February saw the acquisition by The Ham Hill Stone Company Ltd in Hampshire of a new JCB 240 Auto. This is the one of the first off the production line of a new series of machines offering better economy with optimum power output.

The excavator is fitted with a quick-hitch, allowing rapid change-over of the different tools needed to operate the quarry efficiently.

This was the second investment at Ham Hill Quarry in the last few months. First on the scene came a Terzago profiling saw supplied by A J Lopez & Co.

This machine was acquired by the Harvey stonemasonry partnership, tenants of the Ham Hill Stone Company since 1983. Its primary purpose was to produce the curved profiles needed for the proposed extension to Hamstone House in Surrey. It has already proved its use for several other jobs, giving improvements in accuracy and speed.