CEMEX Benefits from Bobcat Telehandler Versatility
In France over the last two years, CEMEX, one of the top players in the ready-mixed concrete and aggregates market, has purchased 18 Bobcat telehandlers for materials handling, maintenance and work-at-height applications across several of its facilities in the country. The telehandlers have been supplied with a range of new attachments, including pallet forks, buckets, jibs and manplatforms.
CEMEX operations in France continue to make full use of the versatility offered by the Bobcat telehandlers.
The company uses machines from the TL range of telehandlers from Bobcat with lifting heights of 6 and 7 m (comprising two TL358 and TL360, TL470 and TL470HF models) for a range of tasks including handling large bagged loads. Complementing this, the Bobcat T series of telehandlers with lifting heights of 14 and 18 m (comprising nine T40140, three T40180 and T40.180SLP models) form part of maintenance operations using manplatforms.
Bobcat, Versatile Partner for CEMEX France OperationsThe CEMEX France teams chose Bobcat for several reasons namely:
- The specifications and options offered by Bobcat were particularly suited to the needs of the CEMEX operations teams. - The total cost of the equipment and the finance solutions were highly favourable. - The French-made equipment is fully in line with CEMEX’s corporate responsibility policy, particularly in terms of responsible purchasing.
Used in solid rock quarry and dusty environments, the Bobcat T40140 telehandlers have worked an average of 500 hours in 18 months, mainly for maintenance work such as changing conveyors, greasing equipment and replacing other components and equipment. The T40140s are also used with buckets to place explosives in appropriate areas in CEMEX quarries.
The CEMEX teams involved appreciate the fact that the Bobcat telehandlers offer better access before and after the explosion, increasing their safety and security. One CEMEX production manager commented: “We like the intuitiveness and the versatility of the machine: no need to rent a manplatform anymore, which means a cost-effective tool. It’s a real Swiss army knife!”
CEMEX teams also like the use of remote control on the 14 m and 18 m machines. The remote control allows them to precisely position loads when operating the machines from conveyors.
The TL470 has been used for 1450 hours in 18 months by the CEMEX teams for store applications, 80% of which have been handling of big bags of materials (1.5 t of sand or gravel), along with packaging and in the sales unit. Bobcat telehandlers are also used for loading small trucks or even hoppers.
CEMEX teams have appreciated the better accessibility offered by the Bobcat TL range telehandlers: useful everywhere they want to avoid dust and to maintain the high quality of materials. In particular, the telescopic booms allow CEMEX drivers to keep sand clean by avoiding driving over it with the machines.
Key points for the CEMEX teams:
- The extension cylinder on the telehandlers is well protected inside the boom as they work in dusty environments.
- The cab design allows good visibility.
- Operator comment - “It is really a top machine and my favourite telehandler in comparison with all the others I’ve had the chance to drive.”
- Site Manager comment - “On the Bobcat machine, I feel safe, I have sensitive and smooth controls, significant power and high comfort.”