A new Astec GT125 jaw crusher is giving Hopkins Brothers the flexibility needed for its crushing and screening operations
Queensland’s Hopkins Brothers, a family-run supplier of hard rock quarry products, has been a long-time advocate for Astec’s crushing and screening products.
Based in Rockhampton, Hopkins Brothers supplies a range of materials – including sand, soil and gravel – to state and local government departments, as well as major contractors.
While the company was officially established in 1987, the Hopkins family had prior experience in the earthmoving and transport business sectors dating as far back as the 1880s. Owning one truck and one front-end loader initially, Hopkins Brothers has successfully grown over more than three decades, now owning more than 150 units of mobile plant.
Many of these units are Astec branded, Hopkins Brothers director Paul Hopkins explains.
“All of our Astec equipment has been very reliable, and the team have been very good to deal with,” he says.
Fleet upgrade
With an ever-evolving fleet, Hopkins is always looking to upgrade some of its ageing machinery.
This focus on taking advantage of the best and latest machinery on the market led to the purchase of a new Astec GT125 jaw crusher, which has already proved to be an invaluable asset.
Hopkins says a key reason for choosing Astec was the positive experiences he has had with the equipment.
“Astec’s machines are well-built and aren’t overly complicated,” he says.
“A lot of other-branded equipment now has got just too many electrics waiting to go wrong. Astec’s electrics are much simpler, and I find this more dependable.”
Since being acquired just over six months ago, the GT125 has mainly been operating at Hopkins Brothers’ Midgee quarry – located 10km south of Rockhampton – in which it has been used to produce various materials from road-base, crushed rock, aggregates and railway ballast.
With a 27-inch by 42-inch (686mm x 1,067mm) Kolberg Pioneer Vanguard jaw and a 225hp (166kW) Cat C7.1 engine, the GT125 may be smaller than its rivals, but its performance speaks for itself.
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Compared to Hopkins Brothers’ larger Astec jaw crusher (FT3055 – 762mm x 1,397mm), Hopkins says the GT125 provides a similar production value whilst having a more convenient size.
“It’s a bit smaller than our other larger crusher, which makes it easier to transport around the quarry and even off-site,” he says.
“It can move fairly quick and hasn’t given us any trouble.”
Astec material solutions service & technical support manager Shaun Quinn says the Vanguard Jaw and the portability of the machine are key selling points.
“For a smaller gaped jaw and its compact nature, it packs a punch and delivers well and truly above its weight,” Quinn says.
“Portability was an important factor for Hopkins Brothers, and the GT125 has ticked multiple boxes for them.
“Its compact size means it’s able to be road transported easily. At 36-tonnes and 3,000mm wide, it makes this idea for a standard float configuration.”
Hopkins says this was another reason behind the purchase – to expand the company’s extensive wet hire capabilities.
Robust build
The GT125 features a 40” (1,016mm) by 14’ (4,300mm) long vibrating grizzly feeder with a 30” (762mm) grizzly cassette section.
“Combine this feeder with our jaw that can accept up to 90 per cent of its gape makes this plant a worthy contender for those looking for a compact workhorse,” Quinn says.
“We also have heavy duty dynamically balanced flywheels and when you match them with our 1-1/4” (32mm) stroke, it ensures the lowest cost per tonne.
“This model also uses the old-style trialled and proven structural excellence, welded and stress relieved mainframe – it’s not a bolt together design.
“And in my view, you can’t beat a fabricated, welded, stress relieved mainframe.”
Ongoing relationship
Having used many Astec machines, the Hopkins Brothers team have developed a great relationship with the Astec team over the years and know they’ll always be supported.
“If we ever need anything they’re always there for us,” Hopkins says.
“Even if they don’t answer straight away, they’ll ring you back as soon as they can which is really important in this line of business.”
When asked what the relationship between Hopkins Brothers and Astec will look like in the future, Hopkins says it will only grow and strengthen as both parties mature.
For more information on the Astec GT125 jaw crusher, visit www.astecindustries.com