Skillington Quarry Thrives With Develon Heavy Equipment
Skillington Quarry near Grantham in Lincolnshire has rapidly evolved from a grass-covered field into a fully operational limestone site, thanks in no small part to the deployment of a Develon DX490LC-7 crawler excavator and a top-of-the-range DL580-7 wheel loader. The quarry is owned by Heritage Quarry Group (North) Ltd and holds more than ten million tonnes of consented limestone reserves, ensuring long-term stone availability for regional markets.
The DX490LC-7 excavator undertakes the majority of the loading duties, feeding mobile crushing, screening and conveying equipment across the site. Once processed, material is stockpiled by the DL580-7 loader and transferred into trucks serving customer locations. The speed of development has surprised many, with the greenfield transformation completed in under six months.
Steve Johnson, Director at Heritage Quarry Group (North) Ltd, has been impressed by both the progress and the machinery support received. As Johnson explained: “We are delighted to have moved from a field where grass was growing in March this year to selling stone on 1st September. It has been hard work, including installing all the infrastructure required such as water and electrification.”
He added that both machines have played a vital part in this rapid operational build-out, noting: “The new Develon equipment has been very impressive. I have employed a lot of Doosan equipment successfully in the past and the new latest generation Develon machines continue to excel in the loading and stockpiling roles that are vital to the productivity of the new quarry.”
Priority Focus On Productivity And Site Efficiency
Rapid site development frequently hinges on the availability of powerful, reliable earthmoving equipment, and Skillington Quarry is a strong example. By pairing a high-capacity 50.4-tonne excavator with a versatile, heavy-duty wheel loader, the quarry achieved early productivity targets and reduced the need for temporary plant hire.
The DX490LC-7 excavator significantly improves dig cycle times, enables consistent loading into mobile crushers and supports uninterrupted production flow. The DL580-7 loader complements this effort with fast stockpiling, efficient material movement and dependable truck loading capacity.
Together, both machines strengthen operational efficiency, reduce downtime and streamline aggregate delivery capacity. This has allowed the quarry to begin supplying stone to the market long before full-scale permanent infrastructure is completed.
Advanced Engineering Across Develon’s Heavy Equipment Range
Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has strengthened its reputation for delivering robust machines for quarrying and large-scale construction. Skillington Quarry was an early adopter of the latest Stage V DX490LC-7 model, which features a Scania DC13 Stage V diesel engine producing up to 294 kW (394 HP). The excavator provides the breakout force, hydraulic performance and controlled fuel usage needed for intensive material loading.
The next-generation D-Ecopower+ hydraulic system and Smart Power Control technology (SPC3) significantly improve fuel efficiency and engine responsiveness. According to Develon, these combined systems provide as much as an 8 percent productivity increase when compared with previous models in the 50-tonne category. Improved pump capacity, updated hydraulic software and refined power delivery assist operators in achieving faster loading cycles without compromising precision.
The DL580-7 wheel loader is designed for bulk material handling and high-volume aggregate transfer. With a bucket capacity of up to 6.4 m³, the machine delivers stronger breakout forces and faster lifting cycles than standard mid-size loaders. Develon’s Z-kinematic lift arm ensures stability and control during heavy loads and enables high dump angles for sticky or moisture-laden materials. These features are particularly valuable in limestone quarrying where wet aggregate or clay-bound oversize material can challenge less powerful loaders.
Enhanced Cab Designs For Operator Comfort And Productivity
Operator comfort has become a competitive differentiator in heavy quarrying equipment, where long daily shifts can affect performance and fatigue. Inside the DL580-7, the cab features a fully adjustable seat with heating, ventilation, vertical and horizontal suspension, and pneumatic lumbar support. These ergonomic refinements improve ride comfort and allow operators to maintain focus even during continuous loading cycles.
The wheel loader also benefits from a 3-point safety belt with alarm icons displayed on the SmartTouch touchscreen monitor and gauge panel. Anti-reflective glass supports clearer instrumentation visibility in bright quarrying environments, while improved sealing and noise insulation reduce cab vibration.
Both steering control and machine handling have been enhanced across the DL-7 loader range. Intelligent electronic controls improve hydraulic modulation, allowing operators to position, lift and dump aggregate with greater finesse. These features are particularly useful when loading mobile crushers or feeding conveyors where precision and cycle time matter.
Smart Key Access And Theft Prevention Measures
Quarry sites often operate in remote or semi-rural locations where unattended plant is vulnerable to theft. The DL580-7 integrates a Develon Smart Key system allowing the machine to be started using a keyless device. This reduces unauthorised access risks and supports more centralised fleet management.
The Smart Key provides remote door locking and unlocking, interior light activation, and programmable search functions to locate machinery on busy or poorly lit sites. USB sockets in the cab enhance operator convenience and ensure that communication or telematics devices remain charged.
Customer Feedback And After-Sales Support
Steve Johnson highlighted the importance of reliable dealer support and rapid access to parts. Heritage Quarry Group has worked closely with Pioneer Plant, the authorised Develon dealer for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Lincolnshire. Johnson commented: “We have received top class service from both Pioneer and Develon. Confirming what I have experienced in the past with what was the Doosan brand, I have found that the high performance and reliability of the Develon range fits the bill. We wouldn’t keep going back to this brand of machines if they weren’t good. And Pioneer will ensure that there will be no trouble in terms of downtime and waiting for parts.”
Robust after-sales support provides more than convenience. In a competitive quarrying environment, availability of emergency repair services, routine maintenance and rapid spare-parts supply can materially reduce production losses. Pioneer Plant’s factory-trained engineers carry detailed experience across excavators, loaders and specialist attachments, supporting quarry operations through every stage of equipment life.
Pioneer Plant And Develon’s Global Reach
Pioneer Plant’s dealership covers crawler excavators, wheeled excavators, wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks and specialist attachments throughout the region. The company offers a comprehensive on-site service network, enabling quarry operators to reduce plant transport and maximise uptime. These services extend from full equipment servicing to troubleshooting complex hydraulic or powertrain issues.
Develon, a brand of HD Hyundai Infracore, maintains a strong global footprint in construction, mining and quarrying markets. Its product portfolio includes crawler and wheeled excavators ranging from micro-machines up to 100-tonne class, wheel loaders from 1.9 to 6.4 m³, compact wheel loaders, dozers and alternative-power units for future sustainability requirements. Its presence in mining and heavy civil sectors has grown due to a reputation for reliability, performance and operator comfort.
Strong Foundations For Long-Term Quarry Growth
Skillington Quarry’s early adoption of advanced Develon equipment has ensured productivity, accelerated development timelines and enhanced material flow from extraction through to delivery. As the quarry expands further, both the DX490LC-7 and DL580-7 will remain central to its operational performance. With a projected limestone reserve exceeding ten million tonnes, strong plant reliability, proven dealer support and upgraded operator environments will help sustain long-term quarry output and customer demand.
