Supplied through the Lloyds Penrith dealership, British Gypsum have taken delivery of a hydrostatic drive 109hp Reform Werke Mounty 110V for their Birkshead Mine, Long Marton. For British Gypsum, Electrical Engineer, Robert Burton said, ”we needed to replace ageing Ford County tractors and, following a lengthy sourcing process, it became clear the Reform Werke Mounty was the only tractor that could meet all our requirements for safe working in such a difficult driving environment and also comply with all current safety regulations. We are a ‘room and pillar’ mine with limited turning space and steep inclines and the hydrostatic transmission and superior unique braking system offered by the Mounty 110V made it the ideal choice. The tractor is fitted with a Forestry frame to protect it from the roof and shoulders, a Chalwyn valve for engine safety, hydraulic trailer brakes and air trailer brakes, along with a host of safety electrical systems. We have it working with a bowser weighing four and a half tons, spraying water for dust suppression, plus a range of other equipment for a wide range of tasks.“
Simon Richard, agent for the Reform Werke range in the UK says,”the hydrostatic drive, low centre of gravity, four wheel steering manoeuvrability and wide footprint make the Mounty 110V the ultimate workhorse for a wide range of tasks. This unique Mounty was specially built entirely to British Gypsum’s specification and was the result of many a consultation with Reform-Werke, Clive Lawson of Lloyds and Rob Burton of British Gypsum”. Lloyd Ltd Penrith Dealer Principal Jonathan Bell added, “The Reform Werke Mounty is not one of the usual types of tractor we supply, but we were more than happy to work with British Gypsum to meet their very specific needs and our highly-skilled team found it an interesting project to adapt the Mounty to be fit for purpose. We look forward to maintaining it over the years to come.”
Robert Burton concluded, “The Ford county has been a tremendous machine and has served many decades in multiple mines so the Mounty has a lot to live up to. If it is half as good as the amazing team of people that I have worked with within Lloyds and Reform Werke I am confident that the Mounty will be up to the task for a long time.”