Beckum. By investing in a new Komatsu PC950LC-11, Holcim is sending a clear signal of its commitment to greater efficiency and sustainability in quarry operations. In collaboration with Schlüter für Baumaschinen, a modern machine concept has been implemented that combines both environmental and economic benefits.
The focus here is on a fundamental change in the mining concept: Instead of the previous use of a backhoe, mining will in future be carried out using a backhoe loader. At the same time, the machine’s operating weight has been reduced from around 300 tons to approximately 100 tons without any loss of performance—a significant step toward greater flexibility and lower operating costs. Particularly noteworthy is the expected diesel savings of around 50 percent, which makes a significant contribution to reducing emissions and improving total operating costs.
Sustainable Building Materials for a Green Future
Holcim Germany is a leading provider of innovative and digital construction solutions, featuring premium brands such as ECOPlanet, ECOPact, and ECOCycle®. With approximately 1,900 employees in Germany and the Netherlands and a focus on climate protection and the circular economy, Holcim is a pioneer in sustainable construction. The mission: Build more with less material.
A particular focus is on the development of low-carbon building materials. Emissions are significantly reduced through the use of innovative manufacturing processes and alternative raw materials. At the same time, Holcim is increasingly committed to the circular economy by recycling building materials and reusing demolition materials to conserve natural resources and minimize waste. In addition, modern technologies are used to reduce material consumption, increase energy efficiency, and simultaneously ensure the high quality and performance of the products.
Holcim Germany is a subsidiary of the global building materials manufacturer Holcim Ltd. (SIX: HOLN), the leading partner for sustainable construction. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, the company employs more than 45,000 people and operates in 43 markets across Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
State-of-the-art technology for demanding applications
The hydraulic excavator is used in what is known as a ripping operation. In this process, the material—limestone marl—is loosened purely mechanically, without any blasting. It is then loaded onto dump trucks, which transport the extracted material to the plant for further processing. This method enables a controlled, safe, and resource-efficient extraction process.
The Komatsu PC950LC-11 is equipped with a Klepp Mek quick coupler. This allows for flexible switching between various attachments, including a ripper tooth and a ripper bucket. This versatility ensures maximum adaptability to the specific operating conditions in the quarry.
Impressive cost-effectiveness and collaborative partnership
The decision to purchase the machine was largely influenced by its impressive value for money and long-term cost-effectiveness. In addition, Holcim was able to personally verify the machine’s performance capabilities during a prior visit to a comparable quarry. The collaboration with Schlüter for Construction Machinery was also rated as thoroughly positive: the process, consultation, and support were smooth and professional.
Although the machine has only recently been in full operation, it is already clear that the new concept meets expectations and represents a sustainable solution for efficient raw material extraction. “With the new excavator and the revised extraction concept, we are not only significantly increasing our efficiency but also substantially reducing our energy consumption—this is a decisive step for the future of our site. Furthermore, the Schlüter system is of great value to us,” said the Head of Quarrying Operations at Holcim.
System Utilization… Our System – Your Benefit!
Schlüter Baumaschinen, based in Erwitte, is Germany’s largest authorized dealer for premium products from Komatsu, Sennebogen, Topcon, and attachments from NPK, Genesis, Starmag, Rotobec, and ALLU, with 33 locations and over 1,000 employees. The mid-sized family business sees itself not only as a dealer but especially as a service provider offering first-class customer service. Sustainable customer satisfaction is at the heart of Schlüter Baumaschinen’s philosophy, with individual needs and requests translated into market-oriented solutions. This enables Schlüter’s system utilization, a strategy for customized applications. Schlüter Baumaschinen assembles market- and customer-oriented solutions around premium products to fully exploit all customer potential. New and used machines, financing, trade-ins, rental and lease-purchase, fixed maintenance and repair packages—from mini excavators to large-scale machines. System components that are flexible and tailored to the customer.
