Check out the pictures of this classic pumping unit that recently received a birthday facelift and refurbishment from Sykes Group. One of the oldest pumps in the Hunter Valley – and still in regular operation – it was commissioned sometime in the late 80’s.
It’s located at the HVO (Hunter Valley Operations) large scale open-cut coal mine. During its long life, this pump has witnessed many changes. Initially owned by Coal and Allied, then Rio Tinto, the HVO coal mine is currently owned by the Glencore (49%) and Yancoal (51%) joint venture.
Jason Davidson, Regional Service Manager at Sykes Group East Coast operations has a long association with this particular pump.
“ I used to maintain this unit twice a week when I was in the field over 10 years ago. It’s been an absolute awesome pumpset with next to no down time” he said.
“I remember us giving it a birthday in the early 2000’s. And now we’ve just completed another birthday refurb, including full strip, sand blast, repaint, new engine, new controller and a total pump rebuild”
Jason loves machinery and all things mechanical and is especially fond of this faithful machine “It’s as good as new again and ready for another 30 years” he said proudly.
The on-site contact at HVO – pictured left with Jason – is Stuart Inglis, HVO Mechanical Supervisor. He keeps in touch with Jason and the local Sykes Group service team to ensure all of his pumpsets are in top operating order.
“When it comes to pumps and minesite dewatering, Sykes Group knowledge and expertise is second to none. They help with lots of our breakdown and refurb work “ he explained.
“ We’ve rebuilt around 4 pump units with AllightStykes over the last few months. This classic old beauty is our most recent refurbishment and it’s great to see her sparkling again – it’s a beautiful piece of machinery that’s been working hard for many years” said Stuart.
Located at Lemington, about 24km north-west of Singleton in the Upper Hunter Valley, NSW, the HVO complex is regarded as one of the highest quality thermal and semi-soft coking coal mines in the world. Using dragline and truck & shovel mining methods, HVO are leaders in environmental management which includes all machinery being regularly maintained to the highest standards of operating efficiency.
If you have a pump ready for service – no matter how big or small – contact Jason Davidson at Sykes Group Kurri Kurri on +61 8 9302 7010 or send us an email.
