Capital Equipment News February 2018

For informed decision-making FEBRUARY 2018

TIPPER TRUCKS: Dakar-tough tipper truck for southern Africa FINANCING: Gap well bridged BAUMA AFRICA: Bracing for new equipment and solutions galore

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MARKET: IN TOUGH TERRAIN PAGE 20

SIZING UP THE TURKISH DELIGHT

CONSTRUCTION NEWS 34 Wirtgen slipform paver for Nigeria's longest concrete roadway 36 Profit in every bucket with new Volvo L260H TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS NEWS 38 Record Abidjan bus contract for IVECO BUS 40 Record year for FAW SA despite tough market conditions 41 Cartrack's Live Vision could change the face of South African driving MINING NEWS 44 Metso ups production of track-mounted crushing plants 45 Weir boosts capacity and footprint in Africa & Middle East MATERIALS HANDLING NEWS 48 All-round tower crane service and supply for new operators COVER 4 Sizing up the Turkish delight FINANCING 6 Gap well bridged BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA PREVIEW 10 Bracing for new equipment and solutions galore MOTOR GRADERS 16 Taking control of motor grader productivity COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MARKET 20 In tough terrain DUST SUPPRESSION 24 Restating dust-busting returns TIPPER TRUCKS 28 Dakar-tough tipper truck for southern Africa PROFILE 32 Raising the logistics bar CONTENTS Capital Equipment News is published monthly by Crown Publications Editor: Munesu Shoko capnews@crown.co.za Advertising manager: Elmarie Stonell elmaries@crown.co.za Design: Anoonashe Shumba Publisher: Karen Grant Deputy publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Circulation: Karen Smith PO Box 140 Bedfordview 2008 Tel: (011) 622-4770 Fax: (011) 615-6108 www.crown.co.za Printed by Tandym Print The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. FEATURES REGULARS Total circulation Q4 2017: 3 793

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EDITOR'S COMMENT

DELIBERATING THE FUTURE

I have had the privilege of attending several major capital equipment exhibitions – both local and international – during my time as the editor of capital equipment-focused publications. As you will see in the Bauma Preview Feature in this edition of Capital Equipment News , there is absolutely no doubt that tradeshows of this nature can be extremely beneficial both to end users and providers of plant. Ahead of bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, probably the largest trade fair of its kind on the continent, it is worthwhile to note that the southern African capital equipment

market is very competitive, with good equipment choices significantly affecting the chance of success. With a large number of brands competing, there is value for users of equipment to be able to visit one location and interact closely with manufacturers and distributors to help guide those critical buying decisions. While the exhibition has always been regarded as the launchpad for new technologies, I am thrilled to see that the organisers have gone further this time by offering an essential supporting programme which gives both exhibitors and visitors a comprehensive overview of the technologies of the future. The North American-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), joint venture partner of bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, is bringing to the show tech talks with top representatives from renowned businesses and universities. The recorded sessions were first presented at AEM’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 exhibition. The topics discussed will range from the smart construction site, with the use of robots, to technologies for building resilient and sustainable infrastructure. While discussing matters of the present is essential, I am glad that there is also greater focus on tackling the future. It’s very important to understand how we have moved from the dark ages – which really weren't all that long ago – to where we are today, and where we are likely to be in the next few years. It is critical to understand how, and how quickly, technology evolves, and why it matters. With the speed of technological evolution and a general reluctance to accept that how we do things today can easily change tomorrow, it is no wonder many businesses have struggled to keep up. While there are still echoes of trepidation in certain quarters of the industry, especially when topics such as connectivity, electromobility and automation are

mentioned, the fact of the matter is that these issues are not far from becoming reality, and the order of the day. I recently attended a Volvo Trucks press conference and one of the executives was so blunt about current trends – even going so far as to predict that they will happen in the next 10 years. He is of the view that in 2030, connectivity between trucks will limit traffic jams on the roads, adding that, by the same year, current environmental threats might be a thing of the past if electrification efforts continue unabated. Volvo Trucks will start selling electric trucks in Europe next year, with the first units being put into operation with selected reference customers as early as this year. He also noted that in 2030, accidents will be extremely rare as technology will significantly minimise the human element in the operation of vehicles, a likely scenario given that 90% of accidents are a result of human error. It is critical to understand that the equipment industry, like any other sector in the world, is in for big changes and we shouldn’t underestimate them. I witnessed the future of the industry at CONEXPO-CON/AGG last year in Las Vegas at AEM’s Tech Experience, which will also be part of this year’s bauma CONEXPO AFRICA. The Tech Experience provided an interactive look at the trends and solutions in areas such as job site, workforce and infrastructure. It is tremendously exciting to see how technology has advanced exponentially over the past three years. Today we have autonomous trucks, and augmented reality that allows users to see a virtual image through a pair of glasses and create drawings on a job site. I commend platforms such as bauma CONEXPO AFRICA for opening up podiums to talk about these realities. It is their role to raise awareness of new and future products and technologies, drive adoption and industry efficiency.

Munesu Shoko – Editor

capnews@crown.co.za

@CapEquipNews

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 2

COVER STORY

SIZING UP THE TURKISH DELIGHT At the upcoming bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, leading Turkish OEM, Hidromek, will officially take the wraps off its new 39 t HMK 370 LC HD crawler excavator, making it the biggest excavator model currently offered by local South African supplier Maximum Equipment, writes Munesu Shoko .

N ew products are largely the focal point of exhibitions such as bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, which is to be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa from March 13 to 16, 2018. For Turkish original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Hidromek, bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 – the third international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construc- tion vehicles – presents a perfect opportuni- ty to officially introduce its new HMK 370 LC HD excavator. The new model, coming in at 39 t of oper- ating capacity and a 2,2 m bucket capacity, becomes the largest Hidromek excavator model currently supplied by Maximum Equipment to the local market. Vaughan Ellis, MD of Maximum Equipment, says the official debut of the HMK 370 LC HD will mark a step up in the Hidromek excavator line-up locally. Before the arrival of the new 39 t model, the largest Hidromek excavator in the Maximum Equipment stable has been the 30 t HMK 300 LC. Together with the 20 t HMK 220 LC and the 14 t HMK 140 W wheeled excavator, the existing range largely caters for the general construction market. Fully spec’d for mining The new HMK 370 LC HD allows Maximum Equipment to offer the Hidromek “Turkish delight” to a whole new segment. “It is a mining spec’d machine. It will largely cater for small-scale mining and quarrying applications,” explains Ellis. “It can load a 10 m³ tipper fast and cost effectively, achieving 4-5 passes with its 2,2 m³ bucket.” The machine ticks all the right boxes

for mining and quarrying applications. It comes fully spec’d with hammer lines and an in-line filter as standard, making it the ultimate tool carrier. Hammer lines allow for immediate installation of hydraulic attach- ments, while an in-line filter guards against particle contamination of the hydraulic sys- tem. Contamination of hydraulic oil, mostly when using hydraulic attachments, can be detrimental as it reduces the service life of hydraulic components. Apart from standard hammer lines and an in-line filter, several standard safety features make the HMK 300 LC a perfect fit for mining applications. It comes with a full cab protection system that protects against falling objects, as well as a reverse camera, as standard. “These are features you get as optional extras on competitive machines,” argues Ellis. “The Hidromek machine is the only excavator on the market that comes with a total of nine spot lights, a reverse camera, factory-fitted beacon light and a cab guard, as standard.” Heavy duty machine The HMK 370 LC HD is also designed as a heavy duty type machine, making it a perfect fit for challenging mining conditions and for carrying heavy duty attachments such as crusher buckets and hydraulic breakers. “All fabricated parts, including boom, arm, bucket, undercarriage, as well as lower and upper frames, have been designed as heavy duty type,” explains Ellis. The X-shape box type sub-frame offers greater resistance against bending forces and vibration stress as it homogeneously distributes the stress exposed on it. The lower rollers are connected to the sub-frame by pentagon shape fittings, enhancing the

strength and lifetime of the frame. The standard long track maximises the balance of the machine by offering a durable platform for the machine to work on. Two roller housings in each track keep track chains in straight direction and therefore prevent corrosion of lower rollers. The upper roller, lower rollers and front idlers are suit- able for heavy duty working conditions; they have been sealed with life-time seals which are maintenance-free. Operator in mind The new HMK 370 LC HD also comes with several features that have the operator in mind. The Opera Control System – which comprises four power modes and three working modes – helps the operator choose the most suitable working conditions in accordance with the requirements of the job at hand through perfect matching the Isuzu Tier 3 engine with the hydraulic pump. “The Opera Control System also continu- ously monitors the most important parame- ters of the machine and warns the operator in case of any abnormality through audio

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 4

Key specs Model

HMK 370 LC HD

Standard operating weight

39 000 kg

Standard bucket size

2,2 m³

Engine Power

Isuzu AH-6HK1X

271 hp (202 kW) @ 2 000 rpm

Maximum torque

1 080 Nm @ 1 500 rpm

It is ideally suited to small- scale mining and quarrying applications

The HMK 370 LC HD becomes the largest Hidromek excavator model currently supplied by Maximum Equipment to the local market

KEY TALKING POINTS

It comes fully spec’d with hammer lines and an in-line filter as standard, making it the ultimate tool carrier

With its 2,2m 3 bucke the HMK 370 LC HD can load a 10 m 3 tipper with 4-5 passes

warning, warning lights and indicators,” explains Ellis. For example, if engine water temperature and hydraulic oil temperature exceed certain limits, the electronic control system decreases the pump flow rate and engine rpm to enable the machine to work continuously. Features such as the ergonomic seat and front console offer greater operator comfort. The standard operator seat of the HMK 370 LC HD can be adjusted in nine different posi- tions and is designed to enable the operator to work comfortably with high performance for long hours. The joystick console and the seat can move independently from each other, allowing the operator to adjust to the most suitable working position. More features Several innovative features abound. With the Automatic Idling function, in case of no movement at the levers, the electronic control system decreases engine rpm to 1 200 and then decreases to idling to prevent redundant fuel consumption. “When the operator touches the lever again, engine

rpm and pump flow rate of the previously selected mode are restored,” says Ellis. Machine performance and pump life have been maximised by using two axial pistons and variable displacement hydraulic pumps from Kawasaki. It is possible to generate the necessary flow rate when required, thanks to the negative control feature. By matching the power generated from the engine and the power required by the hydraulic pump, engine stalls are prevented. Positive outlook Just ahead of bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, Ellis is positive about the prospects of business growth in 2018. He notes that the past two years have been very tough, but several recent developments point towards a better 2018. The rebounding commodity prices offer better prospects for the mining sector and this can have a trickle-down

effect into the construction sector. Ellis is also encouraged by recent political developments in both South Africa and Zimbabwe. The new ANC leadership in South Africa has brought some confidence, as we have seen the country’s currency strengthen and the stock market showing above average activity, especially during this time of the year. “The Rand has recovered significantly in recent weeks, and this brings the costs of machines down, allowing customers to invest in new assets,” reasons Ellis. He is also of the view that Zimbabwe could also be on a much stronger growth path following the new political dispen- sation. “The country has suffered decades of economic decline and it is encouraging to see that the new leadership is seeking re-engagement with the international community, though significant risks remain,” concludes Ellis. ❂

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 5

FINANCING

Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa has recently grown its portfolio to cover 70% of total Scania sales in the region.

Gap well bridged

That conventional financing institutions often have their appetite for risk at its lowest during difficult business cycles is no overstatement. Consequently, funding big-ticket acquisitions such as commercial vehicles can be a real headache for commercial vehicle operators. Equipped with a precisely opposite approach – which is to support customers in both good and bad times – Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa, the captive finance arm of Scania South Africa, has adequately bridged the financing gap for regional Scania customers, and testimony to this is the doubling of its portfolio in the past three years, writes Munesu Shoko .

T he decline in the South African commercial vehicle market – which fell 2, 65% year-on-year in 2017 to 25 042 total units sold – is testimony to the tough times in which truck owners currently operate. According to Petr Novotny, MD of Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa, several challenges have had an adverse impact on the truck market locally. In South Africa, the political unrest in 2017 ushered in a volatile economic situation through several credit rating

reluctance by conventional financial insti- tutions to fund such big-tickets purchases, especially during times of uncertainty. It is for this reason that several original equip- ment manufacturers (OEMs) offer captive financing solutions to their customers. According to a recent report, Captive Finance Firms in a Challenging Economy, Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation, this is actually a growing trend globally. The report finds that approximately 30% of all capital equipment sales globally are financed by the

downgrades and low business confidence, for example. This impacted both the cur- rency and credit ratings, thereby creating difficult operating conditions for businesses, especially those that rely heavily on imports – such as capital fleet owners – due to the volatile exchange rate which pushed prices of capital assets higher. In such a difficult business cycle, one of the major challenges facing businesses is finding capital. Bear in mind that tangible assets such as trucks typically require a significant amount of capital. Of note is the

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 6

QUICK TAKE

70 m

Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa’s recorded an all-time high 70% penetration rate in January this year

To date, Scania South Africa’s insurance portfolio is about R70- million, catering for a total of 1 876 customers

Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa offers a full pallet of finance products

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

R2,5-billion

R5-billion

The company doubled its finance portfolio to R5-billion this year, up from R2,5-billion in 2014

manufacturer or its finance partner. Of all OEMs that offer a financing option to their customers, 67% expect equipment financing will increase as a percentage of their sales. The report further finds that the rate at which customers ought to prefer OEMs’ captive financing is increasing each year and financial divisions are increasingly playing a more important role in the overall strategies of OEMs. A case in point is Scania Finance & Insur- ance Southern and East Africa, which has significantly grown its financing portfolio in recent years, successfully bridging the fi- nancing gap for Scania customers operating in both Southern and East Africa. “We had a great month in January this year, recording a 70% penetration rate, which is an all-time high for Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa,” says Novotny. This means that 70% of all Scania products purchased in the region are financed through Scania Finance, and the remaining 30% through either banks or customers themselves. Finance locally has been phenomenal in the past three years, and in November 2017, the portfolio reached the R5-billion mark, up from R2,5-billion in 2014. “When I started in 2014, our portfolio was R2,5- billion and we have since doubled that number in three years,” says Novotny. Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and Growing portfolio Novotny says the growth of Scania

Petr Novotny, MD of Scania Finance & Insurance South- ern and East Africa.

“We had a great month in January this year, recording a 70% penetration rate.”

East Africa has been in existence for the past 11 years. “We realised good growth up until around 2010, and then there was a time of stagnation until 2014. We saw a sharp increase in the demand for our services during the past three years, demon- strated by the ability to double our portfolio during that period,” adds Novotny. Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa draws from the strength of Scania Finance & Insurance Global, which has a total of 15 business units covering 52 markets globally. To date, Scania Finance & Insurance Global has an 86% coverage of total Scania sales globally, driven by a workforce of 889 workers, catering for a total of 32 822 customers through 131 656 finance contracts. Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and

East Africa currently offers its services to Scania customers operating in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia. “We are also doing cross-border loans to Zimbabwe, and we are current- ly looking at entering the Mozambican market,” explains Novotny, adding that the company currently has a workforce of 46 employees, catering for 697 customers with a total of 5 566 finance contracts. Product range Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa offers a full pallet of finance products. The company offers three major products – Financial Leases, Operating Leases and Instalment Sales Agreements. “These are complemented by several other services. We also

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 7

FINANCING

FINANCE & INSURANCE IMPACT ON TOC - Example Long-haul

Other fixed costs, 1.0%

Overheads, 4.3 %

tive and tailor-made insurance products that are set to close the gaps in the existing con- ventional and outdated insurance packages already in the market. Speaking to Capital Equipment News last year, Belinda Felix, Insurance Manager at Scania Finance, reiterated that offering comprehensive insurance was the last puzzle to the company’s drive towards being a one-stop shop, all the way from product to financing and insurance. “It’s important for us to offer a one-stop shop to our custom- ers. We are able to understand risk, not only from a finance perspective, but from an insurance standpoint as well, so that we can mitigate it for us, as well as for the customer,” she said. “We already have a portfolio of about R70-million on the insurance side of the business,” says Novotny. “We aim to in- crease that in the next two years. We have set the ball rolling to be able to achieve this through tying in all the necessary networks including insurers, aftersales, brokers and repairers. Our own brokerage licence allows us, together with insurers, to build unique Scania products that are not currently avail- able on the market.” Competitive edge Novotny says Scania Finance & Insurance Southern and East Africa’s dedication is its key competitive edge. He says the company offers greater value to Scania customers by being easy to do business with, through its speed and industry knowledge, and by working hard to develop long-term relationships with customers throughout the business cycles. “I am of the view that it is better to predict than analyse past trends in order to be able to offer stable finance support to customers in good and bad times,” he says. Novotny adds that the major advantage of Scania’s captive finance is the knowledge of the product and cooperation between different functions that are embedded within the company. “There are different functions within the Scania organisation, including Scania Parts, Scania Fleet Management, Scania Rental, Scania Finance and Insurance, as well as Scania Used, to mention a few, which are driven by the same values, making the company a one-stop shop for all our cus- tomers’ needs,” says Novotny. “Dealing with a single organisation for all these needs, all the way from the product, through to finance, insurance and aftersales service, maximises uptime for the customer. I strongly believe in our common solution, which we can provide to every customer as Scania South Africa,” concludes Novotny. ❂

Crew, 10.3 %

Tolls, 7.7 %

Fuel, 44.2%

Finance, 17.2 %

Insurance, 6.8 %

Tyres, 4.4 %

Maintenance, 4.1 %

TOC - Scania R500 LA6x4 MSZ

The growth of Scania Finance locally has been phenomenal in the past three years, and in November 2017, the portfolio reached R5-billion, up from R2,5-billion in 2014.

offer services such Finance Leases with balloon payments, Finance Leases with trade-ins and buy-backs, Finance Leases with residual values, as well as full maintenance leases,” explains Novotny. These services are complemented by cross-border financing and insurance. Scania South Africa is the first OEM in the market to be a certified insurance broker. “We are now a certified insurance broker in South Africa, having been granted our brokerage licence by the Financial Services Board in August last year,” explains Novotny. To date, Scania South Africa’s insurance portfolio is about R70-million, catering for a total of 1 876 customers. Novotny says Scania South Africa has placed major focus on its insurance offering to be able to provide comprehensive, effec-

“I am of the view that it is better to predict than analyse past trends in order to be able to offer stable finance support to customers in good and bad times.”

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 8

BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA PREVIEW

Bracing for new equipment and solutions galore

A head of bauma CONEXPO AFRICA – the third international trade fair for construc- tion machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles, which will be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa from March 13 to 16, 2018 – it is encouraging to note that several market segments are showing strong signs of recovery. This is due to a number of factors, mainly the recent commodity price gains and favourable economic growth across a number of African economies. Lawrence Peters, chairman of the Construction and Mining Equipment Suppliers Associ- ation (CONMESA), says recent political developments in Zimbabwe and South Africa may encourage renewed investment, while commodity price stability and increased demand for There is absolutely no doubt that trade shows of bauma CONEXPO AFRICA’s stature can be beneficial to users and suppliers of equipment at large. While an array of new products and solutions is always the epicentre of the tradeshow, this year’s show will go a step further by giving both exhibitors and visitors a comprehensive overview of important current trends and the technologies of the future, writes Munesu Shoko.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 10

“Government infrastructure investment programmes are expected to continue despite pressure on public capital expenditure. That provides a glimmer of hope for the construction sector as up to 70% of all construction in South Africa is government driven.” Nomonde Kweyi, marketing & communications manager at Scania South Africa

“Recent political developments in Zimbabwe and South Africa may encourage renewed investment, while commodity price stability and increased demand for raw materials promises to reignite some under-performing sectors of the mining industry.” Lawrence Peters, chairman of CONMESA

“With a large number of brands competing there is value for users of equipment to be able to visit one location and be able to closely interact with manufacturers and distributors to help guide those critical buying decisions.” Mark Hughes, sales and marketing director at Bell Equipment Sales South Africa

KEY TALKING POINTS

raw materials promises to reignite some under-performing sectors of the mining industry. “This could spell good news for equip- ment suppliers and CONMESA has already called on its members to start to actively engage with markets in anticipation of future demand. Tradeshows like the upcom- ing bauma CONEXPO AFRICA will also be pivotal in forging communications between suppliers and users of construction and mining equipment,” says Peters. Elaine Crewe, CEO of the trade fair organiser BC Expo South Africa, is equal- ly optimistic, saying that the economic comeback of sub-Saharan Africa and the positive market opportunities in South Africa have already been reflected in the number of companies that have signed up for the upcoming bauma CONEXPO AFRICA. “We have already attracted industry leaders and we are also looking forward to having several newcomers at this year’s event,” says Crewe. While the exhibition has always been regarded as the launchpad for new tech- nologies making their way into the local African market, Stefan Rummel, MD of Messe München GmbH, says the supporting programme for this year’s show gives both exhibitors and visitors a comprehensive overview of the technologies of the future, adding that the focus will be on networking and communication between specialists from various fields. “bauma CONEXPO AFRICA is the largest trade fair of its kind in Africa and offers numerous innovations and interaction oppor- tunities,” says Rummel, adding that more than 400 exhibitors and about 20 000 visi- tors, including delegations from Botswana, Chile, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zambia, are expected at this year’s show.

“We are particularly excited to bring one of JLG’s latest ul- tra-booms to our stand at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA. We will also be showcasing new products from JLG and Magni, including the JLG 520AJ, the Magni HTH16.10 and Magni RTH5.25 as well as the JLG 530LRT.” Larry Smith, national sales executive at Eazi Access

“As equipment becomes more technologically sophisticated and downtime a critical factor for contractors, the quality of the prod- uct and its ability to perform to optimal levels for long periods of time is a huge factor from an operator’s point of view.” Mitch Launspach, national sales manager at FUCHS Lubricants South Africa

“The show is very important for the African capital equipment industry at large. It is a great platform to promote and display our extensive and ever-growing product ranges. It is also an opportunity to continue our aggressive and accelerated African growth plans.”

Brian van Buuren, MD of ITR Africa

“Our expectations are generally addressed by customer feedback, which gives us a good idea of how our customers are expe- riencing the market. Any potential projects, as well as future investments, require information and planning.” Norman Maleka, national sales manager at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa

Important platform Several key exhibitors who spoke to

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 11

BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA PREVIEW

Eazi Access is bringing one of JLG’s latest ultra-booms to its stand at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA.

Scania will be showcasing its complete construction solutions, comprising a wide application range and extended services.

premier exhibition for the mining and con- struction industry in Africa is part and parcel of the company’s strategy to maximise its brand awareness. “Our expectations are generally addressed by customer feedback, which gives us a good idea of how our customers are experiencing the market. Any potential projects, as well as future invest- ments, require information and planning. The networking that such exhibitions afford us enables us to plan and prepare for future projects,” says Maleka. Brian van Buuren, MD of ITR Africa, shares the same view, saying that the show is very important for the African capital equipment industry at large. “It is a great platform to promote and display our extensive and ever-growing product ranges. It is also an opportunity to continue our aggressive and accelerated African growth plans,” says Van Buuren. Lubricating across industries As with any exhibition of this nature, visitors can expect a new product and solutions galore at this year’s event. Mitch Launspach, commercial sales manager at FUCHS Lubricants South Africa, which manufactures approximately 90% of its products locally at its plant in Isando, says the company has a wide range of locally and internationally manufactured oils and greases that cover the entire lubricants market, including heavy-duty diesel vehicles, civils & earthworks, all mining sectors, agricultural applications, the food industry, and heavy-duty industrial manufacturing and engineering. “As a result, at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA we will be showcasing our entire offering to these different sectors, rather than

Capital Equipment News reiterated the importance of the show to the African capital equipment fraternity at large. Stephen Jones, Bell group marketing director, says there is absolutely no doubt that tradeshows can be extremely beneficial to both the users and providers of plant. “For users of equipment, the southern African market is very competitive with good equipment choices significantly affecting the chance of success. With a large number of brands competing there is value for users of equipment to be able to visit one location and be able to closely interact with manufacturers and distributors to help guide those critical buying decisions,” reasons Jones. “bauma CONEXPO AFRICA has a particularly strong appeal to Bell because of our African heritage and our approach to providing a one-stop shop for quality equipment solutions in the region. There is also a lack of well-supported platforms in the industry and our commitment is to work alongside show organisers to make the event a success and, most importantly, add significant value to the users of equipment across the region,” adds Jones. Nomonde Kweyi, marketing & commu- nications manager at Scania South Africa, says bauma CONEXPO AFRICA has always been a key tactical channel for Scania. “Three years ago, we successfully launched our construction offering at bauma and

since then we have significantly increased our market share in this segment,” she says. “The expo offers us a platform that is target audience specific, allowing us to showcase a solution that offers true value specifically for the construction customer and their business needs.” Larry Smith, national sales executive at Eazi Access, says the company’s first priority is to engage with its customers, as well as showing them how its solu- tions can help them increase productivity, improve on-site efficiencies, enable cost savings and achieve greater safety adherence within their business activities. “The event is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our new solutions to the industry, ensuring customers understand the positive effects on their business,” says Smith. Having exhibited at the two previous editions of the show in 2013 and 2015, the Wirtgen Group South Africa rates bauma CONEXPO AFRICA as a great plat- form to showcase its latest technologies available, according to sales manager Waylon Kukard. “The Wirtgen Group is the market leader in our industry and we regard bauma as an important platform to showcase our class leading technologies to our customers and to live our ‘Close to our customers’ mantra,” he says. Norman Maleka, national sales manager at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, says the

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 12

The Wirtgen Group has the second-biggest stand at Bauma Munich and its local subsidiary, Wirtgen Group South Africa, would like to build on the international success to further get closer to its African customers.

focusing on individual products or applications,” says Launspach. “Our strength is more than just the breadth of our product range, but also the fact that the majority of our products carry OEM approv- als. As equipment becomes more technologically sophisticated and downtime a critical factor for contractors, the quality of the product and its ability to perform to optimal levels for long periods of time is a huge factor from an operator’s point of view,” reasons Launspach. He adds that the fact that FUCHS is a major supplier of private label lubricants to many of the OEMs operating on the sub-continent is an indication of the quality and reliability of the company’s products in all applications and under the most strenuous operating conditions. Bell rings loud According to Mark Hughes, sales and marketing director at Bell Equipment Sales South Africa, Bell Equipment will showcase a selection of 25 machines of its 150-strong product range at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA. This will include Bell Equipment’s own machines as well as those of its partners: John Deere, Bomag, Terex Finlay, Kobelco and KAMAZ. “We will use the show to officially introduce our new strategic partners and products following our exclusive dis- tribution agreements concluded last year with Kobelco for its range of excavators and KAMAZ for its range of heavy-duty tipper trucks. The new partnerships will be celebrated at Russian and Japanese theme evenings during the show,” says Hughes. Bell expects the new partners and product ranges to generate a considerable amount of interest as they bring quality and competitive machine solutions to the local market, and are all backed by Bell Equipment’s extensive support network in southern Africa. “The Kobelco range of excavators, from 5,5 to 85 t, was added to the Bell stable in mid-2017 and has been well accepted by the Bell customer base. bauma will be the first time that the mini-excavator range (below 20 t) will be displayed to the public,” says Hughes. Japanese-based Kobelco is widely recognised as a global excavator specialist and through the partnership, Bell is able to offer competitively priced and perfect-

ly-matched loading tools for its range of articulated dump trucks in the construction, quarrying, mining and forestry industries. Additionally, the introduction of the KAMAZ trucks at the end of 2017 has given Bell a presence in the southern Africa tipper truck market for the first time, to further expand the company’s one- stop-shop offering to customers in the region. Established in 1969, KAMAZ manufactures out of Naberezhnye Chelny in Russia and

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 13

BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA PREVIEW

today accounts for half the trucks sold in that country, as well as being represented in 80 countries around the world. “Although new to southern Africa, KAMAZ is synonymous with providing purpose- designed trucks to the harshest applications, and this has been borne out by the company’s consistently strong performance in the challenging Dakar Rally, having recorded its 15 th win at the 2018 event,” says Hughes. Scania’s construction focus Scania will be showcasing its complete construction solutions, comprising a wide application range and extended carrier; the P410CB8x4MHZ CTS 15 m³ tipper; the P360CB6x4EHZ 12 m³ tipper; the P310CB6x4MSZ 6 m³ mixer; the P360CB6x4EHZ 16 000 ℓ water tanker; and the G460CB8x4EHZ mining dumper. “The P410CB8x4MHZ is hooked to a Henred Brick Carrier with a Palfinger crane and comes standard with a Scania Retarder. The vehicle also offers superior fuel efficiency and optimised payload in demanding construction environments,” says Kweyi. “The P410CB8x4MHZ CTS 15m³ new Euro tipper is a low-mainte- nance vehicle, offering above average payloads (+/-1,5 t more) and greater driver safety and comfort.” The P360CB6x4EHZ 12 m³ tipper is a versatile vehicle with a chassis and body that is specifically optimised for road construction projects or similar applica- tions. The G460CB8x4EHZ mining dumper is built for tough mining operations; the vehicle provides an increased payload of up to 25% compared with its prede- cessor, while offering fuel efficiency of approximately 9 ℓ /hour depending on the operation. More solutions Eazi Access offers a wide range of work- at-height and material-handling solutions, including rental, sales, service and training, across a broad spectrum of industries and applications. “We are particularly excited to bring one of JLG’s latest ultra-booms to our stand at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA. We will also be showcasing new products from JLG and Magni, including the JLG 520AJ, the Magni HTH16.10 and Magni RTH5.25, together with the JLG 530LRT,” explains Smith. “JLG’s ultra-booms offer a working height of up to 58 m, something we believe can greatly assist our customers with any on-site project. Our diesel booms offer two key benefits to customers: services. Vehicles on display will include the P410CB8x4MHZ brick

capital-intensive projects. “The next couple of years will see huge increases in infrastructure-spend, by both parastatals and private investors. As has been illustrated by the problems at Eskom and the water shortages in the Western Cape, there is huge work to be done on major infrastructure projects. In addition, national government has already committed to upgrading and expanding both road and rail infrastructure at both national and regional level,” says Launspach. Hughes sees continued good demand from the coal sector but says there are concerns that platinum group metals will remain under pressure. “Copper and cobalt are exciting commodities to watch as there has been excellent recovery in the copper price, and the cobalt price is at an all-time high, which is giving that sector the much-needed boost. Construc- tion is steady but remains under pres- sure, largely due to the lack of govern- ment spend. Road construction and the aggregates sectors are holding up well,” says Hughes. “Cobalt is definitely the commodity to watch as it’s the principal ingredient of the battery industry and is currently seeing record prices. We are also seeing newly established stability in the Zimbabwe mining industry, which bodes well for strong growth. The coal sector is another one we will be watching closely as it’s traditionally the sector with the largest off take of our products,” adds Hughes. According to Kweyi, South Africa’s construction industry has been on an unsteady and somewhat declining state for the past two years, with the National Treasury forecasting a growth prospect of a mere 1,5 to 2% in 2018. “Having said that, government infra- structure investment programmes are expected to continue despite pressure on public capital expenditure. That provides a glimmer of hope for the construction sector as up to 70% of all construction in South Africa is government driven. This offers fair market share opportunity for transport OEMs providing solutions to the construction segment,” says Kweyi. She also notes that there has been an increased upturn in road construction as a large percentage of Scania’s construc- tion vehicles have been sold into that area. “The upturn could be due to road infrastructure being a key government de- liverable. With government infrastructure investment programmes set to continue in the medium term, it’s safe to say that the road construction trend will continue in 2018,” concludes Kweyi. ❂

firstly, they provide greater reach and ver- satility on site, and secondly, they enable greater cost savings thanks to improved fuel efficiencies,” adds Smith. Meanwhile, the Wirtgen Group South Africa will use bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 to display a range of its available solutions and services tailored to specific requirements for all areas of road con- struction as well as mining and process- ing of minerals. “We will showcase all our brands, namely Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm, Kleemann, Benninghoven and Ciber,” says Kukard, adding that the range of products from these companies are relevant to the local market. With their leading technological features, the products will help local customers maximise productivity and execute top quality jobs. “Bringing products and technologies to the local market that have been successfully applied internationally provides the local industry with an opportunity to identify projects that can benefit from the international experience.” Outlook and trends Commenting on the current state of the mining industry, Maleka notes that while the market in general has not been favourable, SEW-EURODRIVE has forged ahead with major investment in both stock and personnel, as well as streamlining its service offering, especially in terms of technical and aftermarket support. A major trend for the mining industry, according to Maleka, in 2018 will be the advent of mechatronic drives. This essen- tially combines all elements of a power- pack into a complete drive solution, with the particular arrangement of motors, gearbox and intelligence ensuring optimal efficiency. “This is still in trial phase, with test units deployed in various locations at present. We continue to challenge and change traditional mindsets with such innovative solutions,” says Maleka. Although the local market is fragile, Smith is optimistic that 2018 will be a good year. “There is definitely a positive sentiment from our customers’ side and we truly feel this will be a year of growth in all our focus markets,” he says. Launspach says last year many compa- nies in South Africa were holding back, and waiting to see the outcome of the ruling party’s National Elective Confer- ence. He is of the view that the quick strengthening of the currency is a clear indication that the mood has shifted, but private investors will probably still be wary of rushing back into large-scale,

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 14

MOTOR GRADERS

CASE motor graders feature a forward-mounted articulation joint and a rear-mounted cab.

Taking control of motor grader productivity

Traditionally, there was no substitute for experience when it came to motor grader operation. The conventional motor grader controls of the past weren’t that simple to learn and often overawed new operators. However, leading grader manufacturers have made significant headway in addressing the critical shortage of qualified operators by offering enhanced features to simplify grader operation, writes Munesu Shoko .

I n the past, it was an “art” to learn tra- ditional motor grader controls, but in recent years original equipment manu- facturers, through their advanced research and development regimes, have made motor grader operation simpler than in the old days. What really made older versions of motor graders difficult to operate? Yaroslav Chechik, Motor Grader Product Specialist at Caterpillar, says the main difficulty when working on a conventional

grader with a set of levers is to learn and remember all the functions of each of them and to multitask. To be more productive, the operator needs to perform several imple- ment movements at the same time. “It is a tough job when you have eight levers with a steering wheel in the middle of them and the task is to steer, lift the moldboard and rotate it at the same time, especially for the new operators. That is why operating the grader was called an art,”

says Chechik. Dale Oldridge, Product Marketing

Manager at Bell Equipment, says previously access to GPS positioning was a costly or non-existent option available in the market, which meant that there was greater onus on the grader operator to have the skill and technique to achieve the desired surface profile in the quickest possible time. “Improvements in hydraulics have allowed the traditional graders to move to fluid blade

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QUICK TAKE

In recent years, OEMs have simplified motor grader operation with machine/control platforms that are simple and intuitive

Cat joysticks have reduced the operator hand movement by 75%, which dramatically decreased operator fatigue and increased concentration on the moldboard positioning

Improvements in hydraulics have allowed the traditional graders to move to fluid blade move- ments from the previous mechanical operation

The main difficulty when working on a conven- tional grader with a set of levers is to learn and remember all the functions of each of them and to multitask

“It is a tough job when you have eight levers with a steering wheel in the middle of them and the task is to steer, lift the moldboard and rotate it at the same time, especially for the new operators. That is why operating the grader was called an art.” Yaroslav Chechik, Motor Grader Product Specialist at Caterpillar

movements from the previous mechanical operation. Automatic transmissions allow the operator to engage the grader in a specific gear requirement, which allows the operator to focus only on the blade control with limited need to control the vehicle itself,” explains Oldridge. “Having said that, there is still an element of ‘art’ associated with these machines as the operator does need to control a host of different settings in order to achieve the desired result at the highest productivity.” Antonio Strati, Graders Product Marketing Manager – CNH Industrial Construction Equipment for Europe Africa and Middle East, agrees that operating a motor grader requires a lot of skill and experience, bear- ing in mind the need to complete simulta-

neous operations, for example, to set the controls, while keeping an eye on the angle and height of the moldboard, at the same time. “The main challenge is to be produc- tive, ensuring good grading results in the process. Traditionally, only experienced operators were really able to ensure a good level of productivity,” says Strati. Simplified operation In recent years, OEMs have simplified motor grader operation with machine/ control platforms that are simple and intuitive. Several developments have been made in this regard. Bell Equipment has standardised on the “antler” control configuration, said to be the

“Bell Equipment has standardised on the ‘antler’ control configuration, the most common configuration in the market. To simplify the operation of the grader the 8 forward and 8 reverse gears can be pre-set.” Dale Oldridge, Product Marketing Manager at Bell Equipment

KEY TALKING POINTS

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MOTOR GRADERS

joysticks do not obstruct the view on the left and right side of the moldboard, allowing the operator to work without constantly moving his head up to be able to see over the levers,” adds Chechik. Continued evolution Simplified controls are only one of the latest innovations that can reduce the learning curve and simplify what has traditionally been a complex task, but overall, motor graders have evolved, making them easier to operate. What are the other areas where OEMs have improved their motor grader offerings to further make them easier to operate? Caterpillar offers two different series of graders on the market, K and M. The M series has the joystick controls, and the K series comes with conventional controls – levers and a steering wheel. The innovation that unites both series is the hydraulic ar- chitecture, Cat Proportional Priority Pressure Compensated (PPPC) hydraulics. It allows not only to combine different implement functions at the same time without signifi- cant loss of speed, but it has very predict- able speeds of implement movements. “Special design equals the speed of ex- tension and retraction of hydraulic cylinders, which is very highly appreciated by the operators, especially when doing jobs where high accuracy is needed,” explains Chechik. Meanwhile, Bell Equipment’s grader range has increased glass in the cab to im- Bell Equipment has standardised on the “antler” control configuration, said to be the most common configuration in the market.

Caterpillar’s K series comes with conventional controls – levers and a steering wheel.

most common configuration in the market. To simplify the operation of the grader the 8 forward and 8 reverse gears can be pre- set. “A lever on the side of the operator’s station can then be used to regulate the machine’s rpm so that there is no need for the operator to use the accelerator. This leaves the operator’s hands and feet free to control the blade,” says Oldridge. “Accura- cy, integration with other land preparation systems and cost savings due to less need for repeat work are the major advantages of this approach.” Oldridge, however, warns that chang- ing the controls too much can have an adverse effect on productivity and work quality, so Bell Equipment’s focus has been more on vital improvements to the way the operator works, rather than im- plementing complex changes that may, in the end, make it difficult for the operator to master. “That can have a negative impact on productivity,” he adds. Strati concurs that a grader is probably the most difficult construction machine to operate. Therefore, as far as the design of this piece of equipment is concerned, the task of the CASE designers is to create a comfortable and user-friendly working environment to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity – and ensuring superi- or precision can make the difference. “On CASE B series graders, the hydrau- lic control valve has been designed for grading applications, giving operators more

accurate control and a better feel of the work performed,” explains Strati. “As part of the product evolution, the layout of the controls has been improved significantly, po- sitioning them within easy reach and make them more intuitive, while maintaining the traditional low-effort 9-lever motor grader controls.” In addition, CASE motor graders feature a forward-mounted articulation joint and rear-mounted cab. The technical solution allows the operator to keep moving in the direction of travel; the operator is perma- nently aware of the articulation angle (25° to both sides) and also improves the mold- board visibility because the cab is located further back on the rear frame. Meanwhile, Chechik says more than 10 years ago, Caterpillar introduced the M se- ries motor graders and it was the first time a grader with no levers and steering wheel was put into production. “All the functions of the eight levers and the steering wheel were combined into two joysticks, which are very intuitive and the new operators get used to them much faster than to the levers,” explains Chechik. One of the major advantages of the joy- stick control system is increased productivity and quality of the job. Cat joysticks are said to have reduced the operator hand move- ment by 75%, which dramatically decreased operator fatigue and increased concentra- tion on the moldboard positioning. “The other very important advantage is visibility –

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 18