Construction World February 2016

KomRent gives added impetus to Ditshimega Projects

KomRent provides major benefits for customers operating in the highly competitive construction industry. A case in point is Tshwane-based Ditshimega Projects, which has used the resid- ual-based rental solution to acquire a Komatsu GD 675 motor grader. According to general manager Themba Skhosana, this decision has already yielded some valuable outcomes. “By having the ability to operate our own equipment we can react faster to opportunities in the marketplace. We used the grader to complete a relatively small project, but are now well-positioned to seek further roads business.” Skhosana explains that in his experience, using hired plant inflicts a major cost burden on roads and construction projects. “We recently completed a short term project inwhich the hire cost of capital equipment alone came to R500 000. Added to this, there is then

the cost of hiring operators, covering travel and accommodation expenses and, of course, we still provide the diesel.” He estimates that by opting for owner- ship the operation has reduced operating costs by some 60% against comparable proj- ects, a process aided by enabling perma- nent employees with the skills to operate a multiplicity of equipment. Quick reaction times are essential in formulating solutions in today’s economic climate and Ditshimega was impressed by the professionalism displayed by the KomRent team. “We basically had one very well-organ- ised round table meeting and the deal was concluded within a week. At Ditshimega we value service and support and the importance of supplier and customer relationships. We look forward to continuing this partnership.”

ABOVE: Ditshimega general manager, (left) Themba Skhosana, and site manager Omphemetshe Monchusi. RIGHT: A Komatsu excavator PC200-8MO working on site in Mamelodi.

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“KOMTRAX tracks a full range of key performance indicators that can be accessed via a customer’s desktop or laptop. For instance, they can gain an immediate and accurate handle on crucial numbers like fuel consumption, idling times and hours worked.”

“This is just another way in which we are helping our customers to concentrate on their core business, while we take care of the equip- ment-related aspects,” he says. Central to this is Komatsu’s well-established and technologically advanced remote equipment and fleet monitoring system, KOMTRAX, which keeps a close virtual eye on the global operational health of 350 000 pieces of Komatsu equipment 24/7. “This wireless system, which can be activated free of charge on all Komatsu construction machinery, gives customers a user-friendly and real time understanding of how their equipment is being utilised. Not only can they access performance statistics but they can also gauge its condition and exact location,” says Helm. He points out that accurate information leads to better deci- sion-making, and better decision-making to better returns on capital employed. “KOMTRAX tracks a full range of key performance indicators

that can be accessed via a customer’s desktop or laptop. For instance, they can gain an immediate and accurate handle on crucial numbers like fuel consumption, idling times and hours worked.” Machine operation monitoring also facilitates proper maintenance scheduling and alerts operators to a potential problem, reducing the possibility of a major failure and the accompanying penalties of cost and downtime. In addition, operator monitoring provides accurate productivity and utilisation information, which improves efficiency and offers a guide to the effectiveness of operator training. “Yes, we sell world-class excavators, graders, backhoe loaders, wheel loaders, dozers and trucks, but then so do many of our competi- tors. What sets us apart are value added benefits, along with our ability to provide innovative solutions in a time when every rand and cent needs to be accounted for,” Helm concludes.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD FEBRUARY 2016