“Simply the best machine and back up I’ve ever had.” These are the words of owner-operator Mervyn Vaughan about his new Hyundai HX220AL and the supplying dealers Molson Equipment.
Mervyn and wife Pamela started M&P Plant Hire based in Verwood, Dorset in 2001. The start of the company saw Mervyn undertake a number of landfill contracts across the South Coast, as well as undertaking a variety of operations for Commercial Recycling, who is a leading independent waste management company based in Wimborne, Dorset.
Mervyn explains. “It came to a point where we stopped the travelling work and concentrated our efforts on developing our work with Commercial Recycling. This was ideal for me as it was local, so we decided to get rid of the rest of the fleet and just keep one machine for myself to operate.”
Mervyn took on a competitor’s brand but wasn’t impressed with the product which eventually led him to the door of Molson Equipment in Avonmouth. “I met with Luke (Mercer) and we hit it off straight away.” Mervyn comments “It was good to meet someone who was very open and honest about the machinery and service they offer.”
That initial meeting eventually led to Mervyn and Pam investing in a new R220LC-9A excavator. “We try and keep the machines on a three-year plan.” Said Mervyn “Being an owner operator I need that element of comfort knowing that the machine will be covered should anything happen to it.”
Not that Mervyn needed to worry as the R220 proved to be one of the most reliable machines he had ever owned during the first three years. “We didn’t lay a spanner on it in the time we had it.” Mervyn explains “We thought we were taking a punt in taking on a Hyundai as they weren’t seen as one of the so-called premier brands at the time, but this was nonsense as far as I’m concerned.”
With the R220 coming up to three years old, Mervyn got together with Luke to talk about its replacement and immediately signed up for a new HX220LC. “This was a massive step-up as far as the cab and its comfort was.” Mervyn explains “I was also impressed with the refinement of the engine and hydraulics over the older machine with it being even smoother to operate and I had a drop in fuel consumption too.”
Most of M&P’s work with Commercial Recycling consists of dealing with the vast amount of materials coming into the yard at Wimborne. From stockpiling to loading trucks and the crushing and screening plants, Mervyn and his Hyundai undertake the majority of material handling on the recycling side of the business. The company also uses his services to undertake muck shifting operations externally for its huge customer base, something Mervyn enjoys doing.
The latest Hyundai purchased by M&P is the HX220ALC, which is working on a recycling site down in Dorset on the South Coast.
Launched earlier this year, the ‘A’ series of the loader and excavator ranges have benefitted from a number of cosmetic changes along with the upgrading of the engines to meet Stage V emissions regulations.
The HX220AL features the new Engine Connected Diagnostics (ECD) system which immediately reports any engine failure to both Hi-MATE and the engine manufacturer to ensure the fastest, easiest resolution. On top of that the new EPFC (Electronic Pump Flow Control) system improves controllability and reduces operating costs. This is something that has really impressed Mervyn he said, “I was really surprised at the smoothness of the hydraulics even compared the older HX. This machine is so responsive and easy to operate.”
Power is still supplied via a Cummins QSB 6.7 litre, 6-cylinder diesel and whilst running on two cylinders more than most of their competitors, Cummins and Hyundai have provided an engine capable of matching, if not exceeding their counterparts fuel consumption figures.
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