Capital Equipment News November 2017

IN BRIEF

Powerstar powers into MCV

Innovation rewarded

Winners of Automechanika Johannesburg 2017’s Innovation Awards competition were announced on September 27 at a presentation ceremony at the trade fair’s opening at Nasrec. Six products out of nearly two dozen that were entered were honoured for their in- novative qualities following evaluation by a jury of automotive experts. The competi- tion was open to any recently introduced automotive products which the manu- facturers or distributors deemed worthy of recognition, and the range of entries included anything from sophisticated elec- tronic automotive products, to spare parts, tools and fuel additives. The gold certificate went to Bosch’s KTS Diagnostic Tester which jury members de- scribed as a small, super-efficient device which promoted diagnostic competence and workshop efficiency using simple, quick and easy-to-operate technology. The unit, which is made in Germany, was in- troduced to South Africa in April this year. The silver certificate went to Monroe’s OE Spectrum shock absorber, which made its public debut at the trade fair. In their

summation, the jury said “today’s drivers expect world-class control and steering re- sponse, without the harshness associated with many conventional ride control tech- nologies”. Monroe has responded with a shock absorber for the aftermarket which offers twice the usual number of internal tuning points to promote driving precision, agility and responsiveness. The bronze award was won by Qwerty Tyre Solutions’ Str8-Lign Wheel Alignment unit – a locally designed and manufac- tured, portable system which the judges rated highly for the promise it showed in delivering cost-effective benefits for both workshop and in-the-field applications. Developed in Durban by start-up organi- sation Qwerty, the laser-based system took two years to reach manufacturing stage and, since April, has been undergoing tests with vehicle manufacturers, wheel alignment specialists and industry bodies. The awards were presented to represen- tatives of each of the winning companies by Konstantin von Vieregge, CEO of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, organisers of Auto- mechanika Johannesburg. b efficiency. One of the most important new features is the increased horsepower which is now rated at 420 hp. The power is produced through the 6-cylinder in-line water-cooled, turbocharged and inter- cooled FAW engine. The Euro 2 engine produces torque of 1 750 Nm at 1 200 rpm and 1 600 rpm, as well as 309 kW of power at 2 200  rpm. The engine also features an air filter with a pre-filter for cleaner opera- tion and 24 V electrical systems with easy access to electric relays. The centrepiece of the FAW stand was the FAW JH6 truck tractor, which is yet to be sold in South Africa. The unit was brought to South Africa specifically for the show and to demonstrate the advances FAW has made in design and engineering. The JH6 is said to be the largest selling truck in China. The unit on display was powered by a Euro 2 engine which is a 6-in-line, water-cooled, turbocharged, and inter- cooled powerhouse. The 4-valve engine technology is combined with a Voith retarder and the Bosch high-pressure injection system, among others. The engine delivers 460 hp, which is well- matched to the full automatic gearbox producing 2 200 Nm of torque between 1 000 and 1 400 rpm. b

The big news from Powerstar at Futuroad was that the company has come to an arrangement with Foton to rebrand its 3-t, 5-t and 8-t trucks as Powerstar models so that the brand now has a range going from medium commercial vehicles to extra-heavy truck-tractors and construction trucks. Powerstar, which was established in China in 1989, was introduced to the South African market in 2006. The expanding model range is now distributed by Ever Star Industries, which also operates an assembly plant in Pietermaritzburg, bought from Super Group in 2009. FAW’s 33-seater bus rolls in The new 33-seater bus from FAW, in partnership with Busmark, is built on the same chassis and uses the same drivetrain as FAW’s proven 8.140FL range which has been its best-selling range of trucks, in both 2015 and 2016. In a bus environment where comfort and safety are top of mind, it is imperative that the most cost- effective combination of chassis and drivetrain be engineered to deliver the best levels of uptime, efficiency and durability, while simultaneously providing convenient transportation for commuters. The parallel chassis frame and smooth top flange chassis construction have a distinct low-weight advantage, especially when mounting a steel sub-frame bus body. The locally built chassis passes through a special paint station to enhance the chassis’ dust and dirt endurance and longevity – a unique South African addition.

FAW’s modern design on show at Futuroad 2017 The FAW stand at the recently-ended Futuroad 2017 held at Nasrec from September 26-30, showcased the Chinese OEM’s transformation towards a more modern design for its trucks.

The FAW 33.420FT truck tractor, the most recent addition to the local line-up, is the successor model to the FAW 28.380FT. A number of pilot units are currently being put through their paces by FAW’s key cli- ents across the country, operating in var- ious transport sectors, such as long-haul, construction and agriculture, to name a few. As the successor model to the older and very popular FAW 28.380FT truck tractor the new unit has some significant improvements, all contributing to its cost

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