Capital Equipment News June 2017

For informed decision-making JUNE 2017

RDTs: Revisiting the electric versus mechanical drive debate MATERIALS HANDLING: More than just equipment BUSINESS: Ushering a new era

COMPRESSORS: TO BUY OR TO RENT PAGE 14

SIZE MATTERS

CONSTRUCTION NEWS 29 Volvo CE shows 100% electric excavator prototype 30 New JCB single drum soil compactor for Africa MINING NEWS 32 Stefanutti Stocks opts for Volvo gear 33 Early warnings give Multotec wear products the edge TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS 34 Dachser on a sound growth path 35 Iveco appoints new Tanzanian dealer MATERIALS HANDLING 36 Lifting for solar contractors 36 Two-year standard warranty for Demag cranes AGRICULTURE 39 Don't underestimate your motor's hunger for power 40 SPE goes big at NAMPO 2017 HAULING - RDTS 6 Revisiting the electric versus mechanical drive debate MATERIALS HANDLING 10 More than just equipment COMPRESSORS 14 Compressors: To buy or to rent BUSINESS 18 Ushering in a new era HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE 20 Tipping into new terrain WORK-AT-HEIGHT 24 Easing work-at-height headaches PROFILE 26 Signalling positive vibes CONTENTS Capital Equipment News is published monthly by Crown Publications cc 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. Total circulation Q1 2017: 3 662 FEATURES REGULARS COVER 4 Size matters

http://crown.co.za/capital-equipment-news

EDITOR'S COMMENT

DIESEL OR ELECTRIC? THAT IS THE QUESTION

T he plentiful list of choices for each product on the market is testament that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) strive to cater for a diverse range of customer demands, moving away from the conventional one-size-fits-all approach. The manner in which equipment is driven is no different, with customers calling for various power source configurations. So, which power source should you opt for? As you will see in the Hauling feature in this edition of Capital Equipment News , the mechanical versus electric drive debate has always taken centre stage as far as rigid haulers are concerned, especially at the larger end of the payload scale. But, this is surely a debate that goes well beyond haulers and spreads across the whole capital equipment spectrum. For me, there are pros and cons for both diesel/hydraulic and electric configurations. The greatest benefit of the diesel/hydraulic power-source is that it is a self-contained with only fuel required. This allows the unit to be located in remote locations where an electric power source may not be available, especially in Africa where remoteness of sites is a common issue to contend with for contractors. Another key benefit is that there are no cumbrous electric cables to deal with. Plant equipped with diesel/hydraulic power units obviously has added flexibility. Operators can simply and quickly split their system. If a particular plant is not required, engines can be simply turned off. An example of this would be if additional further crushing or screening is not required to produce a product, then units not utilised in this process can be shut off, reducing operator costs. This can also help offset fuel and maintenance costs of the operation.

Self-contained power units generally are made up of a diesel engine, coupled with hydraulic pumps, control valves to operate the system and hydraulic motors. This simple circuit eliminates the need for expensive control panels, starters, wiring cables and connectors. The circuit allows for easier serviceability in that the diesel mechanic that services your loader on site may be able to service your track conveyor or trommel. Electric systems generally are much more complicated and may require a trained service engineer. On the other hand, the advantages of electric-powered equipment over diesel models extend well beyond the obvious savings on diesel fuel. Electric-powered equipment can significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, while providing indomitable reliability and uptime. There is general consensus that electric systems are much more efficient than their hydraulic equivalents and more reliable regardless of the climate they are operating in. Diesel/hydraulic power units tend to be more temperamental in extreme electric-powered equipment eliminates the costs and downtime associated with maintaining a diesel engine and radiator. Although an electric system may require trained service engineers to carry out maintenance, the regularity of service is much less than that of a diesel engine and will incur less downtime due to a blocked filter, oil and coolant exchange, air filter replacement, busted hose or a dusty environment. Meanwhile, current developments by several OEMs are testimony that we are further heading the electrical route, but I believe the diesel/hydraulic options will always have their place in the market. climates such as high altitudes. Besides savings on diesel fuel,

Munesu Shoko – Editor

capnews@crown.co.za

@CapEquipNews

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 2

COVER STORY

With its 55 t capacity, the Volvo A60H is ideally suited for heavy hauling in high production sites such as opencast mines, quarries and large earthmoving operations.

SIZE MATTERS

High-production sites in southern Africa can expect to keep a lid on operational costs following Babcock’s recent launch of the much-anticipated Volvo A60H articulated hauler, the biggest of its nature in the world, together with its capable loading tool, the EC950E, the largest crawler excavator in the Volvo stable, writes Munesu Shoko .

2016 in Region EMEA Hub South (Continental Africa and Middle East & Turkey). The award is based on 2016 achievements in market share growth; parts sales growth; and Customer Support Agreement growth. Dealers’ overall commitment, willingness to invest and use of Volvo CE tools and participation in other programmes were also taken into account. Reflecting further on the importance of southern Africa, Ruston tells Capital Equipment News that currently, 25% of Volvo ADTs sold in the EMEA region are destined for South Africa, and one in every three ADTs sold in the country is a Volvo. David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s equipment business, says the company has made necessary preparations for the roll-out of the A60H and the EC950E. Volvo teams from Sweden and Korea have completed intensive sales and technical training with Babcock staff in South Africa. “We have also ensured that there is sufficient availability of spare parts and other related elements such as the larger specialised tyres for the

F ollowing the global introduction at bauma 2016 in Munich, the Volvo A60H articulated dump truck (ADT), the biggest articulated hauler in the world, has finally rolled off the production line for its debut in southern Africa. It is accompanied by another Volvo behemoth on Babcock’s new arrivals lounge, the EC950E, the biggest crawler excavator that Volvo CE ever built. The recent launch of the A60H in southern Africa – on May 4, 2017 – further underlines a number of global firsts for Babcock as far as this machine is concerned. The local unveiling was the official global customer-

based launch of the machines. In another key first, Babcock became the first dealer to place an order for the A60H when one of its long-standing customers, Burgh Plant Hire, ordered not just one, but three Volvo A60H articulated haulers. While this is an indicator of the significance of southern Africa as a key ADT market globally, it is also equally reflective of Babcock’s capabilities as a force to be reckoned with among Volvo CE’s global dealers. Alec Ruston, Aftermarket Manager EMEA at Volvo CE, says Babcock is a very special dealer in the EMEA region. Babcock was crowned Volvo CE’s Dealer of the Year

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 4

KEY SPECS

Model Payload

A60H

55 000 kg

Model

EC950E

Body volume, SAE 2:1 heap

33,6 m³

Operating weight

90 010 – 91 830 kg

Net weight

43 400 kg 98 400 kg Volvo D16E

Engine

Volvo D16F

Gross weight

Gross power

450 kW @ 1 800 rpm

Engine

Bucket capacity

3,9 - 6 m³

Max engine gross power

495 kW @ 1 800 rpm 3 200 Nm @ 1 050 rpm

Breakout force

424 kN (SAEJ1179) 408 kN (SAEJ1179)

Max gross torque

Tear out force

Max speed

55 km/h

previous largest hauler, the A40G which comes in at 24 m³. It is powered by a 16 ℓ D16 engine Volvo engine delivering 382 kW of power and 495 Nm of torque. While it is a high production machine, it’s not just the largest sites that can accommodate the new 55 t hauler. Although the A60H offers 40% more capacity than the A40G, it is only 432 mm wider, 940 mm longer and 254 mm higher than the A40G. According to Roger O’Callaghan, CEO of Babcock International Group’s African operations, thanks to the 33.25R29 tyres, the ground pressure of the A60H is better than that of the A40G and the A35G. Meanwhile, an added advantage is that the machine has many features familiar to A40G operators, eliminating the need for any major operator training. “It will be an easy transition for operators with only a short orientation course needed,” says Vaughan. Enter EC950E Mining operations place a premium on sizing excavators to maximise production with each truck load. According to Vaughan, the general rule of thumb is typically four to six passes or under 90-second loading. The goal is to maximise the total cycle time. The fewer passes that are made result in shorter cycle times, which in turn will increase production. With that in mind, the A60H has been launched in conjunction with the EC950E crawler excavator. With its 90 t capacity, it is designed to load the 55 t hauler cost effectively, achieving five to six passes per load. With over 424 kN of breakout force and 408 kN of tearout force, the EC950E offers a combination of power and stability to handle the high capacity duties in tough conditions such as hard rock mining, coal mining and big quarry applications. It is powered by a 446 kW Volvo D16 engine, the same motor driving the A60H, for parts commonality. The EC950E features a wide track gauge, long track length, a retractable undercarriage and an optimised counterweight, resulting in a well-balanced, solid machine. All machine

interfaces – including joysticks, keypad and LCD monitor – are ergonomically positioned and designed for optimum control and efficiency. Increased efficiencies Both machines can be purchased from Bab- cock with Customer Support Agreements, offering preventative maintenance, total repairs and several uptime services, while the latest intelligent systems from Volvo CE, such as MATRIS, CareTrack and the On Board Weighing System, allow fleet oper- ators to optimise production and minimise operational costs. CareTrack is the Volvo CE telematics system, which comes as standard on both machines, that offers access to a wide range of machine monitoring information designed to save the operator time and money. CareTrack generates a wide range of reports – including fuel consumption, operational hours and geographical location – via a web portal, as well as sending SMS/ email alerts. Fleet managers can use CareTrack to proactively manage their wear parts and their service maintenance. The benefits include a reduction in fuel costs, optimised machine and operator performance and increased uptime. Geo and time fencing features on CareTrack can notify the owner if a machine goes outside pre-set location and time boundaries. A status report provides access to fuel level, machine location and machine hours. With Volvo MATRIS analysis, Babcock can provide expert analysis of machine operating activity via this tool. MATRIS analysis supports optimised operation by tracking activity characteristics and identifying opportunities for improvement – resulting in better economy and reduced wear. The On Board Weighing System, standard on the A60H, guarantees optimal load every cycle. This maximises production, boosts fuel efficiency and reduces machine wear in all site conditions and operations. This load data can also be reviewed remotely via the CareTrack system. b

A60H,” says Vaughan, adding that Goodyear, Bridgestone and Michelin will manufacture these specialised tyres. Why A60H? According to Vaughan, interest in the A60H in southern Africa has been phenomenal. This was highlighted by visitors from as far as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, going out of the way to attend the recent official launch in Middelburg. Six A60H units are already on order and currently en route to South Africa. Understandably, the machine, due to its sheer size, defines a new era in the global ADT space. With its 55 t capacity, the Volvo A60H is ideally suited for heavy hauling in high production sites such as opencast mines, quarries and large earthmoving operations. It is a machine that will help operations keep a lid on high production costs due to its higher payload that significantly increases productivity at lower cost per tonne production. With its 34 m³ capacity, the A60H delivers up to 40% more productivity than Volvo’s

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 5

HAULING – RIGID DUMP TRUCKS

Liebherr believes that with fuel efficiency, hauling productivity and operating costs high on their list of priorities, mine operators are particularly drawn to trucks with electrically driven wheels powered by diesel generators, instead of mechanical powertrains with gearboxes and driveshafts.

REVISITING THE ELECTRIC VERSUS MECHANICAL DRIVE DEBATE

T he mechanical versus electric drive debate has always taken centre stage as far as rigid haulers are concerned, particularly at the larger end of the payload scale. The origins of diesel-electric trucks go back many years and these were developed as a solution to the shortcomings of early mechanical drivelines, which suffered reliability issues. Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have found the diesel-electric option to offer many benefits than the conventional mechanical option, while some have maintained that mechanical options remain the best driveline option. BELAZ is one of the OEMs which maintains that trucks from 130 tonnes (t) payload class and above should be electrical and machines in the 30-60 t class should be mechanically

driven. However, the Belarusian OEM also successfully developed an electric truck of 90 t payload, and Rost Lavrenov of BELAZ Africa, tells Capital Equipment News that in this class size (90-100 t), both electric and mechanical drive options are quite viable depending on cost factors. Caterpillar remains the only OEM to offer both drive options in its different rigid dump truck (RDT) offerings, even on the larger payload units. The OEM says its developments in the alternative drive systems have always been informed by proper monitoring and investigation to ensure that products bring the best value to customers. In the early years of exploring alternatives to mechanical transmissions, several firms opted to use DC wheel drives, and Caterpillar was one of the first

In the rigid chassis truck sector, there has long been a rivalry between the mechanical and electric driveline concepts, especially at the larger end of the payload scale. The pros and cons of either drive system are well- documented, but there is much more to that, as Munesu Shoko plods through the fundamentals

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 6

Caterpillar is the only manufacturer that offers large (182 t and above) mechanical drives.

performance,” says Ingle. “Caterpillar is the only large mining truck OEM that designs, produces and integrates its own engines, powertrains, drive controls and software. This is true for both Cat mechanical and AC drive trucks and allows us to optimise overall machine performance and to provide product support for the entire truck,” adds Ingle. “While there are pros and cons to either drive system, the bottom line is that Caterpillar mining trucks, either mechanical or electric drive, are designed to bring the most value to our customers,” says Ingle, adding that the choice depends on the size of truck required and specific customer preference. BELAZ’s standpoint According to Lavrenov, BELAZ is a true proponent of the electric drive system for the larger end of the payload scale. All its models from 90 t and above are powered by electric drivelines. “More specifically, these are the trucks of 90, 110-130, 180, 200-220, 240, 360 and 450 t payload capacity. The machines with 30, 45 and 55- 60 t are powered by mechanical drive,” says Lavrenov. “BELAZ believes that for 90 t and higher, electric drive, and AC drive in particular, provides better performance for customers than mechanical drive,” says Alexander Egorov, General Design Engineer at BELAZ. Already the company has made modifications to allow all its existing DC drive models to use AC drive, while all its new truck offerings have been designed with AC drive. However, the company says some of its long-term customers have expressed their desire to stick to DC drive. This is partly due to the cost, and on the other hand, Egorov says it’s because DC drive technology has

Transmission and rear brake retardation systems come as standard on Terex Trucks’ TR100 RDT to guarantee the optimum retardation for various applications and conditions for safer control and shorter cycle times.

manufacturers to develop DC electric drive trucks with the launch of its 75 t 779 model in the late 1960’s. “After operating trucks at mines, we concluded, at the time, that a mechanical drive offered our customers the best haulage solution and Caterpillar has since steadily advanced mechanical drive technology,” comments John Ingle, Large Mining Trucks Marketing and Performance Manager at Caterpillar. Today, Caterpillar is the only manufacturer that offers large (182 t) mechanical drives. “Over the years, mechanical drive has continued to move up in size as the preferred drive solution over electric drive as OEMs have been able to offer larger capable mechanical drive systems.” Cat’s viewpoint According to Ingle, Cat mechanical drive trucks have proven their value to miners and are favoured in most applications. In contrast to the notion that the electric drive option is the better choice on the larger end

of the payload scale, Caterpillar offers the widest range of mechanical drive trucks from the 182 t payload and above class size. The 136 t 785D starts what Caterpillar terms its Large Mining Trucks and is a mechanical drive truck. The 789D (186 t) and the 793D/F (227 t) are also mechanical drive trucks and are regarded the workhorses of the industry, according to Ingle. Cat’s mechanical drive goes as far as the 365 t 797F and Ingle argues that the mechanical drive option remains the most productive and lowest cost per ton drive system choice for mining customers. However Ingle notes that the OEM also recognises that some customers prefer electric drive in some size classes, such as the 290 t and 330 t, which are established around AC electric drive fleets. Consequently, Caterpillar has invested into the development of AC drive trucks since the early 2000’s. “We have engaged key customers with electric drive experience throughout the development process to gain their input on machine design and

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 7

HAULING – RIGID DUMP TRUCKS

BELAZ is one of the OEMs which maintains that trucks from 130 tonnes payload class and above should be electrically-driven.

improved and customers want to stick to what they know in terms of maintenance. Current BELAZ shipments of large trucks with DC or AC depends on the size class, with some long established 130 t and 220 t models still seeing a lot of DC drive orders. Why mechanical? In terms of payload, Ingle argues that mechanically driven trucks in the 182 t to 220 t size class have a 10-20 t empty weight advantage over their electrically-driven counterparts. “The lower mechanical empty weight translates into more payload and higher efficiencies,” says Ingle. Lavrenov agrees, saying that less weight of the components in a mechanical drive system when compared with AC/DC drive systems, translates into less truck weight. When it comes to drivetrain efficiency, Ingle also argues that for haulage trucks, mechanical is the most efficient drive for getting themost power from the engine to the ground. “Electric drive truck manufacturers talk about improved powertrain efficiency of AC over DC but the fact is mechanical drive is still more efficient than AC electric drive. This has been proven in field studies, and validated in the lab. The result is mechanical drive can do more with equal power or deliver the same performance with less power. This translates into better fuel savings,” says Ingle. Meanwhile, mechanical drive trucks do not burn fuel when retarding downhill. Retarding forces drive need systems so fuel to the engine can be turned off. Ingle also says mechanical drive offers superior braking, retarding and traction control. “Mechanical drive trucks are recognised the world over by miners and operators as better to operate in poor underfoot conditions. Also, AC drive has a dynamic retarding capability limit that once exceeded, the truck starts to speed up. Mechanical drive brakes / retarding can bring a truck back into the desired operating envelope,” says Ingle. Ingle also argues that mechanical drive trucks can generate and hold a higher peak rimpull (torque) than electric trucks. “This can be a bit confusing because electric trucks offer optional final drive reductions that improve peak rimpull at the cost of top end speed. In addition, electric drive systems can have a maximum electric current time limit for how long they can pull peak torque.”

Hitachi pioneered the AC-3 technology to its RDT range in 2012. The AC-3 technology was developed using advanced propulsion technology that also powers the OEM’s bullet trains in Japan.

oil, final drive oil, steering and hydraulic systems, but mechanical drive has a bit more fluids for the transmission and oil- cooled brakes. “But, an objective look at the actual impact on operating costs shows this only adds a very small amount of operating cost to mechanical drive trucks and is greatly offset by other mechanical drive operating cost advantages,” argues Ingle. Lavrenov adds that electric drive has fewer major components than the mechanical drive option, and this translates into less potential failures. He also argues that fewer components mean less maintenance, which in turn translates into higher availability and ultimately higher productivity. The trolley option is another key benefit of the electric drive system, and Ingle agrees to that fact. This is a major feature of Hitachi’s AC-3 drive system technology

In a nutshell, Ingle believes that mechanical drive offers lowest cost per ton. “Mechanical drive delivers the best balance of production and operating costs,” argues Ingle. Why electric? According to Egorov, application of electric transmission results in much smaller number of friction units (alternator, electric motors, reduction gear units and control cabinets), which saves up to 50% of oil compared with a conventional mechanically-driven RDT. “That simultaneously drives down operational costs by up to 38% during maintenance,” he says. This view is shared by Lavrenov, who argues that mechanical drive requires more maintenance through oil changes, adding that service life of major components is shorter compared with electric drive. Ingle says both drive options have engine

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 8

which it launched in 2014 in southern Africa. Hitachi pioneered the AC-3 technology to its RDT range in 2012 with the launch of the EH5000AC-3. The AC-3 technology was developed using advanced propulsion technology that also powers the OEM’s bullet trains in Japan. Hitachi Construction Machinery Southern Africa introduced the new EH4000AC in the local market in 2014. Its trolley assist is a fuel- saving method which is not available on mechanical drive trucks. It is provided by an overhead catenary power supply supported by poles mounted along main haul roads. Another key benefit of Hitachi’s AC-3 drive system is that it comes with a slip/slide control system. If the system senses slipping or locking of rear wheels when travelling on slippery or frozen roads, it adjusts the torques of the wheel motors accordingly, giving the truck better stable travelling. The AC-3 drive system also incorporates a pitch control system. If this system senses pitching when travelling on bumpy surfaces or an abrupt stop, it adjusts the torques of the wheel motors fittingly to reduce pitching on the truck, ensuring better operating comfort and less load spillage. If the AC-3 Drive Control System’s side skid control function senses oversteer or understeer from the newly equipped sensors on the unit, it adjusts the torques of the wheel motors accordingly to stabilise the side skidding. This gives the gigantic truck smoother movement and more stable steering. While dynamic retarding force is said to be another key benefit for electric trucks, Ingle argues that this is only applied to the rear wheels. “In many cases electric trucks can quote a high retarding power or fast ‘on paper’ retarding speed. In practical field applications, electric drive retarding speeds are mostly reduced to provide protection from exceeding the electric drive retarding capability envelope and because competitive electric drive trucks do not have braking force on their front wheels like Cat mechanical drive trucks (and the Cat 795F AC) which allows a more effective braking force and good machine control – resulting in the ability to better utilise potential retarding speeds,” he says. Ideal conditions According to Lavrenov, BELAZ’s argument that the larger end of the payload scale, starting from around 130 t, needs AC/AC systems is based on the fact that from this payload, trucks are involved in large-scale mining where machines need to get over steep gradients, and electric trucks are preferable. He, however, notes that both drives need good haul roads with gentle sloping, quality maintenance and service, responsible and skilled operators and loading within the rated payload. “However, this is possible in an ideal world only,” says Lavrenov. “At BELAZ we are of the opinion that there are more variants and configurations of operating conditions which suit electric trucks than mechanical. For instance, electric drive is an obvious choice for deep pits where trucks need to haul material from the bottom and get over steep slopes,” says Lavrenov. He adds that from a production point of view, mechanical trucks are notably slower on gradients when moving uphill loaded. Meanwhile, Ingle argues that historically DC drive trucks were used in more flatter, moderate grade or easier applications, while mechanical drive was used in poor underfoot and more severe hauls. “However, AC drive has changed many of the past electric drive limitations. Today, mechanical drive is still recognised as best for many applications, but ultimately, it is more of a function from a mine’s point of view,” says Ingle. Ingle, in conclusion, tells Capital Equipment News that when look- ing to the future of drive technology for large mining trucks, the industry tends to think of some sort of electric hybrid car approach. However, Caterpillar continues to research energy recovery for both mechanical and electric drive systems. Ingle notes that at this time energy recovery for either of the drive solutions is not cost effective to implement. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 9

MATERIALS HANDLING

MORE THAN JUST EQUIPMENT In today’s materials handling market, innovation and being a supplier that can address any problem statement optimally and service end users’ needs across board from product, financing options, through to aftermarket support, are more critical than ever. With their lines of materials handling gear and a range of in-house processes, local suppliers are ticking these boxes, writes Munesu Shoko .

QUICK TAKE

2016

2017

$123,6 billion

Global materials handling market to reach $123,6 billion by 2017

One-stop shop suppliers tipped to see solid gains

Global demand for material handling products forecast to climb 4% annually

New innovations to drive the market

G lobal demand for material handling products is forecast to climb 4% annually through 2017 to $123,6 billion, according to a recent report. Provision of innovative products is one thing, but the ability to provide a one-stop shop solution to include financing options, unparalleled aftermarket support and flexible buying options, is quite another, and will set companies with such aptitude on a sustainable success curve. One-stop shop suppliers are tipped to see solid gains as end users seek for solutions to their business headaches rather than just equipment. According to Desmond van Heerden of ELB Equipment, a number of key criteria should form the basis of establishing or replenishing capital equipment fleets

Goscor Group, is the sole distributor for several forklift brands including Crown, Doosan, Bendi, Hubtex and BHS Battery Handling Solutions, allowing the compa- ny to offer diverse forklift and warehous- ing product ranges to its customers. This is complemented by its nationwide fork- lift sales, service, rentals and equipment spares through a comprehensive dealer network. Werner Stegmann, regional sales manager at Goscor Lift Truck, agrees that in a tough economy customers tend to look for more than just equipment suppliers, but rather solutions providers. “Goscor Lift Truck is part of the larger Goscor Group of Companies, which comprises a variety of other solutions for the end user, ranging from forklifts, cleaning equipment

based on performance and reliability rather than simply making decisions based on a single-brand mentality, or purely a price consideration. “Rather than putting all eggs in one basket, fleet owners should practice best-of-breed procurement where the offerings of specialist manufacturers are purposefully weighed into the option,” says Van Heerden, adding that fleet owners who want to simplify their purchasing through a single supplier can do so by procuring from an established best-of-breed distributor. Responding to the call Several local materials handling equip- ment suppliers are responding to this call through their one-stop shop approach. For example, Goscor Lift Truck, part of the

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 10

Shamrock Handling Concepts is another local materials handling equipment supplier that has a one-stop shop approach through the supply of its several forklift brands.

Goscor Lift Truck, part of the Goscor Group, is the sole distributor for several forklift brands including Doosan.

to earthmoving equipment and power products, to name a few,” he says. “This makes it easier for a large part of the business sector to use Goscor as a one- stop solution. Within this business, we also have our own finance division in place to offer tailor-made financial solutions to our end users,” adds Stegmann. The one-stop shop solution recently won the company a big order to supply 38 machines to Weir Minerals in South Africa. The machines included 4 x Crown turret trucks; 3 x Bendi forklifts and 31 Doosan forklifts, ranging in capacity from 2,5 to 9 t. Billy Dooling, warehouse and logistics manager, explains the reasons behind the big forklift orders. “We receive more than 8 000 parts per day and ship out more than 10 000. We also handle very heavy plant and machinery and safety is a major priority. The bottom line is that absolute professionalism and attention to detail are a prerequisite,” he says. Given this business ethic, the company opted for Goscor Lift Truck as its preferred supplier. “We decided to do things a little differently about a year ago, and put the materials handling contract out to tender. Goscor won this on the basis of its outstanding product, a competitive pricing structure, superior service and support ability and, very importantly, because of its ability to supply a range of machines for various applications. In this sense, Goscor is a one- stop shop for us, enabling us to increase efficiencies by dealing with one supplier across a range of machines,” says Dooling.

demands for different materials handling applications. Its Combilift C-Series is a three-in-one multidirectional and multipurpose machine range that can be used as a side-loader, aisle truck and counterbalance forklift. The CB-Series is a compact multidirectional machine ideal for hardware shops and tile houses, while the Aisle Mater is an articulated forklift range ideal for warehouses with palletised products. The Straddle Carrier is an ideal solution for container and long load handling. Marius Schutte, MD of Shamrock Handling Concepts, agrees that in today’s materials handling market, end users are looking for value-adding services such as financing and flexible buying options. “We work alongside the financial institutions to provide attractive rent-to-own options on our products. We consult with the customer to determine the best course of action to keep their machine in the best possible condition and ensuring longevity of their investment,” says Schutte. Schutte also understands that a product is one thing, and being able to support it once it is operational in the field, is quite another. In this regard, he reiterates the importance of a strong aftermarket support structure, especially considering that in some critical materials handling applications, downtime is out of question. “Shamrock Handling Concepts offers a nationwide footprint with support workshops throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries. We also have a

He adds that part of the deal is that Goscor supplies a permanent on-site technician, which is a major advantage as downtime is kept to a minimum. “We had high expectations of Goscor and we have not been disappointed. Everyone in the Goscor team goes the extra mile – they even organised a golf cart for us so we can easily get around our very large site,” says Dooling. In addition, Goscor has provided a fully equipped battery bay with a spare battery for every machine. “This facility is a significant boost to our efficiency as it, in conjunction with the system we follow, also helps to minimise downtime,” says Dooling. Dooling also explains the advantages of having a single supplier covering all the company’s forklift needs. “At a glance the range of applications that the Goscor fleet can handle is clear,” says Dooling. “With the turret trucks we can work at heights of up to 12 m in narrow aisles, with the Bendis we can operate in extremely narrow aisles both inside and outside with the same machine and, with the Doosans, we can lift a wide range of items from the smallest pallet of stationery for our stores to the heaviest crusher or pump,” he says. Value adding services Shamrock Handling Concepts is another local materials handling equipment supplier that has a one-stop shop approach to its business through the supply of its several equipment brands that meet the

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 11

MATERIALS HANDLING

dedicated Customer Services Manager to assist with all technical queries. He has access to our national support network and is able to dispatch a technician whenever required,” says Schutte. Productivity matters As end users seek to reduce costs in their materials handling applications, there is greater focus on innovative products that are aimed at reducing operating costs, while improving productivity. “Our Combilift range of multidirectional forklifts reduces operating costs and increases productivity, as it allows increased storage in the customer’s existing warehouse, almost doubling the capacity,” says Schutte. “We offer a free warehouse layout, specifically designed around the customer’s materials handling requirements and warehouse specifications.” Shamrock’s Combilift range is also engineered to reduce product damage, as the product travels closer to the ground. The Combi-SC Straddle Carrier is said to be a more economical option compared with heavy handling forklifts, reach stackers or mobile cranes and offers complete independence when moving very large fully-laden containers and other oversized loads around sites. “The Combilift Straddle Carrier range was developed as a cost effective and flexible solution for distribution, shipping and haulage companies even with relatively low throughput levels,” adds Schutte. Stegmann says Goscor Lift Truck is always looking for innovative ways to reduce costs for customers

Bobcat has launched a new range of rigid frame telehandlers for the construction and rental industries.

Goscor Lift Truck supplies the Crown range of forklifts to the southern African market.

by exploring different avenues. “This is done through a number of initiatives such as using fleet management systems, by changing from gas-operated forklifts to electric-powered units (where possible) and by averaging out the hours to avoid higher excess hour bills, to name a few,” says Stegmann, adding that through these initiatives, the end user can really see the difference. “Doosan, our principal supplier of forklifts, has oil-cooled disc-brakes, which sets us apart from the opposition. This is virtually maintenance-free, unlike conventional shoe brakes on all other leading forklift brands,” says Stegmann. Elsewhere, the Meclift range of heavy lifting equipment, available exclusively in South Africa from materials handling specialist, BLT SA, encompasses variable reach trucks, side reach stackers and various attachments. These machines are designed for swift, efficient and safe handling of heavy loads in diverse industries. New to the range is the upgrade of ML1612R machines to the ML1812R series, which has a lifting capacity of 18 t and operates swiftly in confined spaces, including warehouses and cargo vessels. “Unlike conventional forklift trucks, the Meclift ML1812R, with a lift height of 6 m, is able to drive into containers or reach inside a container for easy loading and unloading of goods and equipment,” says Charity Gumede, marketing

director at BLT SA. “The compact reach trucks offer cost effective solutions for heavy lifting. They increase efficiency and safety during materials handling procedures and also reduce operating times.” Meanwhile, backed by a three-year warranty as standard, a new range of rigid frame telehandlers has been launched by Bobcat for the construction and rental industries. Bobcat now offers a choice of 11 new telehandler models for the construction/rental markets covering maximum lifting capacities between 2,6 and 4,1 t with lifting heights from 6 to 18 m. The new generation telehandlers are available in versions for markets with non-regulated emissions such as the Middle East and Africa. The new generation telehandlers also incorporate several new features such as an automatic parking brake with an intuitive operation similar to those used in the automotive industry, providing greater safety and control. As well as the automatic parking brake, the advanced features include an optional air dual suspension seat, an optional auto fan inversion, a rotating beacon/back-up alarm as standard and cushion retract on the three TL models. The new optional fan system with automatic inversion is electronically controlled to adjust rotation speed depending on the temperature, which results in energy savings. b

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COMPRESSED AIR

Doosan Portable Power’s compressor range is aimed at a wide range of applications in plant hire, construction and general industry, including standard pressure applications such as powering breakers and tools in road repair, demolition and refurbishment.

Compressors: To buy or to rent? Compressed air solutions are often taken for granted, but they are an integral part of many businesses’ day-to-day activities. The dilemma of buying versus renting often arises when compressor needs are in question. There are pros and cons to each side, and there is no right or wrong in these options, but fleet managers need to know when to consider either of the options, writes Munesu Shoko .

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view that if companies need a compressor regularly enough over its estimated use- ful life, the case to purchase it outright is probably strong. This view is shared by Gary Neave, Business Unit Manager at Doosan Portable Power, who believes that rental fits the bill for short-term contracts of a year or less, while anything beyond that may make a strong case for buying. Duane Kruger, General Manager of Goscor Compressed Air Systems, part of the Goscor Group of Companies and the authorised distributor of Sullair and Ozen compressors in southern Africa, believes that the decision to rent or to buy normally comes down to the company’s financial status. He believes that larger, blue-chip companies with the necessary financial muscle may afford to purchase their own compressors, while small to medium entities with little or no capital outlay could cost effectively service their compressor needs through rental. Kruger argues that the allure of ownership has to do with how a business manages its finances and notes that buying a compressor is a result of a better balance sheet. The rental case At the peak of an unsteady market with few and far between contracts, Fourie believes that hiring a compressor enables organisations to weather the ups and downs of the economy. “If they rent and the market deteriorates, they are in a position to return the equipment. On the other end of the scale, if they win projects or take on new work, they can still hire more equipment to meet the immediate needs, without taking on greater risk,” argues Fourie. According to Fourie, the biggest advantage of renting is the convenience. “Another consideration is the capital outlay required to purchase equipment such as a compressor. Investing in equipment is a costly exercise and most businesses don’t realise that this is a long-term investment as it requires services, maintenance, insurance, and is impacted by fluctuating interest rates,” says Fourie, adding that owning equipment also means that it now forms part of the

CompAir reiterates that rental is a perfect fit for short-term jobs when companies want to meet unplanned or infrequent compressor needs.

Rand-Air believes hiring a compressor enables organisations to weather the ups and downs of the economy.

B uying or renting are the two ways of satisfying a company’s equipment needs. Compressors are used in a wide range of industrial fields ranging from mining, manufacturing, petrochemical, chemical, construction, through to automotive, drilling, electronics, oil & gas and power plants, to mention a few. The question that often arises among end users is: should I buy an air compressor or should I rent one? There are pros and cons to each side. Henry Fourie, Business Development Manager at Rand-Air, claimed to be the largest fleet owner of compressors and Rand-Air • Has an extensive fleet of over 700 Atlas Copco compressors and generators • Fleet is spread across 10 branches and agencies in South Africa • Compressor units range from 190 to 1 500 cfm • Pressures of up to 25 bar • Offers oil-free compressors with pressures of up to 24 bar QUICK FACTS

generators for rental in South Africa, with units ranging from 190 cfm to 1 500 cfm, and with pressures of up to 25 bar, believes that the most important consideration for companies that need this equipment is what works for them from a financial standpoint. “With the unsteadiness of the market, affected by factors that fall outside the control of industry participants, businesses need flexible solutions,” says Fourie. Ashik Singh, National Sales Manager – Rental at CompAir South Africa, reiterates that rental is a perfect fit for short-term jobs when companies want to meet unplanned or infrequent compressor needs. He is of the

Goscor Compressed Air Systems • Distributes Sullair and Ozen compressed air

• Oil free units of 1 500 cfm CompAir SA (Rental) • Rental fleet of about 150 units • Offered across four branches

• Sullair range from 185 to 1 150 cfm • Pressure supply from 7 to 35 bar • Ozen range up to 640 hp

• Electrical units from 20 to 4 500 cfm • Diesel units from 190 to 1 800 cfm • Oil free air from 200 to 1 800 cfm (diesel or electric)

Doosan Portable Power • Low pressure units from 185 to 1 000 cfm • High pressure units from 760 up to 1 070 cfm

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COMPRESSED AIR

The small, portable compressors from Doosan can be equipped with a ‘bunded base’ option for environmental safety.

Goscor Compressed Air Systems, the authorised distributor of Sullair and Ozen compressors in southern Africa, believes that the decision to rent or to buy normally comes down to the company’s financial status.

company’s assets and the organisation would also carry the depreciation costs. Fourie adds that there are many challenges involved when procuring an asset that requires continuous maintenance and high upkeep costs. He is of the view that outsourcing eradicates these concerns, which in turn gives organisations peace of mind. He adds that by adding the responsibility to a rental company, companies are able to focus on their core businesses, which ultimately increases productivity and enhances cash flow. The view is shared by Kruger, who believes that the cost of owning may be more expensive than renting, especially for smaller businesses as far as maintenance is concerned. He believes that the advantage of renting is twofold, especially when renting from a reputable organisation such as Goscor Compressed Air Systems; the company offers full-time, skilled service personnel, while it also keeps a large inventory of parts to service the compressors. During lengthy rentals, the company identifies when a compressor needs scheduled maintenance and service personnel is deployed to the job site accordingly. According to Singh, a job might require the use of air compressors, but the task itself could be fairly small. In this case, renting a compressor might be the choice to go with. He believes that small tasks that are done infrequently might benefit more from using this option. “Using air compressors without having to actually own one provides an easier option for those who are concerned about the costs of owning the piece of equipment,” he says. Fourie adds that the rental option also offers back up machines in case of breakdowns to ensure that productivity is not affected while the machine goes for repair. “The rental option also offers an easy upgrade or downgrade path without additional capital outlay when compared with outright purchasing,” he says. The buying scenario But, what happens when rental needs for a compressor become more frequent? When can fleet managers decide that the time is right to stop renting and purchase a compressor? When a business has a frequent need for compressed air and there is a day-to-day need for one, Kruger believes that this may be a good signal that buying a compressor is the best choice. “This gives you the opportunity to have one at hand when needed, or if you work at an industrial level, this could help boost your productivity to an even higher level,” he says. Singh also believes that high-frequency use, where businesses need the equipment regularly enough over its estimated lifecycle, is probably a strong indicator that buying is an option. He argues that if renting the piece of equipment will cost as much or more than owning it, then it makes sense to buy the compressor unit. However, since the equation entails forecasts of future business climate, it is also important to plan carefully and look at the risk or a cost-comparison approach. In conclusion, renting or buying is a decision that many will be divided upon, but everyone can agree on their usefulness. They are quickly becoming a staple for many jobs and can bring many benefits. b

Doosan enhances small portable compressor range The portable compressor range from Doosan Portable Power is one of the most comprehensive for the Middle East and Africa market and includes a strong selection of small Stage IIIA/Tier 3 models, including the 7/20 and the high ambient 7/26E HA, 7/31E HA, 7/41 HA and 7/53 HA models, with free air deliveries from 2-5 m³/ min (70-177 cfm) and a rated operating pressure of 7 bar (100 psi). The small compressors are aimed at a very wide range of applications in plant hire, construction and general industry, including standard pressure applications such as powering breakers and tools in road repair, demolition and refurbishment. The small, portable compressors from Doosan can be equipped with a ‘bunded base’ option for environmental safety, providing a fully contained base to ensure that all operating fluids (fuel, oil and water) stay within the compressor. The 7/26E HA, 7/31E HA, 7/41 HA and 7/53 HA models offer a number of important options, including an integral 6 kVA generator, which increases compressor flexibility by supplying electrical output in addition to compressed air. As a result, electric tools or other electrical equipment such as lights and fusion welding systems can be run in parallel with pneumatic equipment. The new 7/53 HA portable compressor is the latest addition to the range, replacing the previous 7/51 HA model. The new 7/53 HA compressor has been redesigned by Doosan so that it remains in the Stage IIIA category, avoiding the need to transition to meet Stage IIIB regulations and ensuring it is ideal for use in the Middle East market. The new 7/53 HA portable compressor supplies 5 m³/ min (177 cfm) of compressed air and is powered by the 4-cylinder mechanical turbo-charged Yanmar liquid- cooled 4TNV84T-BMDP engine producing 36 kW (49 HP) of power at 2600 rpm. Like all the other models in the small compressor range, the 7/53 HA compressor can be supplied with a range of running gear options to meet local market requirements. The running gear can also be replaced with a permanent metal support, typically ordered when the compressor is to be truck-mounted. The new 7/53 HA compressor offers a reduced size, with a length of 3389 mm in the fixed height, running gear version and a min/max height of 3520/3770 mm with adjustable height running gear. The 7/53 HA model also has a width of 1432 mm, a height of 1301 mm and additional new features include integral forklift slots and increased fuel autonomy.

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