Users of heavy equipment used for crushing or moving rocks and other materials are increasingly embracing remote controls. IROCK, a Valley View, Ohio-based specialist manufacturer is leading adoption of the technology in this demanding sector.
The IROCK TC-20 track impact crusher is fitted as standard with a custom radio remote control system from HBC-radiomatic. IROCK also offers HBC radio controls as an option on the jaw crusher product range, as quarrying, demolition, recycling, mining and other professionals see many advantages related to improved interface with the machinery.
IROCK is supplied with HBC technology by fellow Ohio company, Cleveland’s Kraft Fluid Systems, a distributor of hydraulic components and electronic controls, which oversaw integration of the first remote system on a prototype crusher three years ago.
Adam Crowder, territory manager at Kraft Fluid Systems, said: “The crushing sector is well suited to the use of remote controls and IROCK’s machines are demonstrating the advantages in applications related to rock, in addition to recycled concrete and asphalt. Positioning the operator away from the machine has inherent safety and productivity advantages that are becoming more and more apparent to influencers in the industry.”
Crowder explained that Kraft’s role in this evolution process centers on assisting customers like IROCK to integrate tailored technological systems, utilizing standard and custom components from the industry’s leading suppliers. He said: “We offer application engineering and design expertise in the selection of best-fit products, followed by continued product training and support.”
Kraft has been working with German-headquartered HBC-radiomatic’s North American subsidiary since 2010. IROCK utilizes a custom spectrum 1 transmitter with a 510 CAN receiver assembled at HBC-radiomatic’s purpose-built production facility in Hebron, Kentucky. HBC’s spectrum 1 is the most popular in its family of remote controls and is commonly associated with operation of construction, industrial and diverse machinery.
The TC-20 track impact crusher has the largest hopper in its class and is built for big loads. It is ideal for processing soft to medium hard rock at rates of up to 500 tph, producing a uniform, cubical product. The HBC system offers two-speed tracking for easy maneuverability around a job site or onto a trailer.
Crowder added: “HBC-radiomatic has been an outstanding partner in ensuring successful integration of these controls, particularly the custom system for the TC-20. As operators continue to discover the myriad of benefits associated with the technology, we anticipate further uptake from IROCK to the point where it becomes universal.”
HBC-radiomatic, www.hbc-usa.com