Contractors World UK & Ireland Vol 4 No 4

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Scottish quarrying company, William Thompson & Son
is the first UK firm to invest in the new Cat 972M XE
wheel loader. The recent purchase joins the Cat 336EL
hybrid excavator.
After witnessing the fuel saving benefit achieved by
the Cat 336 EL, William Thompson & Son acted quickly
in complementing the excavator with the additional
wheel loader, because of the significant fuel saving.
Commenting on the deal Andrew Thompson, Di-
rector at William Thompson & Son, said:
“We strive to be at the cutting edge of
new technologies enabling us to maximise
productivity, minimise cost, whilst reducing
our carbon footprint. The new Cat machines
are leading the way in our industry, therefore,
it was a simple business decision to integrate
them into our fleet and benefit from the value
they will add to our operation.”
The Cat 972M XE Wheel Loader is the class leader
in fuel efficiency, with advanced powertrain technolo-
gies enabling the 25% fuel saving for the Scottish firm.
The Cat XE range has been engineered to deliver
a high level of efficiency by utilising an integrated
Cat continuously variable transmission (CVT) system,
rather than the standard toque converter.
A hydraulic pump and motor (variator unit), al-
lows for a smooth and continuous gear ratio change
between engine speed and machine speed. This will
save William Thompson & Son an average of 4 litres of
fuel for every hour the wheel loader is in use.
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Page 12 Contractors World UK & Ireland Vol 4 No 4
Cat 972M Xe Yields
25% Fuel Saving
Hamm Rollers for
GAP Plant Hire
GAP Group has extended its three-year supply
agreement with Hamm for the sole supply of ride-
on rollers. The manufacturer will now supply its
80 cm, 100 cm, 120 cm and 135 cm rollers until the
end of 2016.
The company currently has a fleet holding of
more than 1100 machines in those sizes and group
procurement manager Ken Stewart said:
“There are mutual benefits for both parties
in a long-term, sole supply agreement, with
Hamm and ourselves being able to plan for
the future with confidence.
‘One of the key benefits is supply con-
tinuity of new equipment during periods
of continuing high utilisation, with Hamm
working to our forecast purchase orders
during their “quieter periods” over the win-
ter months. This ensures new equipment is
made available to our customers from the
start of our new financial year in April and
onwards. Hamm is one of several of our key
suppliers with whomwe have long-term sup-
ply agreements.”
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