Capital Equipment News June 2017

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.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2017 16