Third-Generation S&M Gravel Finds Convenience and Reliability in EIW Wash Plant

In 1983, S&M Gravel acquired a used Eagle Iron Works wash plant that was originally manufactured in 1977. This plant has been working steadily for the aggregate producer since that time, alongside other Eagle Iron Works equipment, including two Fine Material Washers — one built in 1963 and one built in 1977.

“I’ve always been an Eagle fan. I remember my dad always saying, ‘That’s the Cadillac,’” noted Sloothaak.

Recently, Sloothaak and his team discovered usable reserves under the old wash plant. Though not an easy undertaking, S&M Gravel decided to remove the existing plant and replace it with a new wash plant located elsewhere on site to access these reserves.

For the new wash plant, S&M Gravel contacted Maverick Environmental Equipment, Eagle Iron Works’ dealer in Michigan. Maverick recommended an EIW Coarse Material Washer, an EIW CONDOR Single Fine Material Washer and an EIW CONDOR Double Fine Material Washer to be used in conjunction with other wet processing equipment.

S&M Gravel has an inconsistent alluvial deposit that is relatively clean, without any tough, plasticky clays. Because S&M Gravel’s aggregate products are used for construction and infrastructure projects, it is extremely important that all the organics are removed that could hinder the aggregates’ performance. That is where EIW’s Coarse Material Washer comes in.

The EIW Coarse Material Washer efficiently cleans aggregates by imparting a particle-on-particle scrubbing action that liberates deleterious materials from the sound rock. This machine provides light to moderate scrubbing and washing to remove soluble clays and dust coatings found in natural and crushed aggregates.

“The Coarse Material Washer helps us get the organics out of the coarse aggregate and just gives it that extra scrub to make a clean stone,” said Sloothaak.

Additionally, an EIW CONDOR Single Fine Material Washer and a CONDOR Double Fine Material Washer were installed to wash and dewater the fine aggregate product after initial separation. As with the coarse material, producing a clean sand with the EIW Fine Material Washers is essential for S&M Gravel to be able to provide high-quality construction aggregates to its customers.

With the help of EIW’s Coarse Material Washer, CONDOR Single Fine Material Washer and CONDOR Double Fine Material Washer, S&M Gravel is discharging clean aggregates from its wash plant.

“The Eagle Coarse Material Washer has been great. It’s getting a lot of the organics out. That really is our biggest desire for it. It’s doing exactly what we were hoping for,” Sloothaak shared.

Sloothaak added that another benefit of the EIW equipment is the service and support that they receive from Maverick Environmental Equipment.

“Eagle has a good dealer network, and we have a strong dealer here, Maverick Environmental. I know whatever I need, they will help. I know they will get me parts,” noted Sloothaak. “Those guys, they’ll take care of me.”

Sloothaak said he has never had a problem with EIW parts or equipment and that getting parts when needed is easy.

“I know I can get parts. I know they are going to fit. I know any questions I have, I can either call my dealer or go straight to Eagle, and they will answer them promptly,” said Sloothaak.

The EIW washing equipment is proving to be an efficient and consistent way for S&M Gravel to produce clean aggregates. The reliability of the EIW washing equipment and the availability of spare parts are why S&M Gravel has chosen EIW over other washing equipment manufacturers.

“Just going from the ones we had since 1963, I know I can trust it,” Sloothaak shared. “I’m not saying I haven’t tried some of the other brands, but even from a maintenance point of view, it’s just a little more cumbersome. Parts don’t quite fit. It’s hard to get parts sometimes. I know I don’t have that problem with Eagle.”

The longevity of the EIW equipment is Sloothaak’s favorite thing about the system.

“I know those new ones we put in are going to be there for 30 years,” Sloothaak stated. “The manufacturing is always up to par, and it’s tough. Today you see a lot of people making stuff lighter and using thinner metal – not Eagle. They’re still classic, robust, like they’re meant to be.”

Sloothaak continued, “It’s a strong product. I think it’s top of the line.”