Capital Equipment News October 2016

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

WACKER NEUSON’S ML440 LIGHTS INTO THE MARKET

CATERPILLAR INVESTS $1-BILLION TO BOOST AFRICAN FOOTPRINT AND SKILLS

For 90 years, Caterpillar machines have helped build critical infrastructure projects throughout Africa.

To further boost its dealer footprint, as well as providing critical skills training for the long-term growth of its business in Africa, Caterpillar, together with its independent dealers and the Caterpillar Foundation, has announced plans to invest a massive $1-billion into African countries in the next five years. The announcement, made by Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman, recon- firms Caterpillar’s long-term commitment to the continent and is intended to provide a major upgrade in customer service capabili- ties – including enhanced parts distribution capacity, new state-of-the-art Certified Re- build Centres, new dealer branch locations, the expansion of Caterpillar’s Technicians for Africa online skills development pro- gramme and millions of dollars to support programmes that lift people out of poverty. With approximately 15 000 Caterpillar and Cat dealer employees in Africa, Caterpillar

already has a significant footprint in a market it deems important and growing. “Caterpillar’s investment will increase that footprint, while simultaneously boosting the infrastructure development and skills training capabilities necessary in African countries for them to continue their rise in global competitiveness,” the company says. “For 90 years, Caterpillar machines have helped build critical infrastructure projects throughout Africa. Today, we bring not only construction machinery to the continent, but also traditional and renewable power gener- ation solutions, diesel-electric locomotives, marine engines and mining equipment,” says Oberhelman. “With today’s announcement, we are proudly confirming our plan to make a long-term investment to help build, devel- op and power communities, and serve as an education and training partner to broaden and strengthen local workforce talent and expertise.” b

Wacker Neuson has launched its new ML440 Light Tower, said to be a game changer with its range of innovative features. According to Wacker Neuson’s product specialist, Rainer Schmidt, the new ML440 Light Tower will be a boon for work-after-dark job sites. It is ideal for construction sites, municipal road maintenance, commercial landscaping, emergency services and events, to mention a few. Elaborating on the quality and area size of the lighting delivered by the ML440 Light Tower, Schmidt says that the special pulse- start metal halide lamps not only provide exceptional luminance but also ensures extended lamp life compared to probe- start counterparts. “Furthermore, the lights’ rectangular shape provides a wider lighting coverage of 403 msq at 54 lux, and the lamps can be turned individually to better focus the light where required.” A highlight of the ML440 Light Tower is that it is equipped with Wacker Neuson’s heavy-duty MG5 jobsite generator. “This provides our customers with the convenience of a two-in-one solution, as the generator can be used separately for other purposes when the light tower is not in operation,” explains Schmidt. “For customers who already own compatible generators, we can also supply the ML440 without the generator.” b Side stabilisers ensure stability in high wind conditions and the solid polyurethane wheels offer the benefit of no punctures on site.

WHY CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST OPTION With the South African economy strug- gling to grow and many companies tight- ening their budgets, it is very easy for businesses to fall into the trap of choos- ing price over quality when making pur- chasing decisions. costing the business more in the longer- term? When it comes to practical equipment have you ever wondered why one option is so much cheaper than another?” asks Rhys Evans, managing director of ALCO-Safe.

On the surface, cheaper equipment may offer most of the features and benefits that the more expensive models offer, without the steep price tag. Sometimes the transaction is even termed a great bargain, whereby the buyer believes he got more value than what he paid for. “But is it a bargain? Or are we sometimes unknowingly deferring the full payment,

Evans says it is a well-known fact that substance abuse related accidents cost companies hundreds of thousands of Rands every year. “We can look at some- thing simple like a breathalyser. Why does one brand with similar features cost significantly less than another brand,” he says. “Build quality and the quality of materials used is one reason, but what

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