Modern Mining August 2022

contractors

project conditions. Given that it adopts the same design approach as the traditional RDT, it thrives on well-maintained roads. From a running cost point of view, the SKT105S is a better cost-effective solution than the larger, con ventional dump trucks. For example, the truck uses the same type of tyres (16.00R25) as construction type tipper trucks, which cost far less than those of a comparable ADT or RDT. The tyres are also readily available from various local retailers. Benefits of rental A major benefit of going the rental route is that con tract miners can minimise their capital outlay and reduce the risk of an uncertain market. Traditionally, mining contractors have generally preferred outright purchase and ownership of their equipment – this may be part of a company’s culture or simply a finan cial preference. Additionally, some contract miners opt to own their equipment because it provides phys ical assets and a sense of control over those assets. However, the situation has changed in recent years, leading to a growing rental culture driven by companies seeking smart ways of executing their mining contracts. Rental by its nature, adds Zhang, frees up capital – rental expenses are immediately deductible and there are no related costs for warran ties, insurance, transport or storage. “In the quest for lower business risk, there is a complete mindset shift in the market, with compa nies fast realising that renting does not involve a long-term financial commitment. One can simply return the equipment when their project is done and the rental instalments end immediately,” says Zhang. “This eliminates the risk of big-ticket machin ery standing idle in between projects, depreciating in value and slowly becoming obsolete. Renting also improves uptime, because replacements are typi cally available immediately should a rental machine suffer any breakdown on the job.” SANY Rental services also al low smal l to

medium-sized contractors to gain access to the latest technologies. Considering the rate at which mining equipment technology continues to evolve, having access to modern technology allows mining contractors to manage their projects more efficiently and improve profitability. Given that SANY’s rental fleet is serviced and maintained by the OEM, contract miners do not have the ongoing responsibility of repairs and main tenance, keeping parts and employing a dedicated service team on site. Full-service rental from SANY, says Zhang, is of great benefit to mining contrac tors who do not have their own mechanics and workshops. “Our OEM service teams are professional and know the product very well. Customers can, there fore, focus on their core business, which is to mine, and leave the servicing and maintaining of equip ment to us,” says Zhang. Efficient production is the goal for every com pany. All SANY rental machines are relatively new, maximising efficiency, productivity and equipment availability. “All our machines in the rental fleet are brand new, so customers can have peace of mind knowing that they are guaranteed high machine uptime and efficient production. Operators are also at their productive best as they enjoy working with new, comfortable equipment models,” says Zhang. Availability and support Another major advantage of opting for SANY Rental is that the company always keeps enough stock. This is critical, especially given the current long lead times that customers have to contend with due to supply chain disruptions. The high inventory levels are complemented by recent investments in support structures. In 2020, SANY Southern Africa commissioned a 40 000 m² machine storage yard in Boksburg, South Africa. This is complemented by a huge stockholding of about R90-million’s worth of parts, which is set to be increased to R270-million next year. 

A 76 t SY750H excavator loading a 100 t SRT95D rigid dump truck in the pit.

“Our OEM service teams are professional and know the product very well. Customers can, therefore, focus on their core business, which is to mine, and leave the servicing and maintaining of equipment to us,” says Zhang.

August 2022  MODERN MINING  9