Quarrying in Africa’s harsh conditions is a demanding task that requires the utmost reliability and support for production machines that are the backbone of operations.
In southern Africa crushers are at the heart of most operations and is where the performance and durability of Powerscreen crushers dominate the landscape. The brand’s decades long relationship with quarry operators is supported by the country’s largest multi-franchise equipment supplier, ELB Equipment, which also provides one of the largest branch and dealer networks in the region.
Powerscreen offers a broad selection of crushing equipment tailored specifically for quarrying applications. Their mobile crushers are engineered to handle a wide variety of materials, from the hardest rocks to softer aggregates, making them versatile options throughout the lifecycle of a quarry where they produce premium materials across different quarrying types.
In South Africa the demand for mobile crushers is growing and the range of Maxtrak cone crushers and Trakpactor impact crushers provide a variety of choices to suit the needs of most quarry operators. The Maxtrak mobile crushers provide solutions from 150 tons per hour to larger units well over 300 tons per hour, while the Trakpactor also fulfil roles in recycling and other applications where the machines provide solutions for production rates of up to 550 tons per hour.
According to ELB Equipment divisional director, Wakefield Harding, these crushers critical components that drive efficiency and productivity in quarry operations across Southern Africa. Beyond the performance of the Powerscreen they are also a preferred choice for durability and dovetail perfectly with the Powerscreen’s full suite of equipment to support the entire quarrying process, as well as ELB Equipment’s wide array of loading and quarrying equipment.
The Powerscreen solutions offered include screens, scalpers and conveyors that are essential for efficient material separation and handling. The modular design of this equipment also allows for flexibility and enable quarry operators to switch between different applications with a higher degree of ease.
“The integration of Powerscreen's crushing and screening equipment into quarrying operations helps streamline processes, reduce downtime and increases overall productivity. This is particularly beneficial in Southern Africa, where the industry often faces challenging conditions that require tight margins and high-quality materials.
ELB Equipment is a trusted partner in the quarrying industry in the region and is supported by one of the largest equipment distribution networks in the industry. The 100-year-old company boast some of the most respected technical advice and aftersales support that quarry operators have access to maximise their operations.
Mobile conveyors cut the cost of loading
Quarry operators and suppliers of aggregates to the building industry are increasingly turning to ELB Equipment's range of Powerscreen mobile conveyors to improve productivity and material quality on site.
Powerscreen mobile conveyors offer a robust alternative to load and dump-type operations and enable operators to dramatically reduce costs of equipment while being able to redeploy operators to other critical applications within the quarry.
According to ELB Equipment divisional director, Wakefield Harding, the range includes tracked conveyors with lengths ranging from 21 to 30 meters, capable of handling between 500 to 1000 tons per hour (tph). For those requiring greater stockpile capacities, the tracked radial mobile conveyors offer lengths of 20 to 24 meters, with stockpile capacities up to 7,500 cubic meters and a sweeping range of 180 degrees.
With continued pressure on quarry operators to reduce costs the Powerscreen range offers operators simplified onsite material handling solutions that reduces the requirement for load and dump operations and that dovetails with the company’s crushing, screening and loading solutions for optimised performance.
“This versatility makes the Powerscreen range an ideal choice for a variety of applications within the aggregate supply chain, whether it’s loading, stockpiling or even recycling materials onsite. By integrating these mobile solutions into their operations, quarry operators can reduce material degradation and segregation during the stockpiling process, thereby maintaining the quality of their aggregates.
“Our Powerscreen lineup also includes fully mobile tracked hopper feeders ranging from 15 to 23 meters, with hopper capacities between four to ten cubic meters. For operations requiring direct feeding from loaders or excavators, the low-level feeder option with a seven cubic meter capacity offers an efficient and seamless solution. Additionally, the availability of lattice frame and telescopic conveyors up to 50 meters in length provides operators with unparalleled flexibility in material handling,” says Wakefield.
He adds that the conveyors can be operated on an automated program, offering further benefits in terms of reduced site traffic, labour costs and maintenance requirements. The pin less deployment feature allows for quick adjustments to the stockpile angle, minimising downtime and the risk of blockages—a crucial advantage for maintaining uninterrupted production flow.
ELB Equipment is synonymous with excellence in supplying material handling solutions for quarries across Southern Africa. Their "best of breed" approach ensures that quarry operators and aggregate suppliers receive the highest quality equipment tailored to their specific operational needs. The company’s extensive experience and success in the industry underscores its position as the leading supplier of mobile conveyors in the region.
With some clients operating as many as seven mobile conveyors simultaneously across different sites, the effectiveness and reliability of these machines are well-documented.
The company’s commitment to client success extends beyond the supply of equipment. Its comprehensive aftermarket service ensures equipment operates at peak performance and has a large fleet of field service vehicles available to provide maintenance and support. This level of service is critical for maintaining high availability and productivity in quarry operations.
With a significant presence in major South African cities and a reach extending across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region—including Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, the DRC and Zimbabwe—ELB Equipment offers unparalleled support and accessibility. This extensive network ensures that clients across the region can access the best equipment and services, maximizing their operational efficiency.
