In Oud Gastel, Brabant, the machines at cable recycling company KRT are running day and night. The Timmermans Brothers recently opted for Develon again, supplied by dealer Staad in Veghel.
"The first excavator you buy from a company is sold by the salesperson. The next one is sold by the service path behind it," says Victor Timmermans emphatically. This statement perfectly summarizes why the family business Gebr. Timmermans from Oud Gastel has chosen Develon mobile excavators for the third time in a row. After ten years of experience with the brand, the company traded in three DX140W-5 machines for three new DX140W-7 machines.
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KRT, as the company is known in the market, is no ordinary recycling company. "We don't do demolition work," Victor immediately clarifies. "We're a cable processing company and one of the larger ones in Europe." The family business has existed since 1955 and is now run by the second generation: brothers Victor, Frank, and Jack Timmermans. With approximately thirty employees, the company processes large quantities of cables into valuable raw materials.
The company was founded by Sam and Riet Timmermans and has a rich history. For the first twenty years, the company focused primarily on demolition work for the Dutch government, dismantling various vessels such as submarines and minesweepers. In the late 1970s, KRT transitioned to mechanical processing when it became clear that burning cables was no longer environmentally sound. Since then, the company has developed into a specialist in advanced mechanical separation processes that are unique in Europe.
Today, KRT has several locations in Oud Gastel. At the main location at Boekerman 4, a three-hectare site, all kinds of cable are processed. From submarine cables to telephone cables and everything in between, they are processed into pure raw materials. The second location also houses a state-of-the-art shredding facility capable of processing all types of cable.
The Develon machines play a key role in this process. "They're in our production line, sorting cables and loading the production lines," explains Victor. They're not machines that run occasionally. "We also run them at night."
This intensive use explains why the machines operate for between 12,000 and 14,000 hours before being traded in. For a company that works for major European recycling companies, telecom operators, cable manufacturers, and contractors, reliability is essential.
The new DX140W-7 machines chosen by Gebr. Timmermans are equipped with advanced technology. At their heart is a six-cylinder Develon DL06P Stage V engine that meets strict emissions standards. This power source delivers a nominal output of 103 kW (137 hp) at 2000 rpm. With a maximum torque of 588 kN.m at 1400 rpm, the machines have ample power for heavy-duty recycling work.
The hydraulics are equally impressive. The system uses a parallel-bent axle and an axial piston pump that delivers a maximum flow rate of 2 x 167 liters per minute. The maximum system pressure is 34.3 MPa in working mode and increases to 36.3 MPa in travel mode. This translates to a swing speed of 11.8 rpm and a maximum swing torque of 3744 kgf m. "Pulling power," Victor calls one of the strong points, and with a maximum pulling power of 8.1 tons, that's justified.
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A key feature of the DX140W-7 is its long undercarriage, which provides extra stability. With a maximum turning radius of 6500 millimeters, the machine remains maneuverable enough for work on KRT's site. Its 29.9-degree (57.5 percent) gradeability allows the machine to handle slopes with ease.
The cab deserves special attention. Develon has invested in a spacious workspace for the operator. "The display readability has improved even further. Operators appreciate that," Victor notes regarding one of the differences from the previous series. The spacious cab is equipped with a more comfortable and luxurious seat than its predecessor, a pleasant detail that operators will appreciate during long workdays. For those who operate the machines day and night, this comfort makes a clear difference.
Switching from the DX140W-5 to the new DX140W-7 series was a well-considered decision. "It was a conscious choice. The service is good. We haven't had any surprises with those other machines either," says Victor. The company has been working with Develon machines, formerly known as Doosan, for about ten years now.
For the operators who work with the machines daily, they're primarily trusted workhorses. "Those guys are incredibly happy with them." This satisfaction is crucial in a production environment where continuity is paramount.
Develon's success story at Gebr. Timmermans isn't just about technical specifications, but also about reliability and service. "A deal is a deal. If you say something, you have to keep it," Victor emphasizes the importance of reliable service.
“The men are extremely happy with it.”
Communication with supplier Staad is handled by the workshop planning department. "That's done via email, but it's fast. Questions are answered and followed up promptly." For a company where machines run day and night, fast service isn't a luxury but a necessity. It's this combination of reliable machines and excellent service that has kept Gebr. Timmermans loyal to the brand and Staad for ten years.
For fellow entrepreneurs considering purchasing new machinery, Victor has some clear advice. It's all about service. "Look, the product has to be good. If the excavator isn't good, it's useless. But if the service plan behind it isn't good, then that's reason enough for me to switch to a different brand or supplier."
Check out the photo album at the bottom of this article for some more photos of this mobile excavator. Photos taken by BouwmachinesNL
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