Albury Quarries Successful Partnership with SMA

Sep 19, 2024

Albury Quarries’ Successful Partnership with SMA

In the competitive and demanding world of Contract Crushing, the right equipment can make all the difference. Albury Quarries, founded by David (Dave) and Andrea Dunstan, has thrived through a strategic partnership with Screenmasters Australia (SMA) and the deployment of the Keestrack R6H Crusher. The journey of Albury Quarries showcases the pivotal role played by the Keestrack R6H and SMA’s continuous support in driving their business growth.

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Background

Dave and Andrea Dunstan re-entered the crushing industry after a 20-year hiatus. Based in Albury, New South Wales, their business specialises in Crushing and cleanup operations for Councils often around Tamworth and Northwest New South Wales. With experience gained in a 20-year tenure at ReadyMix, Dave brought valuable expertise to their new venture. They started modestly with a single machine, aiming to carve a niche in a competitive market.

The Challenge

Albury Quarries’ initial challenge was to find a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective Crushing solution. Having experienced issues with other brands of crushers, Dave sought a machine that could minimise downtime and handle the rigorous demands of contract Crushing, especially in wet weather conditions. The objective was to find a machine that could deliver high production rates with low maintenance requirements.

The Solution: Keestrack R6H

SMA’s Ciaran Lagan stepped in to address Albury Quarries’ needs. After an initial meeting with Dave and Andrea, Ciaran recommended starting with a rental solution of the Keestrack R6 Impact Crusher. Dave found the R6’s performance was impressive, handling large rocks and achieving high tonnage rates even with wetter and stickier materials. Encouraged by the results, Albury Quarries eventually purchased a brand new R6H unit.

“The decision to invest in an R6 was not only influenced by previous problems with other brands of Crushers, but also the machine’s capacity, reliability, and efficient operation in wet weather conditions,” says Dave.

The Keestrack R6H, known for its enhanced horsepower (120hp more than its predecessor), offered increased production capabilities, especially for more challenging applications. With the R6H, Albury Quarries could efficiently produce 20mm or 40mm road base materials, meeting high tonnage requirements consistently.

Key features of the Keestrack R6H include:

  • 3.1 metre double deck pre-screen, with belt underneath instead of a chute
  • Powerful 757hp Volvo engine and 6.5-tonne rotor drive. Provides greater inertia and high torque for efficient and high-capacity crushing.
  • Fitted with a 16 x 5 double deck after screen and swivelling return conveyor. This gives the end user the ability to create up to 2 products in a closed circuit or 3 products in an open circuit.
  • Sealed bearings on all conveyors minimises maintenance and daily greasing
  • Steel hydraulic lines replace hydraulic hosing for better cooling, less leaks and lowers maintenance costs
  • Replace the traditional Crushing set up (Cone, Jaw & Screen) with just one machine
  • Produces in-spec material (subject to material & application)
  • Most productive Impactor on the market

Continuous Support and Relationship with SMA

One of the standout aspects of Albury Quarries’ journey has been the unwavering support from SMA.

“Ciaran provided continuous support and advice, helping us secure jobs and optimise production with the R6,” Dave confirms.

SMA’s approach to customer relations goes beyond just selling machines; it involves understanding the unique needs of each client. They gather critical information about each application to recommend the most suitable machine for their customers.

“We emphasise the importance of gathering information about the rock, product specifications, and site conditions to suggest the right machine for our customers,” Ciaran explains.

Achieving Business Growth

With the Keestrack R6H and the support from SMA, Albury Quarries has seen remarkable business growth. Initially renting the R6 for 12 months, the reliability and performance of the machine led them to purchase a brand-new unit. Today, Albury Quarries processes over 300,000 tons a year, thanks to the efficiency of the R6H and the professional relationship with SMA.

Customer Experience

Dave’s positive experience with SMA extends beyond the machinery. He highlights the invaluable relationship with SMA, highlighting the company’s helpfulness in dealing with technical questions and providing quality product support.

“We have always had a good relationship with SMA, who have been very helpful no matter what we’ve needed,” Dave emphasises.

The quality of the products, services and the open communication with SMA have been pivotal in accurately pricing jobs and delivering quality results to their clients.

The Try-Before-You-Buy Model

One of the key aspects that contributed to Albury Quarries’ satisfaction was SMA’s “try-before-you-buy” model. This allowed Dave and Andrea to test the machine’s capabilities before making a significant investment. This approach not only provided peace of mind but also demonstrated SMA’s confidence in their equipment.

“The ‘try-before-you-buy’ model allowed us to test the machine’s capabilities before making a significant investment,” Dave explains

A Partnership Driving Success in Contract Crushing

The collaboration between Albury Quarries and SMA exemplifies the impact of reliable machinery and unwavering support in the Contract Crushing industry. The Keestrack R6H has proven to be a game-changer for Albury Quarries, enabling them to achieve impressive production rates and business growth. SMA’s commitment to understanding their clients’ needs and providing ongoing support has cemented their reputation as a trusted partner.

Albury Quarries’ experience demonstrates the significant benefits of working with SMA and utilising the Keestrack R6H. The efficient and reliable performance of the R6H, combined with SMA’s robust support, highlights the key factors that can drive success in the contract crushing industry. This partnership serves as a compelling example of how the right equipment and support can propel a company forward in this competitive field.