Modern Mining August 2025

MATERIALS HANDLING

Efficiency in heavy lifting is not just about raw power, it is about precision, adaptability, and efficiencies.

Electric forklifts lead the charge in materials handling In 2024, South African ports managed a total cargo throughput of 211.2 million tons, including 4.3 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). The country’s container yards also recorded a combined throughput of 4.3 million TEUs for the year.

T his massive movement of cargo requires reliable equipment that can work around-the-clock to minimise downtime in the high-pressure container handling ecosystem. It is in these environments that Konecranes reach stackers come into their own. Not only are they known for their proven design, high-quality components and durable spreaders; their economical fuel consumption and predictable maintenance costs make them cost-effective to operate and maintain. Lenny Naidoo, National Product Specialist for Heavy Lift, a division of CFAO Equipment that supplies Konecranes reach stackers to most ports and container yards in South Africa, says efficiency in heavy lifting is not just about raw power, it is about precision, adaptability, and efficiencies. “Two of the greatest challenges in high-volume scenarios such as ports, container yards and intermodal terminal operations are fuel efficiency and safety. Our reach stackers incorporate load-sensing hydraulics, high-capacity lifting capabilities and an ergonomic operator-centric design that ensure faster turnaround times, optimised fuel consumption and enhanced safety.” Operations today do not only look for ways to reduce fuel costs; they also pursue every opportunity to decrease their carbon

emissions, in line with environmental considerations. “Our reach stackers’ fuel consumption is tracked via an app, allowing logistics managers to establish which equipment is operating optimally, as well as monitor the driving habits of operators. If a reach stacker is refuelling excessively, there could be an issue with the equipment itself or it could point to a driver habit that needs to be addressed,” explains Naidoo. From a carbon emission perspective, Konecranes’ offers excessive idle shut down, which can be set from 0.5 to 30 mins on the unit and is aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions significantly. Additionally, Konecranes offers solutions such as the Start/Stop function that minimises idling and optimises operational efficiency. With the focus on safety, Konecranes reach stackers feature an overload alert system. When a load exceeds safe limits, operators receive an in-cabin warning, and an automatic email notification is sent to supervisors, ensuring prompt awareness and response to potential risks. Additionally, the reach stackers’ load-sensing hydraulics monitor pressure levels and alert both operators and supervisors to any drops, which could indicate a leak or potential equipment malfunction. Automated lifting controls add another layer of safety

34  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | AUGUST 2026