Capital Equipment News February 2019

EDITOR'S COMMENT

OPERATOR IS KING

A t the invitation of Barloworld the innovations that the OEM will be rolling out at the upcoming bauma Munich 2019. Apart from the exciting and wide range of equipment, technology and services that empower and encourage equipment users to ‘Rewrite the Rules’ of the jobsite, one of the key takeaways for me was Caterpillar’s particular attention to operator comfort in today’s machine designs. Not that long ago operator comfort played a minor role in influencing buying decisions. An operator was never part of the equation as far as procurement decisions were concerned. With Caterpillar’s understanding that operators have a 30% influence on jobsite costs, today’s machine designs pay a lot of attention to ergonomics. A case in point is the new, fully automatic D6 dozer. Both powertrains on the D6 range offer unprecedented ease of operation. The operator simply sets the ground speed and the dozer continuously optimises for maximum power and efficiency based on load. With electric drive, there are no gears to shift. The fully automatic 4-speed power train optimises the transmission without the operator having to worry about shifting. Operator comfort is key, which makes features like AC, heating and comfortable, adjustable seats important. Additional features like enhanced visibility, a quiet cab and machine, and a cab that is spacious and easy to get in and out of promote operator safety and comfort. In the past, all these features were deemed trivial when equipment owners considered what to buy. With a 30% influence on jobsite costs, Equipment, I recently attended Caterpillar’s pre-bauma event in Malaga, Spain, to get a glimpse of

surely an operator is king. You have made a huge investment in equipment, and to get the most value out of the big-ticket assets, you need an ergonomic environment that keeps the operator productive and healthy. Today, providing a properly equipped work environment is an important priority for companies that rely on capital equipment for their businesses. At stake is the health and productivity of operators. The seat-bound nature of dedicated operator work, the demanding work pace of today’s projects, and the long work hours that come with the job can take their toll. Musculoskeletal strain and stress-related ailments can cause absenteeism, insurance claims and even legal recourse. By applying ergonomics, you can boost the productivity of the operators, improve morale, reduce absenteeism and lower medical costs. All it takes is asking the right questions, judicious purchasing and common sense. Along with comfortable machines, operator training takes priority for forward-thinking companies. OEMs and dealers are leading from the front in that regard. Caterpillar is investing in training programmes, as well as reward, recognition and incentive programmes for operators. Locally, Barloworld Equipment trains operators from all over southern Africa at its Caterpillar Certified Operator Training Academy. Both the OEM and the dealer reiterate that operator training is of great importance. Skilled operators have been proven to use 10-12% less fuel per day, while they work five to six times faster than their unskilled counterparts. A skilled operator also reduces wear and tear on engines, transmission, tyres and undercarriage, while enhancing overall jobsite safety. b

Munesu Shoko – Editor

capnews@crown.co.za

@CapEquipNews

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2019 2