A wide range of equipment that makes quarry operations easier, was put on show and in action at Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar and Caterpillar’s Quarry Exchange programme held earlier last month in the UAE.

Highlights of the programme were application-specific information including loading techniques, correct machine operations, loader/hauler combinations, equipment maintenance, risk reduction and haul road maintenance, coupled with live demonstrations from Caterpillar operators.
The programme  –  organised by Caterpillar’s local dealer Mohamed Abdulrahman Al- Bahar – included a seminar and live demonstration at the Al Bana Quarry near Ras Al Khaimah, and focused on how to  ‘reduce cost per tonne’.
“The seminar and live demo were a great help for the industry representatives who were brought together from across the GCC region by the company,” says a spokesman for Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar.
“The interactive seminar and demos by Andrew Manson from Al Bahar and Raymond Blanchard from Caterpillar were aimed at providing the customers and quarry managers tips on how to control the operating cost. The participants asked questions and discussed various solutions for the practical problems faced during the operations,” he adds.
The experts presented the repair concept for machines and discussed different ways of predicting the component life through oil analysis and Caterpillar guidelines on saving money on component repairs and ensuring machine uptime.
The presentation included application-specific information on the best practices for loading techniques, correct operation of machines, haul road maintenance and safety. “It also explained different angles of approaching the load, right equipment selection for a particular job, including loading and excavation, selection of machines for loading including the hauling trucks. In addition, the combination of loader/hauler to maximise performance and save time, proper use of GET (ground engaging tools) and good tyre maintenance were also highlighted during the discussion.”
The presentation also discussed the role of a quarry supervisor. The experts were convinced that the operational pace, cost effectiveness and ensuring the right use of equipment can only be monitored by the quarry supervisors, who need to be properly trained and be alert all the time.
“Haul roads, rolling resistance and building and maintenance of haul roads were also the focal points. Various techniques on how to minimise the cost of fuel and watering the roads to ensure smooth passage of haulers were discussed.
Caterpillar’s new 988H wheel loader also made its first appearance in the Middle East at this event. The machine has now been sold to a local quarry customer.
Al Bahar put on show a range of Cat equipment that included: the 988H wheel loader, 385C  excavator (face shovel), 365C excavator with quick coupler-plus-ripper, 330C Extreme service excavator, plus H140 Hammer, 771D off highway truck, 980G wheel loader, 972G wheel loader, 966G wheel loader, D9R track-type tractor, 345C excavator, 14H motor grader, 3412 generator, 226B skid steer loader, and the TH560B telehandler.
Caterpillar and Al Bahar operators gave a live demonstration of various loading and operating techniques including the rip-and-load concept through the 330C with hammer, 365C with quick coupler and ripper, 385C face shovel, 980G and the 771D. Later, participants were given a simulation of a typical production study and analysis of how small errors in supervision add up to large costs in production. The operators demonstrated good and bad operating techniques, which can translate into either  profitability or added costs per tonne.