Capital Equipment News January 2019

COVER STORY

precise blade movement. For increased reliability, the A-frame designed drawbar provides strength in all blade positions. “A key talking point is the Proportional Priority Pressure Compensating (PPPC) Valves which contain specifically cut spools for motor grader applications, continuously matching of hydraulic flow and pressure to power demands, allowing ease of multi-function control for optimising working efficiency,” explains Riccardo Letchman, dealer development manager at Barloworld SEM. Aftermarket and brand strategy To better support its growing range of machines in the market, SEM Barloworld is expanding its support footprint with the appointment of dealers across major regions in South Africa. “We have expanded our dealer footprint to about 17 dealers during 2018. We are looking at further boosting the complement to 21 during 2019,” says Letchman. “Of note is that all our channel partners are multi-branded dealers who already have existing customers and knowledge of the markets that we target.” Fang says with the new range, SEM has created machines that are ideal for a wide range of conditions across Africa, as well as offering great value for money. “Maintenance costs on the tractor, for instance, are reduced by 60% compared with competing models designed with torque converter and transmission. The attention to detail in strengthening the machines, extending component life and facilitating easier and faster service will repay the investment many times over for customers,” says Fang. “Our brand strategy is based on transferring cost savings back to the customer. These are all sturdy machines that make the most of what modern engineering can offer. Our pricing is generally 40-60% of premium offerings, but without compromising quality,” adds Fang. From an industry level, SEM has a number of targeted markets, including agriculture and materials handling, among others. “We have a right product for the right application, coming in at the right price for the agricultural sector. Our second target market is the materials handling sector, including the aggregate industry, coal handling sector, cement, sand and stone, brick handling and readymix concrete industries, among others,” concludes Fang. b

“Our brand strategy is based on transferring cost savings back to the customer. These are all sturdy machines that make the most of what modern engineering can offer. Our pricing is generally 40-60% of premium offerings, but without compromising quality.”

Barry Fang, business manager at Barloworld SEM

“Reliability is a key design focus area on the SEM 510. This is achieved via its hydrostatic drive system which features a world class variable displacement piston pump and motors. In terms of productivity, the dual amplitude and a frequency vibration system enable the operator to achieve better compaction. The up to 45% grading ability allows efficient work on slopes and uneven terrain.”

Ewan Bradley, national key accounts at Barloworld SEM

“We have expanded our dealer footprint to about 17 dealers during 2018. We are looking at further boosting the complement to 21 during 2019. Of note is that all our channel partners are multi-branded dealers who already have existing customers and knowledge of the markets that we target.”

Riccardo Letchman, dealer development manager at Barloworld SEM

the SEM wheel loaders includes: a 93 desert-type air cleanser providing machine reliability in severe conditions; simplifying the countershaft transmission structure to reduce maintenance costs; and relocating the hydraulic oil tank to extend the hydraulic pump life. The loaders’ SEM-designed and built axle provides 10 callipers, improving brake performance and extending service life. The track-type tractors, 816D and 822D combine a high level of efficiency and manoeuvrability, thanks to the hydrostatic drive system and multifunctional joystick. The tractors’ electronic control module facilitates quick troubleshooting and easy access to components enables faster overall maintenance time.

“The tractors’ radiator boasts a new advanced cooling system designed to operate at ambient temperatures from -43°C to +50°C. The semi-universal blade combines an S-blade’s excellent penetration with a U-blade’s high production capacity. The L-shaped push arms position the blade closer to the machine, offering greater manoeuvrability, balance and blade penetration. Durable final drive bearings and multiple wet disc brakes enhance reliability, reducing system heat and extending overall life,” explains Fang. Leveraging Caterpillar’s designing and experience in MG tandem axle, the SEM 919 motor grader offers high productivity, thanks to its load sensing hydraulic system which provides consistent and

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JANUARY 2019 6