SOURCE: Pit and Quarry | May 20, 2024
Fred Weber anticipates its portable spread will be crushing rock on the project in Loveland, Colorado, for about three years. Even for Valle, the new plant is much different than others he’s experienced.
“It’s equipped with technologies that were not around a decade or so ago,” he says, referring in large part to the plant’s automation programs.
Superior’s Vantage automation not only controls the crushers but the entire plant. Because the automation is designed in-house, Superior engineers can add or modify features of the program based on the functionality the contractor wants.
Also, because Fred Weber would be on its Colorado project for up to three years, Valle says his company sought to run the plant as one big spread. By pressing a single button, the automation starts all selected pieces of equipment in the proper sequence. Shutdown is done through the same safe process, he adds, and the operator can opt to do certain functions manually.
“Down the road, we can easily alter the programming if we decide to split out circuits,” Valle says.
According to Valle, the touchscreen control panels are easy to use.
“I am not a ‘computer guy’ by any means, but I can navigate my way through any of this automation,” he says, adding that Superior remained on-site for several days to walk Fred Weber employees through the program, make any necessary changes, or modify parts of the program to make it more user-friendly.
Reaching goals
Along with enjoying the adventurous life of a contract crusher, Valle says he’s a very goal-oriented individual.
“I love to get on these projects and see them through from start to finish,” he says, stressing that his No. 1 goal is to keep material supplied while doing the job safely and in a positive environment. “It’s a challenge every day. I work with a team here who will do anything in the world to continually reach that goal.”
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