Modern Mining August 2024

ELECTRA MINING AFRICA

VISIT US AT ELECTRA MINING HALL 10 STAND P66

Bell to showcase BHI and new JCB Backhoe Loaders at Electra Mining Equipment manufacturer, Bell Equipment, is set to make a significant impact at Electra Mining, showcasing how its Bell Heavy Industries (BHI) business unit can benefit other companies and the country through its contract manufacturing expertise.

“E lectra Mining is the largest mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power, and transport trade show in Southern Africa and we are thrilled to connect with potential customers in a forum of this size and nature,” says Stephen McNeill, Bell Equipment’s Head of Group Marketing. “We believe BHI is well positioned to stimulate the South African manufacturing sector and look forward to discussing opportunities for collaboration. Our factory in Richards Bay has significant capabilities and operates to world-class standards. BHI follows lean manufacturing principles for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The latest technologies and innovations drive continuous improvement throughout the processes and assure the quality of end products. In addition, it is 55% black-owned and 24% black women-owned, enhancing B-BBEE scores and creating localisation opportunities.” The group’s Bell South Africa dealer network, which is the appointed distributor for JCB equipment in the country, will also have on display the updated JCB 3CX Plus Backhoe Loader, which replaces the existing JCB 3DX Plus and 3CX Global machines. “The new JCB 3CX range is packed with features designed to provide improved comfort, versatility, and productivity, with a focus on reducing operating costs and increasing efficiency. Perhaps the greatest change is the new, more spacious cab, which ticks all the boxes in terms of operator safety, comfort, and ease of operation,” says Stephen. The new cabs are ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Over Protective Structure) certified for enhanced safety and have greater visibility of the working area at the back of the machine. Regarding ease of operation, the loader lever has been simplified to operate like a wheel loader. The single lever loader

The new range of JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders promises to build on the brand’s popularity.

The spacious interior of the new JCB 3CX Pro places a huge focus on operator safety, comfort, and ease of operation.

standard. They can also be provided with a 6-in-1 shovel with the option of flip over forks for added versatility.” Lastly, lighting has been improved with six LED work lights, two on the front and four on the rear. During night-time operations, a ‘guide me home’ light system keeps the work lights on for 30 seconds after the ignition has been turned off to allow the operator to safely exit the machine and worksite. 

incorporates an F-N-R directional switch so an operator can control the loader and transmission with one hand. In addition, a proportional switch on the side of the lever is used to operate the 6-in-1 bucket, further reducing the effort needed to operate the machine. He continues: “The entire range benefits from an Easyshift transmission with improved efficiency in the hydraulics, while the Plus and Pro models have a Smooth Ride System for improved roading as

38  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | AUGUST 2024