Caqital Equipment News October 2018

COVER STORY

Safety Raghunanan adds that there has been steadily rising demand for new and refurbished flameproof machines as the South African coal mining sector grows, with Caterpillar becoming the engine of choice. “Hazardous environments drive safety behaviour and we are privileged to be associated with companies that ensure the legislation is followed. Every new project follows a rigorous sign-off procedure by applications and installation engineers employed by Barloworld Power and our customers.” Bird Machines’ Van Biljon points out that certification is required before the equipment can be used on a mine. “Legislation dictates that the complete engine system, including each engine air inlet and exhaust component, has to be designed, tested and certified according to SABS standards,” he says. Elgin Flameproofing has held the SABS quality assurance mark for the flameproofing of diesel engines since 1983. According to Hartman, all flameproof systems and components manufactured and supplied by Elgin have been tested and certified for use by approved test and inspection authorities and the relevant government departments. b

Bird Machines’ flameproof multi-purpose vehicle is powered by the 83 kW Cat 4.4 engine.

Raghunanan says Barloworld Power shares a more recent partnership with DNS Hydraulics and Engineering in Kinross, Mpumalanga, which has manufactured and repaired hydraulic systems for the mining industry since 2006. DNS’s new hydraulic trammer, designed for use in underground coal mines, is fitted with a flameproofed Cat C7.1 (162 kW) engine. Nick van Huyssteen, MD of DNS Hydraulics, is confident that the design and performance of this machine, together with the tried and tested Cat engine supported by Barloworld

Power, will make it a great success. Barloworld Power has an extensive network of branches across southern Africa offering Cat power systems, parts and service to customers in various industries. “We also provide breakdown and field service support to OEMs,” says Raghunanan. “Working closely with Caterpillar, Barloworld Power offers sound technical support from project development to sign-off, support and maintenance for units in the field, and rebuild options that minimise cost and downtime.”

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2018 6