Lacombe, AB – Hopkins Construction Ltd., a construction company specializing in the aggregate business, is effectively using a Hydrema 922C articulated dump truck to handle their mobile stone crushing services.

Hopkins Construction, based out of Lacombe, AB, consists of over 100 employees and handles both governmental and private work. Their large mobile equipment fleet of over 300 pieces allows them to service their wide customer base throughout Western Canada. They currently have six mobile crushing plants which consist of screeners, cone crushers, loaders and gravel trucks, all of which can be quickly relocated within a few hours to accommodate the needs of various jobsites.

For the past few years, Hopkins has relied on their gravel trucks to handle much of their stone hauling. These gravel trucks are on-road, tandem axle dump trucks that have to be retrofitted by Hopkins for off-road pit applications.  They can handle up to 20 tons per load. 

In an effort to reduce retrofit costs, as well as parts and labor throughout the year, Hopkins turned to their local equipment dealer for suggestions. “Alberta Construction Equipment Sales and Services first told us about Hydrema’s line of articulated dump trucks,” says Joe Nolan, Fleet Manager of Hopkins Construction. “We then visited Hydrema’s tradeshow booth during the last ConExpo to see their equipment first hand and speak with a Hydrema representative.”

After ConExpo, Hopkins decided to rent a Hydrema 922C articulated dump truck to see if it would function well in their mobile operation. “Our mobile system is designed for quick setup and breakdown on each job,” says Nolan. “It became apparent almost immediately that the 922C seamlessly fit into our current method of operation.”

Meeting the Hopkins mobility spec was just one of the requirements for the 922C.  The Hydrema truck also had to gain the support of Hopkins’ operators. “Our equipment operators are very impressed with the 922C’s visibility, controls and comfort,” continues Nolan.

The 922C’s cab sits high on the dump truck body and has an inclined narrow hood, giving the operator all-around visibility. The 922C also features broad mirrors for added visibility when in reverse or while tipping. Hydrema also offers an optional back-up camera. “We had the camera added to the 922C,” says Nolan. “We are constantly backing up at our project.  The camera helps us see what’s going on in blind spots, thereby eliminating incidents.”