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19

CONSTRUCTION WORLD

FEBRUARY

2016

“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

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

ABOVE:

Ditshimega general

manager, (left)

Themba Skhosana,

and site manager

Omphemetshe

Monchusi.

RIGHT:

A Komatsu

excavator

PC200-8MO

working on site in

Mamelodi.

KomRent gives added impetus to Ditshimega Projects

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.”

“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.”

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.