The jewel in the crown of Blurock Quarries’ fleet of Bell equipment is a new Bell B30E articulated dump truck that hauls big loads of dolerite rock to the static plant’s run-of-mine tip.

Blurock Quarries’ trust in equipment from Bell Equipment is certainly evident when one casts eyes around the pit. Located in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the quarry was established in the 1940s.

Jeremy Hunter-Smith is the fourth generation chief executive officer after his father, Robin, and uncle, Rodney, who retired from the daily management in March 2014. Despite the change in management, the company’s focus remains the same, supplying aggregates for roads, ready-mix concrete and block making industries, all within a 100km radius from the company’s quarry in Estcourt.

“We have had a long and happy association with Bell Equipment which stretches back to the 1980s when my uncle, Rodney, first bought Bell 1206 rigid tractors and 9m³ dump trailers, of which two of the original three are still running,” says Jeremy Hunter-Smith. “We have since then bought many Bell articulated dump trucks, wheel loaders and excavators. When Bell Equipment became the official distributor for Terex Finlay crushing and screening equipment, we knew we had to look no further when it comes to replacing our mobile crushing and screening plants as well.”

Among the bright red of the Terex Finlay machines, the distinctive yellow excavators in 50-tonne (t), 39t, 31t and older 30-tonne models stand out. The jewel in the crown is said to be the Bell B30E articulated dump truck hauling big loads of dolerite rock to the static plant’s run-of-mine tip.

“Our Bell B30E ADT had a few teething problems but what has kept us loyal to Bell Equipment over a period spanning almost four decades is the company’s attitude and the manner in which they sort out such challenges – that makes such a big difference,” says Hunter-Smith.

Equipment Africa says: Reliability of equipment, coupled with unparalleled aftermarket support, is a recipe for success for both the user and the OEM. For Blurock Quarries, its business has succeeded over a four-decade period due to the reliability and support it gets from its supplier of choice. For Bell Equipment, provision of both a reliable product and the much-needed support means it has, and will continue to strike repeat orders from this customer.