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The 922C is made of high tensile Hardox steel, providing the strength needed for various work conditions. Its low ground pressure of 11.3 psi and low weight of 31,500 lbs enables it to operate in both hard and soft soil conditions, as well as snow. The 922C is equipped with a 15.7 cubic-yard capacity and is powered by a 6.7 liter, Cummins QSB, 24 Valve Tier III engine, rated at 264 horsepower.

"The 922C has plenty of power.   Its 20 to 25 ton capacity surpasses what we can haul with our current gravel trucks. However, my favorite feature on the Hydrema is the automated compensation dumping system," says Nolan. "Dump tucks could flip over while dumping a load on uneven ground. The auto compensation system reduces the chances of this happening."

The Hydrema 922C's tipping hydraulics with servo automatically increases the engine revs when the tipping control lever is acti­vated. This achieves fast tipping cycle times of 7.5 seconds up and 5.5 seconds down. It also automatically changes the pressure between cylinders while dumping on uneven ground to prevent tip-over. The 922C is extremely stable due to its articulation joint and can dump while fully articulated.

Hopkins has since purchased the 922C which he originally rented from Alberta Construction Equipment Sales and Services and is looking to add another one to his fleet very soon. "Our work cycle is 24-hours-a-day for 8 months. We ran the 922C through this schedule with minimal downtime. It has proven itself to be reliable and fuel efficient, using 15%-20% less fuel than our gravel haul trucks," says Nolan.

As for the retrofitting and parts and labor cost savings. "It takes a full year to accurately assess the cost savings of a piece of equipment. We'll have a far better idea of the overall cost savings in a few months. So far, we like what we see."