Modern Mining August 2016

ELECTRA MINING AFRICA

Aftermarket focus for Manitou

A ccording to Manitou Southern Af- rica (MSA), a particular focus of its stand at Electra Mining will be its aftermarket service and support of- fering but it will also be exhibiting recent ma- chine and attachment innovations. Products on show will include an enhanced 28-ton conveyor belt handler attachment proven to reduce mine conveyor belt han- dling time from days to hours and a 16‑ton tyre handler attachment, representing a 5-ton improvement on its 11-ton predecessor. Also featured will be an upgraded Manitou 35-ton tow tractor designed for underground use but also fully adept in aboveground mining applications. MSA handles the Gehl range locally. New models include the Gehl AL 650 and Gehl AL 750 articulated loaders with rated operating capacities of 2 800 and 3 300 kg respectively. The latter will be showcased at this year’s EMA. “In addition to developing cost-effective machinery and equipment, after delivering the required equipment, standard or custom- ised, we focus on providing customers with exceptional aftermarket support,” says Lindsay Shankland, MD of MSA. “Our aim is to ensure they get the best value for money through effec- tive equipment maintenance and support, long after the original purchase or rental agreement.” MSA’s service and maintenance contracts form the bulk of its aftermarket offering, which is provided 24/7 in line with industry standards and offered by each of Manitou’s 14 dealerships countrywide and over border. Elements of the

offering include rapid response for critical breakdowns with Manitou technicians posi- tioned to respond within four hours, dependent on geographic limitations. A 95 % stockholding of all movable parts ensures fast turnaround times. The company’s full maintenance contracts include all parts, all labour and all travelling with a guaranteed cost for five years or 12 000 hours. A recent innovation from the company has been the establishment of a short-term rental fleet. This service was launched with 11 machines but the fleet has subsequently grown to 35 machines. It comprises telehandlers, access platforms, skid steers and track loaders, forklifts and rough terrain forklifts. “Our customer-centric approach with an increased focus on aftersales service and after- market offerings has helped MSA achieve significant growth,” says Shankland. “We have outgrown our current premises and the open- ing of our new premises coincides with Electra Mining Africa 2016. These premises, compris- ing 15 000 m² in Chloorkop, Gauteng, are also tailored to customer service with no less than 4 980 m² dedicated to workshop facilities and a 5 000 m² warehouse to be completed by 2018. Some of Manitou’s partners will be par- ticipating on its Electra Mining stand. They include Jewll Mining for flameproofing; 5DT, the simulator training and virtual reality experts; and Dynabolt, working in conjunc- tion with Manitou to develop roof bolters and drilling machines. 

“Our customer- centric approach with an increased focus on aftersales service and aftermarket offerings has helped MSA achieve significant growth.”

The Manitou ManiTrax 35-ton tow tractor is designed for underground and confined spaces. It has received various modifica- tions since it was unveiled at EMA 2014.

August 2016  MODERN MINING  61