Capital Equipment News September 2018

For informed decision-making SEPTEMBER 2018

scania serves beyond expectations

CRUSHING: Addressing quality parameters in crushing

MINI TLB COMBINING CAPABILITIES OF A SKID AND TLB IN ONE PAGE 26

EXCAVATORS: Changing the game

HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES: Trucking into new segments

SCANIA SERVES BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

transport & Logistics news 35 FAW cements its place in DSD Group's fleet 36 Extra heavies pull commercial vehicle sales 37 New head of Volvo Group Southern Africa mining NEWS 38 Sandvik's safety drive to take centre stage at EMA 2018 39 Look out for Kwatani 'Beast' at Electra Mining 40 Osborn expands Northern Cape footprint construction news 41 Reliable equipment key to JVZ Construction's success 42 HPE Africa's take on mini excavators 43 KOMTRAX key to effective rental management materials handling news 44 Bobcat targets heavy lift handling with new compact telehandler cover 4 Scania serves beyond expectations crushing 8 Addressing quality parameters in crushing excavators 14 Changing the game heavy commercial vehicles 18 Trucking into new segments machine customisation 22 Modified to spec Mini TLB 26 Combining capabilities of a skid and TLB in one profile 30 Ushering in a new era road marking 32 Customised striping 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: 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. FEATURES REGULARS Total circulation Q2 2018: 4 271

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EDITOR'S COMMENT

INNOVATION COULD PROVIDE A BREAKTHROUGH

A head of Electra Mining Africa 2018, the message from experts in mining and companies set to exhibit at this year’s premier mining show is consistent: the time for mining transformation is right, and the technology is here. This year’s show comes at a time when the mining sector continues to reel under tremendous pressure. Commodity prices continue to stay low and traditional levers to lowering costs, such as cutting the headcount, sweating existing assets, cutting supply contracts and cancelling new project, have been exhausted. This is forcing the usually conservative mining sector to look towards smarter, more sustainable efficiency and productivity gains. Despite the industry’s booms and busts, the nature of mining has stayed the same

for decades. Achieving a breakthrough on productivity performance demands rethinking how mining works. For that, the sector needs deeper insights and more control – new technologies, especially digitalisation, provide the means to achieve this. The potential to achieve a breakthrough is now coming within the industry’s reach through digital and technology innovations that could transform key aspects of mining. One of the experts who has been vocal about the adoption of new technologies Limited. He is of the view that the timing is right for mining companies globally to move past siloed implementation of new technologies and begin investing in integrated digital solutions capable of automating, optimising and adding intelligence into complex processes to deliver greater control. Although the operating landscape is somehow different, the local mining industry has many lessons to learn from its international mining counterparts. Globally, leading mining companies are using technologies such as Radio-frequency identification (RFID), robotic process automation (RPA), 3D modelling, augmented reality, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced analytics to help minimise complexity, increase responsiveness and improve control of operations, spend and outcomes. Chaudhuri says the way forward for mining entities is understanding which initiatives to tackle first. A deciding factor will be the status of a mine – how big it is, where it is located and how established it is, as well as how mature its processes are. A ‘greenfield’ operation, for example, can opt for a completely cloud-based, integrated enterprise-operations and supply chain solution with full collaboration capabilities. A more established mine may look to address key pain points first and achieve broader integration in phases. Apart from showcasing new products and solutions, it is encouraging to see that organisers of Electra Mining have this year dedicated ample time to tackling issues like these. Several exhibitors will also have their in mining is Sudip Chaudhuri, global lead for Natural Resources at Wipro

experts available to help mining companies survive the tide of low productivity and safety hazards. One company that has always believed that the future of the industry can benefit from the application and adoption of relevant digital technology is Schneider Electric, which, for many years has led the deployment and adoption of digital technologies in mining. Marc Ramsay, vice-president, Industry Business Unit at Schneider Electric South Africa, is of the view that technology integration combining energy management, process automation and software through the company’s IoT- enabled platform, EcoStruxure, leverages an enabled, open and interoperable architecture to deliver true digital transformation. Sandvik will be another interesting exhibitor at this year’s show. On display at its stand will be real-world technology that has been developed in response to changes in the industry where efficiency is the key to mining and has become paramount to profitability and sustainability of operations. Safety as usual will be centre stage to illustrate how Sandvik can provide solutions to help customers in their commitment to the mining industries zero harm policies. Information systems such as Sandvik’s proprietary OptiMine provide miners with tools to more effectively manage their operation. Sandvik’s AutoMine mining solutions are also making it feasible to automate parts of, or entire mining operations. Sandvik plans to display how its mechanisation and automation solutions also hold the key to faster and more efficient techniques within our ever-deeper, narrower reefs and hold the promise of returning South Africa to the top of the production pile for many of the world’s most sought-after commodities. It is interesting to note that in the next three to five years, many of the mining technology solutions currently in proof of concept stage will see mainstream adoption. Mining operations that are not leveraging them will quickly become unsustainable. It’s imperative that mines start now to create and implement a considered strategy.

Munesu Shoko – Editor

capnews@crown.co.za

@CapEquipNews

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 2

COVER STORY

SCANIA SERVES BEYOND EXPECTATIONS After running a one-brand fleet for many years, in 2015, southern Africa’s largest waste management company, EnviroServ, decided to diversify and went on to purchase one Scania truck. Three years later, the fleet has expanded to 23 units, and counting, as both Scania South Africa and the product continue to serve beyond expectations, writes Munesu Shoko .

A s the largest waste fleet owner that runs about 250 trucks, all the way from 4-t units to the extra-heavies. Apart from South Africa, which constitutes 80% of the company’s business at this stage, EnviroServ also has operations in Mozambique, Kenya and Uganda. The majority of the fleet runs across its four major centres in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg. “Most of our business is in the industrial sector, including cement, petrochemicals, construction, manufacturing, metallurgical, mining, oil & gas and power generation, among others,” explains Rakesh Seetal, Head of Procurement: Southern Africa at EnviroServ. “We also do a lot of municipal work, and these partnerships with local governments form a crucial part of our business.” Considering the uptime conscious nature of EnviroServ’s application range, the company has always placed premium products at the heart of its business. Having management company in southern Africa, with a specific focus on the industrial sector, EnviroServ is a big

“I am of the view that running a single brand, especially when you have such a big fleet as ours, is an unhealthy practice. One of the critical considerations for any procurement department should be diversity of the fleet. It ensures that each supplier-client relationship becomes stronger, mainly because of the competitive landscape.”

Rakesh Seetal, head of procurement: Southern Africa at EnviroServ

“From the tests we did with EnviroServ, they were impressed by Scania’s fuel consumption. The truck averaged about 44 ℓ of diesel per 100 km in a skip loading application compared with 48 ℓ they achieved with the other brand.”

Naas Burger, sales executive at Scania South Africa

TALKING POINTS

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 4

In three years, EnviroServ has purchased a total of 23 Scania trucks across three models.

joined EnviroServ as head of technical some six years ago, Seetal took over as the head of procurement in 2015. At the time, 95% of the truck fleet was single branded, a situation Seetal regarded as unhealthy. Consequently, he immediately placed fleet diversification on his agenda. “I am of the view that running a single brand, especially when you have such a big fleet like ours, is an unhealthy practice. One of the critical considerations for any procurement department should be diversity of the fleet. It ensures that each supplier- client relationship becomes stronger, mainly because of the competitive landscape,” reasons Seetal. As part of his procurement strategy, Seetal started investigating the market in his quest for a better brand mix in his truck fleet. In 2012, he met Naas Burger, sales executive at Scania South Africa, who, at the time worked for another trucking company. Seetal went on to purchase a single truck from Burger while he was at the previous company, and was really satisfied with the product, but mainly the service he received from Burger. In a move that reiterates the significance of relationships in buying decisions, when Burger moved to Scania in 2015, EnviroServ

QUICK TAKE

EnviroServ has bought a total of 23 Scania trucks since the end of 2015 as part of its fleet diversification strategy

The company operates 17 P360CB6x4EHZ models, four G460CA6x4HHZ truck tractors and two G410CB6x4MHZ units

One of EnviroServ’s custom needs was the longer maintenance contracts from the normal five to seven years

EnviroServ has 8-10 year replacement cycles for its truck fleet

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 5

COVER STORY

have to send the vehicle to a bodybuilder and all the other service providers, we do that on their behalf. Bear in mind that their vehicles require a lot of extras such as belly plates, tailgates, drain valves, hydraulic booms, abrasion resistant liners, handrails, grounding reels and lugs, as well as specialised bull bars, among others. We liaise with all the service providers and make sure that the vehicle is fully spec’d before we deliver,” says Burger. As a result, EnviroServ doesn’t have to deal with various service providers, allowing them to have one point of contact. Another reason for bolstering the fleet with more Scania trucks is that the OEM could readily offer an automatic transmission, which is a key requirement for EnviroServ. The Scania product comes with the OEM's Opticruise automatic transmission. “We were able to offer EnviroServ a vehicle that is fully fitted with Scania products only, including the gearbox and retarders. That was a key competitive edge for us,” explains Burger. Fleet and applications EnviroServ has predominantly bought three Scania models to date, which have been deployed across an array of applications. The company operates 17 P360CB6x4EHZ models, four G460CA6x4HHZ truck tractors and two G410CB6x4MHZ units. “Our application range largely entails the collection and transportation of waste in the industrial sector. Due to the demanding nature of the applications, all our trucks are equipped with Scania’s construction chassis,” explains Seetal. EnviroServ’s fleet comprises skip loaders, RoRos (Roll on, Roll off) front end loaders (FELs) and side tippers, among others. “The Scania product line can support all our application needs, including specialised super suckers and vacuum tankers,” says Seetal. Of the 17 P360CB6x4EHZ units, nine are skip loaders, while four are ROROs and four more units are FELs. Of the four G460CA6x4HHZ truck tractors, two are side tipper links and the other two are equipped with vacuum tanker bodies. The two G410CB6x4MHZ units come in the form of rigid vacuum tankers. EnviroServ has 8-10 year replacement cycles for its truck fleet. The company will run its Scania vehicles for seven years under the extended maintenance plan. Beyond the seven-year period, the trucks will be deployed in a low production environment where they will be used as support vehicles. “We will only replace when they become uneconomical to run, probably after 10 years,” concludes Seetal. b

The Scania product line can support all of EnviroServ's application needs, including specialised super suckers and vacuum tankers.

bought its first Scania truck the very same year. “Initially, the only reason we went the Scania route was because of Naas,” explains Seetal. Why Scania? After initially buying a single Scania truck, Seetal and his EnviroServ team were immediately impressed by both the product and Scania South Africa’s approach to the relationship. Three years later, the company now operates a total of 23 Scania trucks, representing a sizeable amount of its fleet. Meanwhile, five of its 25 owner drivers have also recently taken delivery of their first Scania trucks, and indications are that many more will opt for Scania when their current trucks are up for renewal. From the onset, Seetal was very happy with the upfront capital cost. Given the premium nature of the Scania product, which boasts a range of technologically advanced features as standard, Seetal was surprised to see that Scania was about 5-6% cost competitive than the other premium brand. “We were really happy with Scania’s pricing. It was a very good value proposition for us,” he says. This was complemented by Scania SA’s flexible financing solutions, which saw all EnviroServ’s Scania trucks being purchased using Scania Finance. Before even taking delivery of the first unit, EnviroServ did an extensive six-month testing with one of the Scania vehicles. “From the tests we did with EnviroServ, they were impressed by Scania’s fuel consumption. The truck averaged about 44 ℓ of diesel per 100 km in a skip loading application compared with 48 ℓ they

achieved with the other brand,” says Burger. However, the biggest driver in EnviroServ’s decision to further bolster its Scania fleet was Scania SA’s willingness to tailor the deals to the company’s operating needs. “One of their custom needs was the longer maintenance periods from the normal 60 to 84 months,” explains Burger. “Scania was the first company to offer us the flexibility to increase the maintenance contracts from the industry standard of five years, to seven years. We negotiated for longer maintenance contracts in line with our business needs. For such a big ask, I didn’t necessarily need to go and meet the managing director of Scania South Africa, but Naas was able to sort out all our requirements. This speaks volumes about the company’s flexibility and the empowerment of customer-facing individuals within the organisation,” says Seetal. protocols for their customer service staff to follow, for Seetal, a single point of contact is critical. “Having a single point of contact means that I can pick up the phone and call Naas directly for all my needs. That is way more practical than having to call a hotline and get tossed around from department to department trying to get someone to help you. How customer facing people handle situations reflects on the overall company, and we are very happy with Scania’s approach to customer service,” says Seetal. Speaking of a single point of contact, when EnviroServ orders its Scania vehicle, the OEM will fit all the extras as per the company’s spec before delivery. “They don’t Single point of contact While all suppliers have different

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 6

CRUSHING – PART 2

Should a high quality shape be required, an impact crusher would be necessary to get the end product into specification.

Addressing quality parameters in crushing

I n the previous article, the major talking point was that, to execute the crushing process cost-effectively, it’s always important to deploy the correct crusher for the ideal application. This not only saves you time, but it will also save you money in the long run. The article also looked at whether geology was a major factor that determines the type of crusher to be deployed in an application. The focus now turns on how quality parameters influence the crusher to be deployed for a job at hand. Quality parameters in aggregate production are normally based on strength, size and shape of the end product. How does the end result help determine what type of crusher is needed? Johann Pruewasser, engineer at Keestrack, says to determine the most economical crusher for the job at hand, project considerations always have to start at the end. “This means that all tooling deliberations have to be informed by the quality demand of the final product, and then go step by step from the end of the process to the primary crushing stage,” says Pruewasser. Dewald Janse van Rensburg, MD of B&E International, says the final product requirement is the cornerstone of equipment selection and plant design, and certain combinations of jaw crushers and secondary crushers have proved to In Part 1 of our crushing-focused series of articles, we alluded to the substance of optimum crushing in the whole aggregate production equation. In this feature, our panel of experts further delves into product quality parameters and the significance of close cooperation between supplier and customer in order to come up with the best crushing solution for the job at hand, writes Munesu Shoko .

be more effective in achieving certain out- comes. “Customer requirements will also specify the grading envelope that must be achieved, which is the ratio between the coarser and finer aggregates. For any operation, the intended throughput rate is another key consideration in the choice of crushers and their sizes, and with com- mercial operations the market will dictate the level of demand to be satisfied, or the draw-off requirement for a specific project,” says Van Rensburg. Tyron Ravenscroft, Finlay product manager at Bell Equipment, says the strength of the material determines the crushing ratios acceptable to that material and how many crushers will be required to crush the run of mine (ROM) to the desired product sizes. “The size of the ROM will determine the size of the primary crusher to accept the ROM. The ROM size will also determine the number of crushers required to produce the desired product sizes in the acceptable crushing ratios,” says Ravenscroft. “The desired product shape will determine the type of crushers required. Should a high quality shape be required, an impact crusher will be necessary to get the end product into specification,” adds Ravenscroft.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 8

Only if supplier and customer are prepared to work closely together will it be possible to determine the most economical crushing system which is able to fulfil the quality demand.

More quality considerations Sandro Scherf, CEO of Pilot Crushtec International, says one critical consideration is the end application of the aggregate produced. Some basic examples where shape and size or product size distribution (PSD) are critical to include are filter sands, road construction and asphalt topping, to mention a few. “Filter sands require very strict product curves. With too much fine material, the filter sand turns to clay, which doesn’t allow water to flow through. With too little fine material, the water passes through too easily and particles aren’t filtered out,” explains Scherf. For road base construction, Scherf says the Colto specs on G1 and G2 base and sub-base material require at least 4-12% of 0,075 mm material, all produced from clean parent rock. “The micro fines basi- cally act as a lubricant when compacting the road-base to ensure that you get the correct compaction levels and have a sturdy base on which to lay the road. This can generally only be achieved with the introduction of a vertical shaft impact (VSI) crusher as a tertiary or quaternary stage in the process,” explains Scherf. For asphalt topping (and high MPa concrete), Scherf reasons that it’s critical to have a cubicle shape to the stone rather than a flaky product. Flaky material is weak and can be broken by the pressure of large vehicles, while an exposed hole will fill with water and quickly form a pot- hole. “Cubicle material fits closer together and more compactly, ensuring that less

QUICK TAKE

Quality parameters in aggregate production are normally based on strength, size and shape of the end product

The final product requirement is the cornerstone of equipment selection and plant design

If optimum shaped product is an obligation, the VSI crusher is the optimal shape-producing crusher

Apart from costs, the main advantage the VSI has over the HSI crusher when it comes to production of a cubicle product is the consistency in the end product

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 9

CRUSHING – PART 2

TALKING POINTS

says Ravenscroft. Van Rensburg says it’s not easy to con- trol the shape of the aggregate; different host rocks will break differently. “If for instance the material is flaky, then you can introduce specialised equipment like a VSI to break down the edges of the stone and make them more cubical,” he says. While most mining operations require ore to be crushed as fine as possible, Van Rensburg says this is not always the case. “Where fines must be kept to a minimum, there is need for less aggressive crushing, or the ore must be screened or scalped before crushing takes place to minimise further fines generation,” adds Van Rensburg. Pruewasser says every stone has a crystalline shape which is normally hex- agonal. He says impact crushing systems crush the material along this crystalline structure because it is the easiest part of the rock to crush. “This always gives a better shape than crushing with shearing or pressing forces offered by cone and jaw crushers,” says Pruewasser. Scherf says this can depend on the rock characteristics and the plant layout. However, as a general rule, the HSI and VSI crushers offer the best shape. “Often a three-stage plant consisting of 1 x jaw crusher and 2 x cone crushers will also produce a cubicle product. The type of cone crusher will have a significant effect on the results. A Metso HP crusher, for ex- ample, can produce a very cubicle product when utilised correctly, which a Symons type cone crusher, for example, cannot offer,” says Scherf. Due to the hardness and abrasive nature of most of the rock in southern Africa, Scherf says the VSI is the preferred option when it comes to a cubicle product, and would be used as a tertiary or quaternary crusher. “The main advantage the VSI has over the HSI crusher in this application, operating costs aside, is the consistency in the end product. As soon as you start feeding an HSI crusher you start having wear in the chamber, which means you require constant adjustment to achieve the same results,” says Scherf, adding that on the VSI, the wear on the rotor has a minimal effect on the product PSD, meaning you have a consistent product. Close partnership To come up with the best crushing solution for the application at hand, a closely knit cooperation between the supplier and the customer is of utmost

“The desired product shape will determine the type of crushers required. Should a high quality shape be required, an impact crusher will be necessary to get the end product into specification.”

Tyron Ravenscroft, Finlay product manager at Bell Equipment

“At Weir Minerals Africa, we understand that the more we help our customers become profitable, the more relevant we are. We do this by maintaining our machines and collaborating with clients continuously to find innovative ways to increase their production, using their existing infrastructure.”

JD Singleton, process director at Weir Minerals Africa

“Often a three-stage plant consisting of 1 x jaw crusher and 2 x cone crushers will also produce a cubicle product. The type of cone crusher will have a significant effect on the results.”

Sandro Scherf, CEO of Pilot Crushtec International

asphalt (or cement) is required in produc- tion, thereby reducing costs significantly,” he says. Scherf adds that since flaky material doesn’t compact as tightly as cubicle aggregate does, one is left with voids or spaces between the material, which is then filled with tar from the asphalt. In hot climates the tar will soften, and this can cause deformation of the road surface when exposed to heavy traffic. “Cubicle product adds value to your end product, however many construction projects don’t require high specification aggre- gate, so the added expense of shaping the end-product does not make financial sense,” argues Scherf. Shape in question If the shape of the stone is a major spec

requirement, what crusher achieves the best product shape? JD Singleton, process director at Weir Minerals Africa, says if optimum shaped product is an obligation, the VSI crusher is the optimum shape- producing crusher. The same view is shared by Heath Dickson, national mining sales manager at ELB Equipment, who says, without a doubt, a VSI, and in some cases a horizontal shaft impact (HSI) crusher, will help shape up the product. Ravenscroft is of the view that an impact crusher will give the best quality shape to a stone. “An impact crusher reduces the amount of flaky material from the feed ROM and or flakiness produced from the jaw and cone crushers. It re- moves the brittle pieces from the stones, creating a more high quality cubic shape,”

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 10

“Close cooperation between the supplier and the customer is an absolute necessity. The client understands their challenges far better than the supplier does, through their experience from working the site. The supplier’s main function is to make the client aware of the crushing technology available to meet the client’s production needs.”

Heath Dickson, national mining sales manager at ELB

“Customer requirements will specify the grading envelope that must be achieved, which is the ratio between the coarser and finer aggregates. For any operation, the intended throughput rate is another key consideration in the choice of crushers and their sizes.”

A Trio vertical shaft impact crusher installed at a quarry.

Dewald Janse van Rensburg, MD of B&E International

A Metso HP crusher can produce a cubicle product when utilised correctly.

Van Rensburg says close collaboration with the customer is always essential. “For a start, it allows the supplier to understand the application in detail and to design the right solution; but it is also important to ensure that the customer receives the support they need for smooth operations and lowest cost per ton,” he says. Pruewasser says only if the supplier and the customer are prepared to work togeth- er closely will it be possible to determine, in partnership, the most economical crushing system which is able to fulfil the quality demand. Ravenscroft says it’s imperative that the customer furnishes the supplier with all the necessary information on the ROM material and the desired end product requirements. “Once all this information

Customer requirements will specify the grading envelope that must be achieved.

significance. Dickson says it’s an absolute necessity, adding that the client understands their challenges far better than the supplier does, through their experience from working the site. “The supplier’s main function is to make the client aware of the crushing technology available to meet the client’s production needs,” he says. Singleton says as experts in crushing applications, flowsheet design and crush- er maintenance, Weir Minerals Africa understands that uptime and maximum production are the primary drivers for

an aggregate client’s profitability. “As a result, we believe that long-term partner- ships with continuous support, as well as spares and service agreements, are the only way to run a sustainable business,” says Singleton. “At Weir Minerals Africa, we under- stand that the more we help our custom- ers become profitable, the more relevant we are. We do this by maintaining our machines and collaborating with clients and continuously finding innovative ways to increase their production, using their existing infrastructure,” adds Singleton.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 11

CRUSHING – PART 2

successful business. He says that a close cooperation between supplier and customer is critical for long-term success as operating conditions are continuously changing. “Nature did not mass produce rocks to the same specifications; the deeper you quarry the more competent and hard the rock is. Crushing conditions can also change drastically in some areas due to the rainy season. Having close coopera- tion means that many of these challenges can be pre-emptively addressed, by ensur- ing that the correct spares or screening media is in stock before the rains come, for example,” says Scherf. Scherf says when site conditions or the contract specification change, the first person the customer should call is their trusted advisor from the supplier to ensure that fine-tuning of the plant can be done timeously to maximise productivity. “It is very hard to drop costs without compro- mising on quality, so improving the plant’s performance by 1% has a hugely positive financial impact over the course of a year. A simple example is a 1% improvement in production on a 100 tph plant; over a year it would make up to 2 000 t difference, and that equates to 100 additional tipper trucks delivering to end-users for the same fixed operating costs,” concludes Scherf. b

The final product requirement is the cornerstone of equipment selection and plant design.

is obtained, there are many different simulation programmes available to help determine the correct plant specifica- tions needed to achieve the desired end product specifications. Bell and Finlay’s application specialists work closely with our customers with the initial product se-

lection and thereafter with ongoing plant efficiencies and product support because our core belief is if we help our customers succeed so will we,” he says. Scherf is of the view that selecting the best crushing solution is only the first step to achieving targets and ensuring a

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 12

EXCAVATORS

The new Cat 320 GC, with 20 500 kg of operating weight, combines the right balance of productivity-driven features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

QUICK TAKE

45%

Construction is one of the industries that still grapples with productivity. Based on the understanding that technology has the power to make construction more efficient, Caterpillar’s Next Generation Hex 20-tonne size class excavator range – launched locally by Barloworld Equipment – changes the status quo with an array of standard technological advancements aimed at increased productivity, reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs, writes Munesu Shoko. CHANGING THE GAME B arloworld Equipment, the southern African dealer for Cat earthmoving equipment, has officially unveiled three Next Gen- eration Cat excavator models – 320, 320GC and 323 – in the 20-t class size. The new range comes with an array of standard factory-fitted cutting-edge technologies that, combined, offer up to 45% increased productivity, 25% reduced fuel consumption and 15% lower maintenance costs. Speaking at Barloworld Equipment’s southern African official launch of the new range, Giacomo Bottone, global director – Excavation at Caterpillar, not- ed that the development of the new range was informed by direct feedback

The new range offers up to 45% increased productivity

25%

Up to 25% reduction in fuel consumption

15%

Up to 15% lower maintenance costs

50%

The new Cat hydraulic return filter boasts a 3 000-hour service life, translating into a 50% increase over previous filters

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 14

24 500 kg of operating weight – boasts standard integrated Cat Connect Technology and the most power and lift capacity in the line-up. Productivity in focus Johann Viljoen, sales support manager at Barloworld Equipment, says technology was the cornerstone of the development of the new range. “The machines come with a range of innovative systems that help increase productivity by 45%,” says Viljoen. “The onboard Cat Connect Technology allows operators of all experience levels to dig, load and grade with more efficiency, speed and accuracy. The result is better productivity and lower operational costs.” The Cat 320 and 323 come standard with Cat Grade with 2D system at no extra cost. Offering guidance for depth, slope and hori- zontal distance to grade, the Cat Grade with 2D system helps operators reach desired grade quickly and accurately. The system is ideally suited for residential and commer- cial, utility and general construction. The standard 2D system can be upgraded to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D. “The Cat Grade with 3D – which uses GNSS satellite technology to provide the information necessary to determine precise bucket positioning with centimetre level accuracy – is an optional system for more complex jobs,” explains Viljoen. At the centre of the productivity drive are the four Assist systems that also come stan- dard. Grade Assist automates boom, stick and bucket movements, allowing operators to stay on grade simply and effortlessly with single-lever digging. Boom Assist ensures the machine stays grounded when you dig, lift and rotate under load. “Bucket Assist maintains the angle of the bucket to the ground when stick and/or boom are moved. This makes levelling much easier and consistent,” says Viljoen. Meanwhile, Swing Assist automatically stops swinging motion of the machine at a pre-set point. This sim- plifies the work cycle, with less effort and less fuel consumption. The standard Cat Payload – integrated in the Cat 320 and 323 – delivers precise load targets with on-the-go weighing, which helps prevent truck over/under-loading and maximises efficiency. Automated tracking helps manage production and lower costs. “Cat LINK hardware also comes standard, allowing machine owners to simply link up the software to connect jobsites to the office and provide machine-critical operating information,” says Viljoen. Fuel savings Terence Naidu, head: Construction Sales at Barloworld Equipment, says fuel efficiency

The new Cat 323 – with 24 500 kg of operating weight – boasts standard integrated Cat Connect Technology and the most power and lift capacity in the three-model line-up.

The Cat 320, with 22 000 kg operating weight, raises the bar for efficiency with integrated Cat Connect Technology that advances productivity gains.

from customers. “The construction industry is one of the sectors that still grapples with low produc- tivity. Having listened to our customers, we have developed a range of excavators that comes with a full suite of technologies that used to be on the wish list but are now standard,” says Bottone, adding that the Next Generation Cat excavators combine three compelling characteristics – increased operating efficiency, lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance costs – which speak directly to the needs of today’s con- struction equipment owners. Sivu Potelwa, GCI product specialist at Barloworld Equipment, says the range is set to transform the construction industry.

She says lower fuel consumption of up to 25% translates into reduced running costs and better cash flow for customers. “With increased efficiency of up to 45%, coupled with 15% reduced maintenance costs, it eans that operators can now move more for less,” says Potelwa. Said to be the 20-t class standard, the Cat 320, with 22 000 kg of operating weight, raises the bar for efficiency with integrated Cat Connect Technology that advances productivity gains. Designed for low- to medium-duty applications, the new Cat 320 GC, with 20 500 kg of operating weight, combines the right balance of productivity features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The new Cat 323 – with

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 15

EXCAVATORS

TALKING POINTS

Referring to fuel burn data collected over the past five years across Europe, Africa, Middle East and Russia, Naidu says the new 320, for example, consumes about 10,1 ℓ /hour, compared with 14,3 ℓ /hour on the 320 DL; 13,7 ℓ /hour on the 320 EL; and 13,5 ℓ /hour on the 320 FL, representing up to 25% less fuel consumption. “Compared with predecessor machines, engine rpm has been reduced from 1 700 to 1 650 rpm, without sacrificing power,” explains Naidu. More efficient than single-fan systems, the new cooling system employs five electric fans, which independently monitor hydrau- lic oil, radiator and air-to-air aftercooler temperatures to deliver the exact airflow required. “With a new hydraulic system built for responsiveness and efficiency, all three models come with a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines on the excavators result in 20% less oil required, lowering long-term operating costs,” says Naidu. Reduced maintenance costs According to Naidu, maintenance and repair costs constitute about 30% of an excavator’s operating costs. Offering extended and more synchronised maintenance intervals, the new Cat excavators do more work at a lower cost and reduce maintenance costs by up to 15% over their predecessors. Featuring higher dirt capacity, the new Cat hydraulic return filter boasts a 3 000- hour service life, translating into a 50% increase over previous filters. A new Cat air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters extends service life to 1 000 hours, a 100% increase over previous designs, while a new fuel tank cap filter extends service life to 2 000 hours. The three fuel system filters each offer a 500-hour service interval. “The new hydraulic tank oil return filter offers improved filtration, increasing service intervals from 2 000 to 3 000 hours. The anti-drain valve prevents contamination, while the de-aeration grid breaks bubbles and enables a smaller hydraulic tank,” says Naidu. All daily maintenance checks for engine oil, fuel water separator, fuel tank water and sediment, and cooling system level are performed from ground level, making the routine faster, easier and safer. Consolidated filter locations reduce service time and increase uptime. Operator in mind Gone are the days when machine designs paid little attention to operator comfort. Forward-thinking OEMs such as Caterpillar

“With increased efficiency of up to 45%, coupled with 15% reduced maintenance costs, it means that operators can now move more for less.”

Sivu Potelwa, GCI product specialist at Barloworld Equipment

“The construction industry is one of the sectors that still grapples with low productivity. Having listened to our customers, we have developed excavators that come with a full suite of technologies that used to be on the wish list but are now standard.”

Giacomo Bottone, global director – Excavation at Caterpillar

“The range sets a new benchmark with its keyless push-button engine start. This ensures security for the machine by using Operator ID codes to limit and track machine access.”

Adriaan Pretorius, Regional construction & key accounts manager at Barloworld Equipment

increases. “Excavators burn 3 ℓ /hour of fuel when idling, which also equates to 8 kg of carbon emissions per hour. Additionally, idling hours impact warranty time, translate into additional service intervals, reduce re- sale value of used equipment and unneces- sarily increase runtime hours,” says Naidu. The fuel consumption evolution is also made possible by the Cat C4.4 ACERT engine that provides a 107 kW power rating for the 320GC, while the C7.1 ACERT engine gives the 320 and 320 models 117 kW of power. The machines consume up to 25% less fuel than previous models with new Smart Mode operation which automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging condi- tions at hand, optimising both fuel consump- tion and performance. Eco Mode is said to offer up to 15% fuel efficiency, while Power Mode ensures maximum performance.

is a major focus area in the new range, with the Cat 320 and 323 being the first machines in the Cat excavator range to employ fuel efficiency technology. “Fuel represents up to 30% of an excavator’s operating costs. With that in mind, Cat’s Next Generation excavators come with a range of features that, combined, constitute up to 25% reduction in fuel consumption,” says Naidu. There are five pillars driving fuel efficien- cy, namely idle time, operator technique, equipment selection, technology and jobsite setup. A range of features, such as Auto- matic Engine Control, Engine Idle Shutdown and Eco Mode (which reduces engine rpm), address the issue of idle time. Naidu says the cost of machine idling translates into money down the drain, especially considering the current fuel price

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directly linked to them. As a result, operator efficiency is of utmost significance in the overall productivity and operating costs of the machine. To enhance productivity, safety and comfort, the cabs of the three models come with a range of standard features such as keyless push-button start and large 203 mm touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control to offer increased ease of operation. “The range sets a new benchmark with its keyless push-button engine start. This ensures security for the machine by using Operator ID codes to limit and track machine access,” says Adriaan Pretorius, regional construction & key accounts manager at Barloworld Equipment. “Codes can be entered manually, via an optional Bluetooth key fob or smartphone app.” Programmable joystick buttons for response and pattern allow the operator to dial in productivity settings. New advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50% over previous models, thereby reducing operator fatigue. “Joystick pattern as well as response can be set to match operator preference. All preferences are saved with the operator ID and restored at log in,” concludes Pretorius. b

“Fuel represents up to 30% of an excavator’s operating costs. With that in mind, Cat’s Next Generation excavators come with a range of features that, combined, constitute up to 25% reduction in fuel consumption.”

Terence Naidu, head: Construction Sales at Barloworld Equipment

“The onboard Cat Connect Technology allows operators of all experience levels to dig, load and grade with more efficiency, speed and accuracy. The result is better productivity and lower operational costs.”

Johann Viljoen, sales support Manager at Barloworld Equipment

understand that a comfortable operator is a productive one. In fact, Naidu says operators

contribute significantly to overall machine costs, with up to 30% of operating costs

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HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

The Pro 6025T (10 m 3 ) 6 x 4 construction tipper comes with 25 t GVM.

Trucking into new segments

Following the success of the Eicher brand since it ventured into the market some two years ago, VECV South Africa has expanded the range with the launch of two new models in the Pro 6000 Series, allowing it to compete for a share of the local heavy commercial vehicle market for the first time, writes Munesu Shoko .

V E Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV), a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Indian headquartered Eicher Motors Ltd, entered the South African market with its range of Eicher trucks over two years ago. To set the ball rolling, the joint venture set up its South African base in the form of a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary, VECV South Africa, which reports significant growth of its offering for the time it has operated locally. Following the success of its maiden 4-t Pro 3008 model, which already has proven its efficiency locally, VECV South Africa has expanded the range with the launch of its Pro 6025T, a 10 m³ tipper, and the Pro 6016, a 16 t GVM freight carrier – giving the company the much-needed offering to wrestle for a share of the local heavy commercial vehicle market.

“We have had a good run with our 3008 model. The Eicher brand has been well accepted in SA since we launched some two years ago,” explains Mark Diab, Director of Sales & Marketing at VECV South Africa. Surender Singh, Vice President & Country Head, VECV South Africa, says the Eicher Pro 6000 Series marks a milestone in the journey of Eicher Trucks in South Africa. He says the company’s approach was to initially stabilise the first model before rolling out the larger ranges. “We did our research before coming into the South African market. It is an unforgiving market which offers you a single chance as a new entrant, and if you mess it up, you are out. As a result, we have put much focus on our aftermarket structures, with the creation of a strong dealer network and parts availability being key focus areas,” says Singh. Eicher’s early success has largely hinged on its strong

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aftermarket initiatives. In less than three years, VECV SA has already established one of the strongest dealer networks comprising some of the leading groups in the country, such as the Imperial Group (Magnis Group), BB Motor Group, CMH Group, AAD Group, Bilson Trucks, Emerlo TTC Group, Morgan Group, Shorts Commercial Vehicles and Premier Truck and Bus. Its product range is now available across the country at 15 strategic locations, ensuring high levels of sales and aftersales support. “Being a new entrant in the market, we are proud of being accepted by big dealer groups in the country. It’s because we have the right products and the right market strategies,” says Singh. Enter Pro 6000 Series The new range comprises the Pro 6016 (8 t payload) 16 t GVM freight carrier and the Pro 6025T (10 m³) 6x4 construction tipper with 25 t GVM. With the Pro 6000 series, VECV aims to set new benchmark of efficiency and productivity in this segment. The Eicher Pro 6000 Series will meet the needs of market segments such as haulage, distribution, construction, industrial loads, courier and perishables. “The trucks have undergone rigorous endurance and performance testing for over 100 000 km in South Africa. Together with

The trucks have undergone rigorous endurance and performance testing for over 100 000 km in South Africa

VECV South Africa has expanded its Eicher truck range with the launch of its Pro 6025T, a 10 m³ tipper, and the Pro 6016, a 16 t GVM freight carrier into the local market

The key talking points on this range are fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance, both crucial parameters in running a successful transport business

A high percentage of the service parts are common across the range. Many body parts are also common within the Pro 6000 Series, which reduces operating costs for customers

“We did our research before coming into the South African market. It is an unforgiving market which offers you a single chance as a new entrant, and if you mess it up, you are out. As a result, we have put much focus on our aftermarket structures, with the creation of a strong dealer network and parts availability being key focus areas.”

“We have had a good run with our 3008 model. The Eicher brand has been well accepted since we launched some two years ago.”

Mark Diab, director of Sales & Marketing at VECV South Africa

Surender Singh, vice- president & country head, VECV South Africa

“Our aftermarket strategy is driven by five key pillars, namely, fast response times, parts availability, a system driven approach, customer focus and a fully engaged dealer network.”

Antonie Bekker, director of Aftermarket at VECV South Africa

TALKING POINTS

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strong support solutions, the new series promises to deliver maximum lifetime profitability to the customer and fast track their business growth,” says Singh. Singh is excited about the prospects of growth in the 8 t segment with the Pro 6016. With the Pro 6016, VECV is targeting both city distribution and long haul applications. Singh reasons that the 8 t manual transmission market is divided between premium and economy, and the Eicher product falls in between the two categories. He reasons that this segment is increasingly gaining traction in the market, especially if the price is right and the offering is good. “From a strategy point of view, it is a sweet spot for us,” he says. The key talking points on this range are fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance, both crucial parameters in running a successful transport business. The Eicher Pro 6016 is powered by the VEDX5, a 5,1 l CRS technology engine designed in collaboration with the Volvo Group. The 4-cylinder, 4-valve engine delivers 210 hp and 825 Nm torque. “The Pro 6025 delivers best-in-class torque with optimum horsepower, which results in 5% better fuel efficiency compared with some of the offerings in this size class,” says Singh. With the Pro 6025 T, VECV is targeting a number of applications, including construction tipping and concrete mixing. It is powered by the VEDX8 engine, a 7,7 ℓ CRS technology engine. The 6-cylinder, 4-valve engine delivers 250 hp and 950 Nm torque. Both the engines are equipped with Volvo Group’s Engine Management System (EMS 3.0) that maximises performance in various operating conditions. The EMS 3.0 has a high processing capability and maintains optimum balance between load demand, fuel efficiency and emission control. Meanwhile, the FIE (Fuel Injection Technology) system with advanced Japanese technology delivers greater fuel pressures, maintaining optimum fuel economy. A key selling point of the Pro 6025 T is the Engine Protection System. “It is the only truck in the mid-premium market segment with a standard engine protection system,” says Singh. The 4-way engine protection system protects the engine from driver ignorance and brings it to ideal rpm. The engine protection system comes with a low oil pressure indicator, which prevents engine failure due to poor lubrication. The system also de-rates the engine at high coolant temperatures, thereby protecting it from

The new Pro 6016 (8t payload) is a 16 t GVM freight carrier.

overheating. It also has the starter motor thermal cut-off mechanism, which avoids starter failure due to over cranking. The automatic exhaust brake engages during downhill, preventing engine over-speeding and ultimately offering greater fuel consumption. Aftermarket approach Antonie Bekker, Director of Aftermarket at VECV South Africa, says the company believes a strong aftermarket support system will differentiate it from other brands in the market. “Aftermarket is one of the most exciting departments in every business. Our aim is to have a fully engaged, efficient and profitable aftermarket dealer network,” says Bekker. Bekker says the company’s aftermarket strategy is driven by five key pillars, namely, fast response times, parts availability, a system driven approach, customer focus and a fully engaged dealer network. When it comes to parts availability, the current parts supply rate stands at approximately 96%. Meanwhile, initial stocking of parts for the Pro 6016 has already been supplied to the Eicher dealer network. Over 1 000 line items for the Pro 6000 Series are currently available at VECV’s warehouse. “Major aggregates for Pro 6016 and Pro 6025 will arrive in South Africa by mid-September,” says Bekker. Bekker says another key competitive edge of the new range is the parts commonality between Pro 6016 and the Pro 6025. A high percentage of the service parts are common across the range. Many body parts are also common within the

Pro 6000 Series, which reduces operating costs for customers. In terms of other markets, Singh says the group has placed a major focus on three regional clusters in its vision to reach 100 000 units a year globally. The three regions of importance for Eicher are South Asia, Middle East and Africa. The group now has 289 distributors in South Asia, five in Middle East and 26 in Africa. The African market has been divided into two segments: right-hand drive and left- hand drive markets. The targeted left-hand drive markets comprise Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DR Congo, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Republic of Congo, Liberia, Benin, Madagascar and Somalia. The right- hand drive markets include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. VECV South Africa is in charge of southern African markets, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho. After South Africa, Zimbabwe is currently the second- biggest market in terms of units sold. “In Zimbabwe we have one of the largest automotive dealers in the country, Croco Motors, as our representative. In Namibia, we are in the final stages of finalising a dealer agreement with one of the largest truck suppliers in the country. Lesotho and Swaziland are currently supported by our South African dealers,” concludes Singh. b

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