MechChem Africa February 2017

⎪ Materials handling ⎪

T hree high capacity double-girder overhead travellingworkshop cranes, completedon schedule for Exxaroand installedatGroo- tegelukCoalMine inNorthwestProvinceduringSeptember last year, are undergoing commissioning trials. The three cranes, ordered to assist with large mine vehicle mainte- nance, were manufactured by Condra on behalf of East Rand Cranes, the company’s authorised distributor for Northwest Province, which secured the R7-million-plus contract in 2016. Two of the cranes are identical 1.4‑mspan50/20-tonmachines fitted with variable frequency drives on the main hoists to facilitate precise positioning of very heavy loads. Exxaro’s third crane, also with a span of 18.4 m, has a single 20-ton hoist. Design of all three cranes was described by a Condra spokesman as “standard”, although they feature live-axle drives in place of the more common ring-gear configuration, part of Condra’s mandate to keep maintenance costs to a minimum. East Rand Cranes is thought to have won the Exxaro order because of a combination of competitive pricing, machine durability, after sales service and Condra’s ability to meet short lead times; this according to Condra’s managing director, Marc Kleiner. “We also pursue a market-imposed mandate to continuously drive downmachinemaintenance costs, which iswhywe offer live-axle drives. “In addition, our gearboxeswere up-rated some years back to deliver additional power and the company today uses a 36B case-hardened material on most pinions. This material, though expensive, is beneficial in extending crane lifespan. “Wherever possible, wefit our hoistswithhigh tensile-strength ropes to reduce rope diameter, drum diameter and enable smaller gearboxes and motors to be fitted,” Kleiner notes. Condra’s cranes canbe used for hook, grabbing, magnet, ladle, bucket or stacking duties and can be operated manually, electrically or both. Overhead cranes aremanufactured to specification fromsome 250 sub- assemblies, including hoists, drives, end carriages, brakes, gearboxes and motors, all of which are manufactured by Condra. q Commissioning trials are taking place for three high capacity travelling workshop cranes to be used to assist with large mine vehicle maintenance. Crane manufacturer, Condra, has developed techniques enabling fast-track production, which contributed to winning the contract. Local crane company puts rivals to flight

One of Exxaro’s three cranes for Grootegeluk Coal Mine undergoing load testing at Condra’s Germiston factory.

February 2017 • MechChem Africa ¦ 23