From humble beginnings with just three employees and a grader in 1983, Daracon today boasts a workforce in excess of 600. Their Daracon Coal Services division provide all manner of logistical support to the mining industry in the NSW Hunter Valley, such as specialised bulk haulage of coal on mine sites and on road, vehicle loading and stockpile management, as well as operating train loading facilities.
With more than 25 years experience in coal haulage and over sixteen years operating their 32 vehicle fleet of B-Double side tippers, Daracon know what they are looking for in their equipment.
When it came time to replace their old fleet of side tippers, Daracon turned to Muscat Trailers. “We had a Muscat side tipper many years ago and one thing we definitely remember is the service they gave us. The team did everything they could to keep us going at all times and because of that we decided to have a look at their product once again,” explains Daracon Coal Services Operations Manager, Dave Rowan.
Initially purchasing four sets of B-Double side tippers, Daracon doubled the order to 8 to cart coal around the Mt Thorley mining site.
“What attracted us to Muscat this time around was the quality workmanship on the trailers and the sturdy design. Muscat also specified the Hendrickson AA230 air suspension, which we saw as a big bonus.”
Being used for coal works, hauling coal both on road and inside the mine site, the side tippers also feature a ROC Hydraulics double acting hoist and a one piece, reinforced door.
“You usually have intermittent problems with doors on side tippers, such as bowing and falling out of alignment, but I don’t see that happening with this design.”
Although the units have only been in operation for the last eight weeks, Dave says they are travelling really well.
“Word from our drivers is that they tip extremely well and are very quick, which is a big bonus in the kind of work we do. When we are tipping, we are tipping on coal stockpiles and we don’t want to get bogged, so the quicker we can get the product out, the better.”
When it comes to their suppliers, Daracon rate backup service as a must have.
“A lot of places just want to sell you a trailer and that is that. I can guarantee Muscat don’t do that. I’ve also found that more and more companies are getting their bin from one place, their chassis from another and are simply putting them together. Everything that Muscat sell, they’ve made themselves,” explains Dave.
Daracon have also been impressed by the equipment that Muscat has chosen to spec on their trailers. “The after sales support from both Hendrickson and ROC is great and nothing is too much of a problem for them. Muscat has reputable companies that work with them to provide top-notch equipment and we believe these 8 B-Double side tippers will last us for years to come.”
Contact
Muscat Trailers
7 Graham Hill Rd
Narellan, NSW 2567
Ph: 02 4648 2101
Fax: 02 4647 1165
