to the main shredder. But in addition, it can be switched to other duties for loading different materials using the appropriate attachments, such as a magnet, grab or bucket. Even the front blade, chosen specifically in place of the more usual outriggers, is used for cleaning up the yard.’