CATPOWER

A long standing and committed fan of the Caterpillar® brand, Swindon based Lawson Demolition’s recently acquired Cat 340 Next Generation excavator has been impressing its owner and operator on a three month contract to extensively soft strip and demolish a 50 year old police station at Trinity Road in Bristol in the southwest of England

The work marks the beginning of what has been described as ‘an exciting chapter in the redevelopment of the former police station site.’ Once completed, the project will not only provide much-needed affordable housing and a smaller police station, but also contribute to the revitalisation of the surrounding area, creating a dynamic and inclusive community for residents to thrive.

The decision to entrust Lawson Demolition, part of the Lawson Group, with this crucial task comes after careful consideration and assessment of their expertise, track record, and commitment to delivering projects of the highest quality within budget and on schedule.

Lawson Demolition, established 33 years ago, brings to the table years of experience in handling complex demolition projects with precision and efficiency. Their team of experts is equipped with the necessary skills, resources, and technology to ensure that the soft stripping and demolition works are carried out safely, responsibly, and in compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. The Bristol project is one of five currently active contracts being undertaken by the company across the country.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen for this important project,” said Claire Wilson, Managing Director at Lawson Group, which includes Lawson Environmental. “This opportunity not only underscores our expertise in the field but also reflects our commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of Bristol. We are fully dedicated to delivering the project to the highest standards, meeting the expectations of our clients and the community.”

The new demolition spec’d 35 tonne Cat 340 hydraulic excavator joins a number of other Cat machines in Lawson Demolition’s 15-strong fleet of excavators and loading shovels and was being supported by a Cat 323 when Awesome Earthmovers visited the site to see it in operation.

“As part of the project, we brought in our own crusher to recycle and process the demolition material for re-use on the redevelopment of the site,” said Claire. Being Eco-friendly is very important to the Lawson Group, which is why all its Caterpillar machines have the advantage of being fitted with Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology engines.

The company’s relationship with Caterpillar dealer Finning UK & Ireland stretches back over a quarter of a century, and commented Finning’s Territory Account Manager for the South of England Reuben Bentham: “We supplied the new Next Generation Cat 340 with a demolition spec that includes cab and screen guards, falling object guards and boom and ram guards, as well as a boxing ring at the rear of the machine to provide the operator with extra safety.

With industry leading fuel efficiency, low owning and operating costs, and with up to 10% more productivity than the model it replaces, the Cat 340 is the best in its class for moving tons per hour. More engine power, wider undercarriage, and heavy counterweight enable bigger payloads and best-in-class production.”

Also as standard on the machine is Cat Payload which helps the operator achieve precise load targets and to improve operating efficiency. It enables the operator to pick up a load of material and get a real-time weight estimate without swinging.

Standard, too, is E-fence, a simple feature which lets the operator work confidently and efficiently by avoiding structures overhead, underground, in front, or to the left or right of the machine, making it ideal for demolition site work.

A rearview camera also comes as standard, while all round visibility is further enhanced with the help of narrow cab pillars, large windows, and a flat engine hood design.

More engine power, wider undercarriage, and heavy counterweight enable bigger payloads and best-in-class production…

Featuring a keyless push button start function, the excavator’s Cat C9.3B engine has three power modesPower, Smart, and Eco. Power mode is maximum power all the time. Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, providing maximum power when needed and reducing power when it isn’t to help save fuel. Eco mode reduces engine speed and keeps it constant to reduce fuel consumption.

The Cat 340 cab has clearly been designed with operator comfort in mind, too, with a heated seat, automatic climate control, easy-to-reach controls, including a touchscreen monitor and jog dial that offer quick navigation through the machine controls and provide easy access to the digital operator’s manual. There is also a radio, USB ports and Bluetooth technology to connect personal devices and make hands-free calls – and it also has plenty of in-cab storage beneath and behind the seat, overhead, and in the consoles.

"The Cat 340 cab has clearly been designed with operator comfort in mind…"