Hazell Bros has operated a quarry on the HBMI Leslie Vale site since 1978. The quarry is located within the 695Ha site, producing various types and sizes of aggregates, engineered pavement materials and landscaping stone. Hazell Bros and the HBMI Leslie Vale quarry support various local community organisations, projects and initiatives to help build the infrastructure required to meet the needs of this fast-growing area of Tasmania.   

Onetrak recently spoke with Shane Mansergh, Operations Manager Quarries at Hazell Bros. and discussed the new addition of the HMK410LC at their Leslie Vale Quarry. Shane talks us through the site conditions, the role the HMK410LC excavator plays onsite and why they chose another Hidromek to add to their fleet.

“We are located in the biggest hard rock quarry in Tassie” begins Shane. “We have14 staff members working in the quarry with load and haul equipment, including five front end loaders, two rigid dump trucks and the HMK410LC excavator.” The HidromekHMK410LC’s job on site “is very demanding as it is exclusively rock breaking in the main pit in preparation for crushing,” notes Shane. “The HMK410LC has a quick-hitch arrangement with a heavy-duty rock bucket, mud or batter bucket and the rock breaker which is predominantly being used.” 

Shane goes on to say why they choose the Hidromek for this challenging role. “A tour Long Hill Quarry, 20 minutes outside of Latrobe we use a Hidromek HMK370LC to break the rock. So based on the performance of this unit and the consideration of some crucial factors, we have gone ahead with the purchase of this machine. ”Shane said, “One of the main things that was considered was the build of the machine, its structural integrity - it is really well constructed with heavier duty paneling.”

During Hazell Bros due diligence, Shane notes, “We have also taken into account the serviceability of the machine and ease of access to the hydraulics, diesel components and tracks, which are also well supported by the availability of spares. A lot of work also went into looking at the performance figures, how little downtime there was and the cost per tonne, based on the other machine at Long Hill Quarry.” Regarding the comfort and usability of the machine Shane said, “While the ergonomics of the machine were great, we relied on the feedback from the operators as this was a critical element in the decision-making process. They also appreciated the hydraulic control, great lighting and its robustness and fit for purpose, along with the climate control, which all adds to them wanting to be in the machine.”

Shane went on to discuss the other features of the machine Hazell Bros. appreciated, “As I have said the ergonomics of the cab are premium, it is very comfortable, the access and egress features are very good, as well as it being well-constructed and its usability. The market related fuel burn is an environmentally attractive option as well,” and in summing up Shane states, “In the application Hazell Bros is using the machine, they found that the overall solid build of machine and key features discussed helped make the decision to purchase and we also expect excellent longevity.”  

When Shane was asked how it compared to other machines on the market, he didn’t hesitate, “It’s the whole package, the reliability and robustness of the machine, the aftermarket support and technical know-how of the Onetrak team, this all helped to make it stand out amongst its competitors. We have a particularly long solid relationship with Onetrak. Their service and support in the working environment and their understanding of the expectations is valued. They have very skilled technicians to support the equipment and their after-hours support is very good. There is an element of comfort in engaging Onetrak to support the equipment. The offices are suitably located and growing on the mainland, so the support network is ideal, for the equipment in the field.”