Capital Equipment News July 2019

For informed decision-making JULY 2019

EXPANDING LOCAL PRODUCTION

TOWER CRANES: Towering above market needs

MATERIALS HANDLING – FORESTRY: Boosting operational and training capacity

TRUCK RENTAL SCANIA RENTAL – DRIVING FLEXIBILITY PAGE 20

BACKHOE LOADERS: The rise of value backhoe loader offerings

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EXPANDING LOCAL PRODUCTION

19 Anton Niemann on using technology to adapt in even the toughest conditions 23 Maintenance contracts – Keeping MHE operations running smoothly. By Darryl Shafto 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: Ano Shumba Publisher: Karen Grant Deputy publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis FEATURES THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

COMMENT 2 Little things with big impact cover 4 Expanding local production tower cranes 8 Towering above market needs materials handling – Forestry 12 Boosting operational and training capacity backhoe loaders 16 The rise of value backhoe loader offerings Truck rental 20 Scania Rental – Driving flexibility fleet management 24 Driving machine management and telematics solutions Electrification 30 A strategic approach to electrification interview 34 Upping the stakes

Circulation: Karen Smith

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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.

NEWS

mining news 36 Optimising screen economy 37 Bell wins Exporter of the Year awards construction news 38 Yanmar acquires ASV transport 39 New FAW 6.130 FL impresses Careful Carriers agriculture news 40 Bobcat digs in with major savings

Total circulation Q1 2019: 4 595

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EDITOR'S COMMENT

LITTLE THINGSWITH BIG IMPACT

T he big focus on health and safety by the majority of capital equip- ment users across the board is commendable. Strict health and safety regimes are apparent at several sites we get to visit. However, there are some little things we tend to overlook and often they result in big problems – the impact can range from easily fixed with minimal losses to catastrophic, depending on factors like repair costs, total downtime, impact on production, as well as health and safety implications. I recently visited a leading industrial tools manufacturer and got to witness the work it does in terms of calibrating its customers’ industrial tools. My key takeaway from the visit was that the significance of using proper torque values for your bolts and nuts is enormous. Remember each bolt or nut you tighten has calculated torque values specifically designed for it. Whether installing the lug bolts on your truck after removing a tyre, replacing screen media on your screen, or doing an engine or transmission rebuild, every component hardware has a torque value. Most importantly, both under and over- torqueing a bolt can cause a catastrophic failure, therefore it is imperative to tighten each bolt or nut to the manufacturers’ specified values. The effects of under and over-torque- ing can be catastrophic. Imagine an 18-wheeler heavy commercial vehicle with under-torqued tyres, for example, coming loose and flying into the road, hitting other vehicles and causing injuries and even death! It is therefore important that the tightening tools, as insignificant as they sound, be given proper attention through regular calibrations by certified service providers. Pneumatic and electric tools need to be measured and verified at regular intervals. This ensures that the tools function correctly and precisely.

This procedure is essential because of the ultimate consequences of not carrying it out. Only tools that have been properly serviced and adjusted ensure proper production results and avoid incorrect tightening, which might be expensive and safety-critical. But how often should calibration of tools take place? It is not possible to give a general answer to this question as a calibration result always represents a glimpse of current conditions and change over time. The calibration intervals required depend on a number of factors including admissible tolerances, stability of past calibration results, accuracy required and quality assurance requirements, among others. This means that calibration intervals depend on the user and the specific application and need to be individually determined and monitored. Normally, the company’s quality manager is responsible for this task. In the case of new equipment, it may be beneficial to adapt the calibration intervals gradually to reflect actual conditions. For quality assurance in production and traceability of results, in their manufacturing processes OEMs ensure that any equipment used is calibrated at multiple points across its working range. Failure to calibrate or improper calibration may result in big liabilities as a result of failures. In comparison, there is a general sentiment that some end users are not doing their part as far as this is concerned. Calibrations are often seen as a waste of time and a cost factor. However, this view changes as soon as capital equipment owners incur huge losses through accidents, for example, as a result of wrong torque values on your bolts and nuts. Thus, calibration is vitally important wherever tightening tools are used. Look out for a feature on this topic in the August edition of Capital Equipment News .

Munesu Shoko – Editor

capnews@crown.co.za

@CapEquipNews

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 2

COVER STORY

To shorten lead times for its sand and aggregates customers operating in Africa and the Middle East, Weir Minerals Africa has added Trio screens to its local production line-up in Africa, writes Munesu Shoko . EXPANDING LOCAL PRODUCTION

A s part of its drive to increase local production, Weir Minerals Africa now manufactures Trio ® screens at its Alrode, Johannesburg facility. Rajen Govender, marketing director at Weir Minerals Africa, says local manufacturing is one of the key focus areas for the company, and the venture will see several previously imported products being manufactured locally. Weir Minerals Africa offers two ranges of comminution equipment; Enduron ® and Trio ® . The Alrode facility has been manufacturing Enduron ® screens since 2012. According to Tiisetso Masekwameng, Product Manager – Trio/Enduron Comminution Products at Weir Minerals Africa, a sizeable amount of CAPEX has been invested into the existing facility to further capacitate the screen assembly bay. “A large proportion of the CAPEX went into the tooling, testing facilities and the cranage,” explains Masekwameng. “In addition, the provision of labour to support the expanded manufacturing activities was required, which feeds directly into the company’s local employment creation drive.” Local production of Trio ® screens commenced in December 2018. Later this

year, Weir Minerals Africa will start local production of Trio ® conveyors and apron feeders. “Trio conveyors and apron feeders will be the next batch of products to join the local production line-up. We will start with conveyors in July, which will be followed by apron feeders later in the year,” explains Masekwameng. Why local production? Masekwameng says Weir Minerals’ local production project is driven by a number of reasons. “Firstly, manufacturing locally means that the control is in our hands,” she says. “Secondly, production of the screens in South Africa was a natural progression, especially considering that the Weir Minerals’ Technology Group for screens development is based in South Africa. “All the screen design and engineering is done centrally from our Isando offices where the expertise sits. It made sense to produce these screens locally because the expertise is already based here in South Africa,” says Masekwameng. However, she adds that the big drive behind local production is shortening of lead times for customers. Masekwameng says manufacturing locally removes the “Local production means that we can turn around finished products at a faster and more reliable rate, which is key for our customers. Reducing lead times empowers us to improve reliability. Customers appreciate that they don’t have to worry about delayed shipments or long wait times between placing an order and having it fulfilled.”

uncertainty related to shipping periods. She reasons that quick lead times are critical, especially for sand and aggregates customers. The majority of the aggregates industry across Africa is driven by owner decisions and as opportunities arise, owners need to be responsive to capitalise on them. “With local production of Trio screens, apron feeders and conveyors, we are now better equipped to deliver on these requirements, offering strong, flexible and innovative solutions,” says Masekwameng. “Local production means that we can turn around finished products at a faster and more reliable rate, which is key for our customers. Reducing lead times empowers us to improve reliability. Customers appreciate that they don’t have to worry about delayed shipments or long wait times between placing an order and having it fulfilled,” she adds.

Tiisetso Masekwameng, Product Manager – Trio/Enduron Comminution Products at Weir Minerals Africa

TALKING POINTS

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 4

As part of its drive to ramp up local production, Weir Minerals Africa has started the local manufacture of Trio ® screens at its Alrode, Johannesburg facility

The Alrode facility has been manufacturing Enduron ® screens since 2012

The big drive behind local production is shortening lead times for customers

Later this year, Weir Minerals Africa will start local production of Trio ® conveyors and apron feeders

QUICK TAKE

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 5

COVER STORY

On the floor The first Trio ® screen to be manufactured locally is the TIO6162. The 3,5-t double- deck screen will be deployed at a hard limestone crushing plant in the UAE. The machine’s screen body is designed to eliminate stress fatigue. Side plates are made of hot rolled steel; plasma cut and have CNC punched holes with stiffener plates around the vibrating mechanism. One piece cambered deck frames are fabricated steel, stress relieved and huck bolted to the side plates. The second machine on the floor when we visited the assembly facility was the Enduron ® DHG27/64, weighing 14 t, and measuring 2,7 m high by 6,4 m wide. The machine is engineered to order, and will be deployed in a chrome application. “In terms of application, we went through a rigorous process of design and engineering with the client to make sure that the machine meets the exact specification,” says Masekwameng. The machine has a 95% efficiency with a linear motion. Quality and safety In manufacturing, quality control is a process that ensures customers receive products free of defects and which meet their needs. Weir Minerals Africa employs stringent quality control processes – from materials to manufacturing, assembly and final testing. In terms of quality, the Weir Minerals Africa facility is ISO 9001:2015 accredited. The ISO 9001:2015 certification reiterates that the primary focus of an organisation’s quality management programme is to meet customer requirements, and exceed expectations in terms of the quality of products and services. The standard expects organisations to understand their objectives before establishing a quality management system. This, in turn, requires companies to take a fresh look at their current quality processes. External and internal issues that affect quality are considered with end goals defined towards achieving consistent customer satisfaction. This is central to Weir Minerals’ operating philosophy. “These accreditations are not easy to attain. They are a true measure of our commitment to product quality. We always make sure that every product delivered to the customer is of the highest quality,” says Masekwameng. Safety is also a very important parameter at the facility. The Weir Minerals’ facility is OHSA 18001 accredited, which is a strong

Weir Minerals Africa now manufactures Trio ® screens at its Alrode facility.

The provision of labour to support expanded manufacturing activities was required, which feeds directly into the company’s local employment creation drive.

Weir Minerals Africa employs stringent quality control processes – from materials to manufacturing, assembly and final testing.

sign of the company’s commitment to its employees’ health and safety. OHSAS 18001 certification enables the company to manage operational health and safety risks and improve performance. In 2018, Weir Minerals Africa achieved a TIR (Total Injury Frequency Rate) of 0,12 – far below the targeted 0,5. TIR is a

calculation used in industry which takes into account the number of lost time and medical treatment injuries measured against the total hours worked on a monthly basis. “Weir Minerals Africa has a safety-first culture that is demonstrated by these closely monitored statistics,” concludes Masekwameng. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 6

TOWER CRANES

Like Comansa’s most recent large models, the 21LC1400 features a modular design of the counterjib to highly reduce the counter-radius in constrained jobsites.

Towering above market needs

The construction industry is hogging much limelight across the world, especially in developing markets, and associated sectors are enjoying the perks. The tower crane sector is one of those reaping big benefits. As demonstrated at bauma 2019, manufacturers continue to revolutionise their offerings with superior technology to meet the changing needs of the market, writes Munesu Shoko .

T ower cranes have always been prominent tools on global construction sites. A tower crane is generally a simple machine, but what astonish- es builders is its ability to perform at a varying height from a limited area. In recent years, its specifications have grabbed the eyes of the transportation sector as well, whereit has been recognised for its ability to move oversized objects with ease. Industrialisation and urban expansion, in sync at breakneck speed, are causing rapid growth in the construction sector, with emerging economies particularly enjoying the fruits of the uptick. As an associated industry, the tower crane market is profiting much. According to a report published by Market Research Future, the global tower crane market will experience a steady 4,3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2018 and 2023 and scale a market valuation of US$22,2-billion. With 40,64% of the global market share, Asia Pacific is the tower crane haven, while significant growth will also be recorded in Middle East and Africa. By type, the tower crane market can be segmented into self-erecting, flat-top, hammerhead and luffing jib tower cranes. According to Market Research Future, self- erecting cranes have the largest market share of about US$7-billion, which could go up to US$7,2-billion by 2023

at a CAGR of 4,24%. However, the luffing jib tower crane market, with 4,56% CAGR during the forecast period, is going to register the fastest market growth and is expected to scale a US$5,3-billion market valuation. As the market grows, so has been the offerings from several leading tower crane manufacturers, especially in technological development. New exhibits by original equipment manufacturers like Liebherr, Comansa and Manitowoc at bauma 2019 indicated the wave of technological advancements in this range of equipment. Biggest self-erecting As the global market for self-erecting cranes continues to lift higher than other types of tower cranes, Liebherr used bauma 2019 to present its new 125 K – with a radius of 55 m and a maximum hook height of 65,5 m, it is said to be currently the largest fast-erecting crane on the market. The new 125 K has been specially developed for civil engineering requirements such as road traffic bridges and commercial, as well as industrial building construction. In this field, high load capacities and large radii are required for projects with limited lead times. The 125 K has a considerable initial hook height of 29,5 m as standard. Five tower sections can be additionally inserted to reach a total hook height of

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 8

Liebherr used bauma 2019 to present its new 125 K, said to be currently the largest fast-erecting crane on the market.

QUICK TAKE

4,3% compound annual growth rate

The global tower crane market will experience a steady 4,3% compound annual growth rate between 2018 and 2023 and scale a market valuation of US$22,2-billion

41,5 m. This means that even major construction projects can be mastered. If the hook height still isn’t sufficient, the 30° luffed jib position enables an impressive 65,5 m hook height. The Liebherr crane has an 8 000 kg maximum load capacity and with a 55-m radius at the jib head, it is able to lift 1 300 kg thanks to its Load-Plus function. Its flexibility is also demonstrated by its five radius options, ranging from 35 to 55 m. Construction site conditions are becoming increasingly tight and therefore require construction cranes to have compact dimensions to match. With its 3,2 m slewing radius, the Liebherr 125 K fast-erecting crane is consequently able to fit into very small spaces. Thanks to its variable slewing radius, which can be extended to 4 m, the amount of transportable ballast can be reduced – which in turn reduces costs. In addition to familiar features such as the Micromove fine positioning mode and Liebherr’s two-line operation Speed2Lift, further improvements have also been thought out in detail: for example, site lighting is now available with LED floodlights to ensure even better site illumination. Until now, large fast-erecting cranes could only be transported via semi-trailer. As not every customer has access to a suitable tractor vehicle, Liebherr has now expanded the transport options: the 125 K can also be towed as a trailer by a conventional truck. For this, Liebherr Tower Cranes now offers a new solution,

2019

2021

2023

Self-erecting cranes have the largest market share of about US$7-billion, which could go up to US$7,2-billion by 2023

US$7- billion

US$7,2- billion

GROWTH

With a radius of 55 m and a maximum hook height of 65,5 m, Liebherr’s new 125 K is said to be the largest fast-erecting crane currently on the market

55 M RADIUS

HEIGHT OF 65,5 M

Manitowoc used bauma 2019 to unveil its new Potain MDT 809, the largest topless crane ever built by the manufacturer

Comansa’s new 21LC1400 will be available worldwide from September this year and will come in two versions, with maximum load capacity of 50 or 66 t

MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITY OF 50 OR 66 T

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 9

TOWER CRANES

standard container. The whole crane transports in either 10 or 11 containers, depending on the winch option selected, which is four to five fewer containers than is typically required for a crane of this size. Smart design features to aid shipping include protective packaging for the jib sections; optimised space usage for containerisation and a cab that rotates for transport. The crane also has a new 8 m cross base that offers the performance characteristics of a 10 m chassis, but which requires only one container for transport. The Potain MDT 809 is not only fast to transport, but also fast to assemble once on site: typically, around twice as fast as other 40 t cranes and also requiring less space. With its full complement of jib, the crane can be assembled at a 50 m working height in less than three days. The 8 m cross base is not only easier to transport but also faster to set up than the 10 m alternative. There are dedicated slinging points on the crane to aid on-site assembly and jib sections can be assembled either on the ground or in the air, depending on site conditions and available space. The rotating cab and easy-connect points for the counterjib further simplify erection. Options for assembling the jib range from the 30 m minimum up to the 80 m maximum in 5 m sections. “We have designed the jib not only to be easier to assemble but also to make it easier to service,” says Le Besnerais. “Overall, the MDT 809 represents a new way of thinking in terms of high- capacity topless cranes. It is ideal for large construction sites yet also offers an ability to be assembled on projects where space is constrained. We are already seeing strong interest from the construction, industrial and shipyard sectors.” From the range of regular frequency- controlled hoists, options for the crane span from the 100LVF to the 270LVF. An optional 150HPL is also offered, from the High Performance Lifting range, for the ultimate in speed and strength. The winch options give the crane a maximum available capacity of 25 t, 32 t or 40 t. Tip loads of up to 9 t are available at the 80 m maximum. With the new reinforced K-mast system, freestanding heights of up to 80 m are possible. Users can choose from a two-fall configuration on the trolley for faster duty-cycle lifting, or four-falls for heavy lifting. Inside the cab a simple push- button solution enables the operator to activate the cable-tensioning system

The MDT 809 is one of the most significant Potain tower crane launches of recent times.

the LiTRAX axle system. Liebherr has developed a new 80 km/h high-speed axle that is suitable for the current fast-erecting crane range. It can be used in a modular manner and consists of three units: a front axle as well as one rigid and one steerable rear axle. The axle system is equipped with state-of-the-art operation safety technology such as an electronic braking system that ensures fast response when braking. The highlight, however, is the electronic stability control system. Sensors measure the lateral acceleration and detect tilting tendencies early on. Breaking intervention is specifically applied to individual tyres and the axle is stabilised. This prevents loss of control, especially in the case of unexpected braking manoeuvres or difficult weather conditions, and therefore ensures a significant increase in crane transport safety. Manitowoc’s largest topless Towering over the Manitowoc stand at bauma 2019 was the new Potain MDT 809, the largest topless crane ever built by the manufacturer. While delivering unprecedented lift capacity and reach, the new crane also boasts an advanced design that provides reduced operating costs and easier assembly for owners. Thibaut Le Besnerais, Manitowoc’s global product director for Tower Cranes,

says the introduction of the MDT 809 marks another significant development from the leading crane manufacturer. “The MDT 809 is one of the most significant Potain tower crane launches of recent times. Over the past 10 years we have seen consistent growth in demand for topless cranes, with customers benefiting from their fast assembly and compact design, which makes it easier to get more cranes onto a job site to complete work quicker,” he says. “Alongside this we have seen an increase in modular construction, with contractors needing to lift heavier loads. It’s clear to us that there is strong demand for bigger topless cranes. But we wanted to be sure that any new model we launch not only satisfied demand for greater capacity, but also preserved the easy transport, fast assembly and industry- leading performance our other topless cranes deliver. The MDT 809 provides all that and more.” With its highly optimised assembly and disassembly, owners can install the crane on site in the shortest possible time and move it off site rapidly once work is completed. Alongside that, the crane offers up to 40 t of lift capacity and can accommodate up to 80 m of jib. For transport, the crane is especially compact, with everything but the slewing mechanism capable of travelling in a

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 10

The Crane Control System, with its customisable operator profiles, offers simpler commissioning, load curve P+ functionality and much more.

automatically. This is particularly useful for long-running job sites, where tensioning is required more frequently. The Crane Control System (CCS) features too, with its customisable operator profiles; simpler commissioning; load curve P+ functionality and much more. Comansa’s large flat-top Comansa announced during bauma 2019 the upcoming addition of another model to its wide range of large flat-top tower cranes. The new 21LC1400 will be available worldwide from September this year and will come in two versions, with maximum load capacity of 50 or 66 t. The main expected application of the 21LC1400 is to work in prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) and infrastructure projects, but

The new Quick Set will be available as an option in all flat-top models of the LC range and will be an important benefit for rental companies who have to dismantle their cranes and move them to another jobsite very often. At bauma 2019, Comansa also displayed its 50 t flat-top model, the 21LC1050, which was said to be the largest hammerhead crane at the show. The crane has a maximum radius of 80 m with optional radius of 85 and 90 m, and is designed mainly for large industrial, infrastructure and PPVC projects, among others. The exhibited crane was sold with full jib and mast configuration to rental company BKL Baukran Logistik, which will supply it to an upcoming modular construction jobsite of German contractor Klebl in Berlin. b

the new model will also provide the best performance in any other site in which it is necessary to lift very heavy loads. Like Comansa’s most recent large models, the 21LC1400 will feature a modular design of the counterjib to highly reduce the counter-radius in constrained jobsites. A new single and compact trolley has also been designed for the 21LC1400 instead of Comansa’s double trolley system, standard in other models, as the new crane will work mainly in projects in which the maximum load capacity is needed in almost every lift, like PPVC. Also announced at bauma 2019 was the upcoming Quick Set, an electronic limitation system that will reduce the set-up time of the cranes from three hours to 45 minutes, and will also reduce the number of staff during such operation.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 11

MATERIALS HANDLING – FORESTRY

The new Liebherr LH 60 M Timber Litronic becomes the first machine in Forestry Plant & Equipment’s fleet to work with a trailer.

Boosting operational and training capacity As part of its consistent fleet replacement programme, Forestry Plant & Equipment has taken delivery of the first Liebherr LH 60 M Timber Litronic in the country. Key influencers of the buying decision were the machine’s electronic control system, which adds value to the company’s training regime, as well as the machine’s ability to work with a trailer – the first one in the fleet capable of doing so – thus significantly boosting productivity, writes Munesu Shoko .

O ne of South Africa’s leading LH 60 M log loader in South Africa. That brings to 10 the number of log loaders the specialist forestry contractor has bought from Liebherr-Af- rica in 10 years, making it the biggest owner of Liebherr’s log loaders in South Africa. Bear in mind this is a specialised type of machine, with only a single or two units sold per year in the country. mechanised forestry contractors, Nelspruit-headquartered Forestry Plant & Equipment, has become the first recipient of Liebherr’s new

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 12

Phillip Hall (centre), takes delivery of the new machine from the Liebherr-Africa team.

The unit has since been deployed to work at Sappi’s Ngodwana mill, where Forestry Plant & Equipment is contracted to provide materials handling services at the mill’s wood yard – unloading timber from trucks and rail, as well as feeding the timber into hoppers. Forestry Plant & Equipment has been working at this site for about 10 years now, handling about 1,7-million tonnes of timber per year – in actual fact the capacity is 3,4-million tonnes because it is double handled. The contractor has maintained a 90% availability on this particular site. “The new Liebherr LH 60 M Timber Litronic comes as part of our ongoing fleet replacement programme. We roll in a new machine every year. We started with five and have been replacing them along the way. Replacement is a necessity because uptime is a big parameter for the job that we do. We also have to closely monitor our costs. We use a service interval monitor, where we look at the annualised costs and the cost of running the machine as a replacement yardstick. Ours is not a general hourly-based replacement cycle – machines behave differently, some run cost-effectively for more hours than others,” says Phillip Hall, CEO and founder of Forestry Plant & Equipment. Forestry Plant & Equipment is a family- owned business started by Phillip and his wife Mary Hall some 20 years ago. The company brought plant rental into

Forestry Plant & Equipment has taken delivery of the first Liebherr LH 60 M Timber Litronic in South Africa

10 brought in 10 years

This brings to 10 the number of log leaders the specialist forestry contractor has bought from Liebherr-Africa in 10 years

A key feature which influenced the buying decision was the machine’s electronic controls, which will significantly add value in training operators

With its twin engine travel drive, which offers greater pulling power at maximum speed, the LH 60 M Timber Litronic will become the first machine in Forestry Plant & Equipment’s fleet to draw a trailer, thus increasing productivity significantly

QUICK TAKE

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 13

MATERIALS HANDLING

the forestry industry in 1999, initially specialising in renting out equipment to forestry contractors. In 2005, it expanded its scope to include harvesting, with the intention to mechanise the forestry industry and today it is one of the largest mechanised forestry contractors in South Africa. “We have continuously strived to improve mechanised forestry equipment, systems and methods. Our expertise in the capital equipment industry allows us to continuously innovate in our industry,” explains Hall. Why Liebherr LH 60 M Timber Litronic? Before acquiring the new LH 60 M Timber Litronic, Hall travelled to Germany to have a look at the new offering and

was really impressed with what he saw. The machine appealed to him for two major reasons – firstly, its ability to tow a trailer, which significantly boosts productivity and economics, and secondly, its customisable electronic controls, a key enabler in Forestry Plant & Equipment’s operator training drive. The new LH 60 M will become Forestry advantages of the new machine for us is that we are able to hook a trailer on it. Conventionally, log loaders carry the payload on the grab only. With the trailer we can now carry an additional 20 t of volume that we are able to move from point A to B in one go, which is very cost-effective, especially when moving Plant & Equipment’s first machine to draw a trailer. “One of the key

logs on long distances,” explains Hall. Hall adds that the machine’s dual drive makes it strong enough to draw a trailer. The machine’s twin motor travel drive gives it greater pulling power at maximum speed. It also allows for more efficient driving without gear shifting for fluid working operation. With an engine output of 200 kW, the system has maximum torque for high speeds at its disposal. The stepless drivetrain also maintains the speed at a constant level in the optimum range for maximum acceleration with consistently high pulling power. In this way, a high level of driving performance can be consistently drawn upon even on gradients. The combination of a 200-kW engine output and a high pump delivery rate guarantees maximum acceleration and high speed of the working movements. The standard 4-wheel steering provides great agility and manoeuvrability of the log loader, even in the tightest of spaces often found in timber yards. Furthermore, the 4-wheel steering increases driving stability. Another key factor in Hall’s decision to opt for the machine is its controls, which he believes will add great value to the company’s training programme. “The machine controls are electrically operated and we can customise them, especially for our operator training,” says Hall. “A major difference with the previous Liebherr 994 is that the new LH 60 M Timber Litronic has electronic controls instead of hydraulic ones found on the previous range. Electronic controls make the machine more precise, faster and efficient, which improves both fuel efficiency and production output,” says Stephen Tait, sales representative Earthmoving Equipment at Liebherr- Africa. Tait says in timber yards, where space is often at a premium, precision and fine control are especially important. The 4-way mini-joystick, with its proportional control, offers efficient operation of the machine. Functions such as support and joystick steering are controlled via two mini- joysticks. Hall says he is very excited about the new machine. “We feel that the machine will make a big difference for us in our training programme. We can slow the controls down and change some of the functionalities to suit our needs. We have to keep training the youth and give them the opportunities they deserve. If as a business we stop training, we will die.

The new Liebherr LH 60 M Timber Litronic comes as part of Forestry Plant & Equipment’s fleet replacement programme.

Forestry Plant & Equipment has bought a total of 10 Liebherr log loaders in the past 10 years.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 14

With that in mind, training remains a big part of our focus,” says Hall. Reiterating the importance of training, Hall makes special mention of Forestry Plant & Equipment’s female training programme, which has greatly diversified the company’s operator workforce with some great results. “Some six years ago we started with our female operator training programme and I am glad to announce that 30% of our operators are now female, including one supervisor. Our intention is to get to 50% in the next two years,” says Hall. He adds that the female training programme has ushered in new operational gains, with female operators generally achieving better fuel consumption than their male counterparts, while the machine breakdown rate has also reduced significantly. Key features Tendayi Kudumba, GM: Earthmoving Equipment at Liebherr-Africa, says Liebherr’s experience, understanding of customer needs and the technical implementation of these findings have resulted in the new LH 60 M Timber Litronic. For decades, Liebherr has been

ahead of the industry with its knowledge of production and system solutions. Key components such as the diesel engine, electronic components, slew ring, swivel drive and hydraulic cylinders are developed and produced by Liebherr itself. “The great depth of in-house manufacturing guarantees maximum quality and ensures that components are optimally configured to each other,” says Kudumba. He highlights some of the key features that speak directly to operational economy – the Liebherr-Synchron-Comfort system (LSC) and the Liebherr-Power Efficiency (LPE). The cleverly engineered machine control system, the LSC, assures optimum adaptation of the hydraulics to the respective deployment scenario. “Here, the new 2-circuit LSC with LUDV-technology (flow distribution independent of load pressure) provides optimum distribution of the pump delivery rate with superimposed movements, translating into less fuel consumption compared with the previous model. Speed and strength are also there when they are needed,” says Kudumba. Meanwhile, the LPE optimises interaction of the drive components to maximise efficiency.

With reliability in mind, Tait explains that the new machine comes with clever control electronics which permanently monitor the vital functions of the machine to guarantee a high level of machine availability. With comfort in mind, the machine comes with a standard slewing gear brake comfort control, which allows selection between different modes – manual, semi-automatic and automatic. “In manual mode, the standard slewing gear brake can be opened and closed with a button on the joystick. In semiautomatic mode the slewing gear brake can be closed manually but can also be opened automatically when the uppercarriage is moved via the joystick control,” says Tait. automatically when the predefined time, set by the operator, has passed and the uppercarriage has stopped moving. It can be opened automatically as soon as the uppercarriage is moved via the joystick control. By opening and closing the slewing gear brake automatically the operator can work faster and more safely with less effort,” concludes Tait. b “The automatic mode allows the slewing gear brake to be closed

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BACKHOE LOADERS

The rise of value backhoe loader offerings

That the cutthroat South African backhoe loader market has always been dominated by premium brands is no point of contention. However, value brands have announced themselves with a competitively priced yet quality offering that speaks directly to the needs of emerging contractors, writes Munesu Shoko .

T he backhoe loader segment is a lucrative, but fiercely contested market in South Africa. It is approximately a 1 700 unit market per year, but with close to 20 competitors vying for a share. Traditionally, it has always been dominated by premium brands, but in recent years value brands have successfully challenged for a share of the market, armed with competitively priced solutions that meet the needs of the emerging contractor market. Another talking point is the world-class aftersales service regimes with which these brands are supported. Some of the leading premium names in this market segment include JCB, Caterpillar, Komatsu, CASE Construction and Bell Equipment, among others. However,

in recent years, SDLG, LiuGong, XCMG and Mahindra, are among some of the value names that have announced themselves in the local backhoe loader market. Equipped with their new generation offerings, which come with an array of upgrades, SDLG, LiuGong and XCMG are particularly in the hunt for an increased foothold in this market segment. As far as their growth is concerned, generally the trend within the global construction market is for customers wanting machinery that costs less and capable of undertaking less rugged jobs where premium machines are not essential. According to David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s equipment division, this is basically the case with the backhoe loader market. Vaughan reasons that, by its very nature a backhoe loader is not a high production

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QUICK TAKE

The backhoe loader segment is a lucrative, but fiercely contested market in South Africa. It is approximately a 1 700 unit market per year, but with close to 20 competitors vying for a share In 2018, Babcock launched SDLG’s B877F model, an upgrade of the previous B877. It comes with a new engine, increased cab space, enhanced cooling capacity, as well as a state-of-the-art loader linkage, among several other improvements

Armed with their new generation offerings, which come with an array of upgrades, SDLG, LiuGong and XCMG are particularly in the hunt for an increased foothold in the backhoe loader market

XCMG’s WZ30-25 also employs hydraulic pilot operation technology to achieve easy operation, accurate locating, comprehensive excavation motions and better operational performance

The SDLG B877F, launched by Babcock last year, comes with an improved loader linkage system that

provides better breakout force.

Following the launch of its New Generation 777A at the end of 2018, LiuGong Machinery Southern Africa says it expects the new offering to be among the top 5 selling models in South Africa by the end of 2020

machine and customers are starting to look at competitively-priced, non-premium offerings. Following Volvo Construction Equipment’s discontinuation of its Volvo-branded backhoe loader, Babcock used bauma ConExpo Africa in September 2015 to unveil SDLG’s first backhoe loader model, the B877. Last year, Babcock followed that up with the launch of the B877F model, an upgrade of the previous B877. The new B877F benefits from several feature upgrades, but comes at a very competitive price – in fact, it is said to be the only machine in its price category that comes with an air conditioner as standard. LiuGong backhoe loaders have been in the market since 2015, and Kivanc Eren, sales director at LiuGong Machinery South Africa, says the company initially ran a test model,

At the end of 2018, LiuGong Machinery SA introduced its New Generation 777A, which is said to usher in a new era for the manufacturer in the South African backhoe loader market.

which was targeted at a small segment of the market. At the end of 2018, LiuGong introduced its New Generation 777A, which is said to usher in a new era for the manufacturer in the South African backhoe loader market. XCMG is another strong contender in the value backhoe loader segment. The company introduced its range together with its whole product offering when it first came into the market during the early 2000’s. Crystal Liang – key accounts manager at XCMG South Africa, says from a sales perspective, the backhoe loader segment remains small for XCMG, but armed with

its new generation WZ30-25 model, XCMG South Africa expects to gain considerable market share, which will be further enhanced by the customer relationships it has built over the years. SDLG B877F The popularity of the SDLG backhoe loader has increased sharply following the launch of the new B877F. According to Vaughan, a key pillar of the growth in popularity is the marked improvement in the quality of the product. However, behind every good product is great service. The growth of the brand also largely hinges on the backup

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BACKHOE LOADERS

adds that LiuGong and its dealer, BurGers Equipment’s customer support regime will be another major drive of the model’s growth. The 777A is the new generation backhoe loader from LiuGong, with a design focus on high performance, low fuel consumption and competitive pricing. “There have been some improvements on the previous model to achieve better efficiency. We believe this will make the 777A one of the most preferred models in the market,” says Eren. The 777A is driven by a Deutz Weichai Tier 2 engine which is said to have proved itself as being one of the most efficient, reliable and affordable engines in South Africa. Carraro axles with wet type brakes give better control over the drivetrain. The HUSCO three-way loader valve and six-way backhoe valve with monoblock design reduce leaks for improved reliability. For easy serviceability, the new design of the bonnet and front-end makes it easier to access the engine, while the conveniently placed key parts and fluid refill points make maintenance quicker and easier. The open front grill gives easy access for cooling system cleaning. The quick-release filter shortens maintenance time, while the electric control/fuse box can be quickly accessed without the need for additional tools. Compared with the previous LiuGong models, the 777A’s digging force has been increased by 10%, along with increases in digging depth and turning radius. PERMCO hydraulic Tandem gear pump enables fine grading and offers easy flow control via a dashboard switch. XCMG WZ30-25 The WZ30-25 is XCMG’s new generation backhoe loader which adopts a four-wheel drive, powershift transmission with a hydraulic torque converter, a hydraulic steering system and a pilot hydraulic operation system. It is ideally suited for road maintenance, agriculture, pipeline projects and landscaping, among other sectors. It is equipped with a Yuchai engine, which is said to offer sound fuel efficiency and low noise operation. The machine places high focus on safety with an integrated pneumatic emergency braking system, which allows for emergency braking to automatically take effect when the air brake circuit malfunctions. “The machine’s rear swing axle assembly ensures sound tyre adhesion force and favourable off-road performance. The WZ30-25 also employs hydraulic pilot operation technology to achieve easy operation, accurate locating, comprehensive excavation motions and better operational performance,” concludes Liang. b

XCMG’s WZ30-25 is ideally suited for road maintenance, agriculture, pipeline projects and landscaping, among other sectors.

support from Babcock. Bear in mind Babcock is a household name in the southern African equipment industry, with a 60-year plus history of supporting customers in the region. Apart from SDLG, the company manages the exclusive distribution and support of some leading international brands, namely Volvo Construction Equipment, Terex Trucks, Tadano (mobile cranes), Sennebogen (materials handling) and Winget (concrete mixers and dumpers). Leveraging Babcock's success, which has over the years hinged on its tremendous aftermarket regime, SDLG products, including the backhoe loader range, have found early traction in the local market. Half a tonne lighter than the B877, the B877F is an 8-t sideshift backhoe loader with a 1 m³ standard loader bucket and maximum lifting capacity of 3 224 kg. It comes with a new engine, increased cab space, enhanced cooling capacity, as well as a state-of-the-art loader linkage, among several other improvements. Lance Mannix, GM Sales – Babcock’s equipment division, says the B877F comes with an improved loader linkage system that provides better breakout force. “What’s more, the kinematics have been improved. It is now easier to anchor the machine when using the excavator bucket,” he says. “It also offers better control of the excavator armwhen repositioning, better stability and more efficient excavating. It also features a 55-degree steering angle, providing better manoeuvrability that is particularly advantageous when working in confined spaces.” Inside the machine, one of the biggest changes comes in the form of a new engine. The B877F is fitted with a 70 kW Yuchai engine featuring the same power as the machine’s previous engine, but with higher torque. The new engine supplies the hydraulic system with a constant flow, providing the operator with a reliable power supply for extended durations. Access to the engine is made easier

through a larger, rear-hinged engine hood. To make maintenance easier, the filters and water separator have been grouped in the engine compartment. The B877F has also been fitted with a larger radiator, with an ambient temperature of 50ºC. The improved cooling capacity leads to better performance in hot climates. Gone are the days when buying decisions paid no attention to operator comfort. With SDLG’s understanding that a comfortable operator is a productive one, the B877F’s new, spacious cab provides the operator with greater visibility around the machine, as well as greater space for turning between the loader and excavator operating positions. The ergonomic cab also features a streamlined layout and design of the machine’s controls, a new handbrake design, and a new parking brake that is easier to operate and has better brake force. Additionally, the differential lock switch has been moved from the side panel to the floor, resulting in easier use for the operator. “The air conditioning has been improved for this model, too. Outlets from the ceiling provide 30% increased cooling capacity and a 120% improvement in blowing speed than previous-generation machines. This results in faster cooling of the cab and a much more comfortable operator environment, particularly in the hot climates of Africa,” explains Mannix. Additionally, the new B877F comes with an extended 2-year/ 3 000-hour warranty, compared with the 1-year/2 000-hour on the previous B877. LiuGong 777A Following the launch of its New Generation 777A, LiuGong Machinery Southern Africa says it expects the new machine to be among the top 5 selling models in South Africa by the end of 2020. “The 777A will cater for about 95% of the total backhoe loader market. The early performance of the model in the market, in terms of sales, indicates that the growth will be higher than we initially projected,” says Eren. He

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 18

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – LUBRICATION

Using technology to adapt in even the toughest conditions Anton Niemann, Shell Downstream South Africa GM Lubricants explains the plight of machinery downtime, and how lubricants can counter this and reduce overall total cost of ownership.

I n a ny business, time is money, and this ideology stems across multiple industries including that of mining. It is for this reason that downtime caused by equipment failure and break- down can result in financial losses that many simply cannot afford. This lends to the idea that machinery should be in a constant state of perfect operation, and that in an industry such as this, prevention surely is better than cure. The belief is that apart from the moving parts of a machine, there is potential for lubrication to deliver even greater business value by contributing in improving machine productivity, and therefore reducing associated running costs. However, the potential impact of lubricants is often significantly underestimated. Understanding how lubricants contribute to total cost of ownership (TCO) is the first step to realising potential savings. Effect of lubricants When evaluating the effect of lubricants on TCO, we consider the end to end impact on maintenance budget and processes, but also any costs related to lost production during equipment downtime. Optimising lubrication can have a significant impact on component life, maintenance costs and unplanned downtime which can contribute to cost savings far higher than the price of the lubricant itself. Through research conducted by Shell, the impact of lubrication truly is underrated, with only 60% of companies believing they can reduce costs by less than 5% through lubricant selection and management, while a mere 1 in 4 think savings could exceed 10%. Lubricant product selection or management can impact many elements of a company’s maintenance budget. Seizing the cost-saving opportunity depends on addressing two equally important elements. Firstly, by selecting the right lubricant or grease, and secondly, by ensuring effective lubrication management, including the correct storage and handling, the right place, the right time, the right amount, the right monitoring, and the right people.

Each piece of mining equipment made by different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) has its specific lubrication requirements. OEMs define the minimum requirements for lubricants or greases, but not all products that meet these standards deliver the same level of performance. Correct lubricant Choosing the correct lubricant or grease often depends on a combination of the equipment’s design characteristics, operational parameters and environment. Factors like temperature, humidity and location (altitude/underground) all pose different challenges for lubrication. There are numerous misconceptions about the true effects of lubricants. Globally, 47% of mining companies believe that a higher quality lubricant/grease will not help to reduce maintenance costs. The three primary lubricant applications in the mining industry involve components such as engines, drivelines and open gears; and in all cases, selecting the right lubricant is a critical first step in improving productivity as well as realising significant TCO savings. Engines Effective engine lubrication is critical to protect high-cost equipment, and minimise downtime due to frequent oil changes, maintenance or even component failures. Important factors to consider are viscosity control in extreme conditions, soot build-up, corrosion protection, and long oil life. life, equipment downtime and oil drain intervals – and therefore TCO – can be significantly impacted by the quality of the oil. Equipment often operates for long periods of time at high load, which can put further stress on both the component and the oil designed to protect it. Open gears Grease application in the mining sector Drivelines Driveline technology is critical to mining operations; and component

Anton Niemann, Shell Downstream South Africa GM Lubricants.

can be a specialist technical area, where selecting the right grease for the right application can be critical to avoid costly equipment failures and unplanned downtime. This is particularly true for open gear applications, which are exposed to the elements in extreme conditions, and where contamination poses a significant challenge. These parts are subjected to an array or hazards, including extreme temperatures, extreme conditions, extreme pressure and shock, misapplication, and misalignment, where misalignment causes the contact ratio to drop below 85%, the load and stress on the gearing will increase. This overloads the gears and the lubricant film and can result in sub-surface cracks and pitting, which significantly reduces component life and may result in gear failure. With machinery exposed to the elements and working all-year round in these harsh conditions, they are particularly susceptible to contamination which could see vital machinery grind to a halt. It is worth investing in the resources as well as selecting the correct lubricant as the performance benefits in terms of protection far outweigh the investment. b

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