A new DL420CVT-7 wheel loader from Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, equipped with the company’s unique Transparent Bucket safety system, has proven to be the ideal solution to optimise the continuous flow of gravel and milled material in the asphalt production process at the picturesque quarry in Albaredo (TV) in Italy, owned by the Trentin Group.
The cutting-edge Develon machine is revolutionizing the efficiency and safety of the operations of handling extracted and recycled materials in a unique operating environment, characterized by two scenic artificial lakes.
The Trentin Group, dedicated for five generations to the extraction of gravel, the production of asphalt mixes and the transport of goods and road works, has found in the Develon DL420CVT-7 a reliable ally to optimize operations in its quarry. Over the years, the group has brought together several companies – Trentin Ghiaia, Trentin Asfalti, Trentin Trasporti, Padova Asfalti and Friulanasfalti – that work synergistically to ensure an efficient and high-quality production process.
In the Albaredo quarry, which covers a total area of 70 hectares, Trentin Ghiaia extracts the gravel material located under the aquifer, which is then subjected to a washing, screening and crushing process to obtain different sizes. The gravel is then stored in piles divided according to their grain size. Trentin Asfalti, in turn, uses this treated gravel for the production of asphalt or to satisfy the requests of third parties.
The transport of gravel to an asphalt extraction and production plant of this calibre plays a fundamental role in ensuring a continuous and efficient flow of materials during the production process.
The Develon DL420CVT-7 wheel loader: the significant advantages of the CVT continuously variable transmission
The Develon DL420CVT-7 wheel loader, recently purchased by Trentin Asfalti, has proven to be essential. The DL420CVT-7 works non-stop, collecting treated gravel from the piles located near the plant, and the milled asphalt, or recycled asphalt, stored at the opposite end of the Centre. With a bucket load capacity of 4.5 m³, exceptional power and smoothness of driving, and particular attention to fuel consumption, the DL420CVT-7 has exceeded Trentin Asfalti’s expectations.
Nicola Trentin, owner of Trentin Asfalti, comments: “We are completely satisfied with our first Develon purchase. The opportunity to test the vehicle for a week and receive in-depth training on the use of the vehicle from the DEVELON demonstrator and trainer, Giuseppe Santo, was decisive in our choice. This has allowed us to fully evaluate the significant advantages offered by the loader for our needs in the quarry and understand its driving style.
“In the first months of use, we were particularly convinced by the CVT transmission system, which guaranteed a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 25%. This not only represents a significant economic saving for us, but also contributes to our commitment to reducing environmental pollution. In line with this objective, we have recently installed a one-megawatt floating photovoltaic system in the quarry, capable of providing 20% of the energy needed, and we are evaluating further extending its use.”
The DL420CVT-7 is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the result of the permanent combination of hydraulic and mechanical transmission technology. This synergy offers continuous and uniform speed variation, adapting to traction needs, without impacting the engine, which can operate at a lower and constant rpm. This ensures high efficiency and a smooth, comfortable ride, keeping the engine in its optimal operating range, and therefore helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Transparent Bucket – Maximum Safety and Efficiency
Trentin Asfalti has chosen to integrate the transparent bucket safety system into the DL420CVT-7 loader, a one-of-a-kind accessory developed exclusively by Develon, which offers operators a complete view, as if the bucket were not present on the machine.