Capital Equipment News January 2019

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This year will see Wirtgen South Africa rolling out a simplified version of its Hamm 3410 single-drum compactor

While it retains the same German build quality, it will lose some of the expensive ‘bells and whistles’ to significantly lower its price

The roller market is currently averaging 16-18 units per month in southern Africa, which translates into about 200 rollers a year. Of that number, the 10-12 t range constitutes about 90% of the total sales

The simplification of the roller will allow for up to 15% price reduction compared with the full spec model

that the simplification of the model is driven by the company’s commitment to capacitating upcoming local contractors with German built machines at affordable prices. The initiative is a true indicator of Wirtgen’s commitment to small contractor development, which is in line with its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African National Road Agency (SANRAL) signed last year on 19 October. Wirtgen and SANRAL’s MoU is aimed at giving CIDB-graded contractors access to road construction machinery which enables them to participate more meaningfully in major construction SANRAL projects. The agreement also affords small to medium construction contractors full access to the Wirtgen Group’s full suite of leading equipment brands, as well as financing, training and logistics. “We have had a look at the needs of this group of customers and we believe that the 3410 is the leading line as far as their compaction equipment needs are concerned,” says Kukard. To give an idea, the roller market is currently averaging

16-18 units per month in southern Africa, which translates into about 200 rollers a year. Of that number, the 10-12 t range constitutes about 90% of the total sales. “We have looked at the features required and have resolved to offer some of the more sophisticated features as options as opposed to having them standard. Kukard, however, notes that the roller range will still be manufactured in Germany, in line with Wirtgen’s quality standards. Stripped features Notable features that will be offered as options on the Hamm 3410 single-drum compactor are the Automatic Vibration feature and the Hamm Compaction Meter. The move will now place more control with the operator. A further option which requires the Automatic Vibration and Compaction Meter as standard, the HCQ, is also available. “The Hammtronic electronic machine management system (HCQ) is designed to monitor all engine and vehicle functions and adapts the traction and vibration/oscillation drives as well

“The benefits of the 3-point articulation can be seen every day in many situations on the construction site. One plus factor is the favourable weight distribution – it makes for enormous driving stability and ensures outstanding traction, even in rough terrain.”

Waylon Kukard, sales manager at Wirtgen South Africa

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JANUARY 2019 21