Liebherr HS 8300.2 Supports Aggregate Excavation at Florida Quarry
Vulcan Materials uses a Liebherr HS 8300.2 duty cycle crawler crane to support aggregate excavation at its Fort Myers quarry in Florida.
Vulcan Materials Company is using a Liebherr HS 8300.2 duty cycle crawler crane to excavate aggregates at its Fort Myers quarry, one of the company’s largest sites in Florida. The materials produced at the quarry — including crushed stone, sand and gravel — are used in road, bridge and foundation construction projects across the state.
As the largest producer of construction aggregates in the United States, Vulcan Materials supplies materials essential to infrastructure development and maintenance. The Fort Myers operation plays a key role in meeting regional demand, with the HS 8300.2 supporting large-volume material extraction at the site.
“We have a fair amount of similar Liebherr machine models with minor changes, so integrating the HS 8300.2 was a seamless choice,” noted Jason Jowers, area operations manager, Florida, Vulcan Materials. “Given the size and longevity of this mine, any operational downtime can lead to significant costs and disruptions. The Liebherr HS 8300.2 duty cycle crawler crane not only meets the project's requirements but also upholds the high standards essential for the mine’s overall success.”
The HS 8300.2 is among the largest duty cycle crawler cranes in operation worldwide and is designed for material handling applications using dragline buckets and various grab configurations. At the Fort Myers quarry, the crane’s capacity supports consistent production aligned with annual volume requirements.
“When we decide which machine to add to our fleet, it is largely based on the required capacity, excavation capabilities and how that machine fits into our business model,” said Kenny Knowles, vice president of operations, Florida & the Bahamas, Vulcan Materials. “The Liebherr HS 8300.2 aligns perfectly with the annual volume we need based on the work happening at the Fort Myers site.”
The crane features a widened operator cab designed to improve visibility and operator comfort during extended shifts. Its steel fabrication is intended to support long service life in high-demand material handling environments.
The HS 8300.2 is also equipped with Liebherr’s Pactronic hybrid drive system, which captures surplus energy during operation. According to the company, the system increases turnover performance while reducing fuel consumption, supporting both productivity and efficiency goals at the site.
“With the Liebherr HS 8300.2 and other innovative technologies, we ensure efficient production that meets the high demands of our customers while minimizing environmental impact,” Knowles said.
Vulcan Materials operates a national network of quarries and distribution facilities, supplying aggregates used in infrastructure, industrial, commercial and residential construction. In Florida, materials from sites such as Fort Myers contribute to projects including highways, bridges, ports, water infrastructure and public facilities.
