AN APP FOR EVERYTHING: Accessibility is key when it comes to new telematics, and Caterpillar made sure that their new VisionFleet is tough to beat. With enhanced asset insights, the system pulls broader data from owned, leased or leased equipment and accessories, enabling organisations to make more informed asset management decisions.
Cloud-based and accessible across desktops, tablets and mobile devices, the new VisionLink combines My.Cat.Com, the Cat app and previous versions of the VisionLink app into one fleet management solution.
To simplify the process for customers, all user accounts, personal settings, account configurations and device subscriptions will be seamlessly transitioned from these previous platforms to the new VisionLink.
The new VisionLink mobile app replaces the Cat app, allowing users to access their data anytime, anywhere. A new mobile app, available for download for Android and iOS platforms, allows users to stay up-to-date on key metrics, asset location, fuel levels, idle time and more from their smartphone. It uses all the key elements of a smartphone and is designed with portability in mind.
Several update functions support customers in various everyday situations. VisionLink's new ‘Requirements Check’ feature enables customers to focus on key items, highlights areas requiring action, and provides a workflow for scheduling tasks. In ‘Needs Check’, new task management features allow customers to quickly create tasks or create tasks from scratch. It allows assigning tasks and ensures that progress and completion of tasks are recorded.
The new VisionLink is a powerful platform for monitoring machine health, error codes, fluid analysis and maintenance plan checks. Key personnel can be assigned to receive notifications when facilities require immediate maintenance to avoid downtime. Customers can also request service and order parts directly from their Cat dealer through the new VisionLink mobile app.
With fleet management unique to each area of operation, customers can assign machines an in-app name of their choice. An easy-to-use dashboard supports asset management by project, group, and geofence. Additionally, customers can determine who can and cannot access VisionLink by defining employee access levels. Custom reports can be automatically generated and categorized to facilitate tasks such as identifying underutilized equipment.
HIGHWAY HEROES: Identifying and rewarding the best truck and bus drivers in South Africa is no simple feat, but since 2015 Hollard Highway Heroes have played an instrumental role in identifying the best drivers in the country.
Hollard Highway Heroes has grown significantly since 2015 when just 220 drivers entered – in 2022, 2 400 entrants competed in the competition.
The 2023 iteration of Hollard Highway Heroes promises to be the biggest iteration of the competition yet. After tracking and rewarding truck-driving excellence for the past eight years, this year, the competition hopes to attract 5 000 truck and bus drivers from across South Africa and its very first cohort of bus drivers.
For the second time, the competition welcomes all truck and bus fleets, and not only those insured by Hollard.
Hollard’s aim is to highlight and acknowledge those drivers who go beyond the call of duty to deliver their cargo and passengers safely and on time by driving responsibly and considerately – ultimately leading to safer driving conditions for all road users.
More than 75% of land freight in South Africa is conveyed by road, and accidents cost the country billions of rands every year. Getting goods and people safely to their destinations is at the heart of our economy.
Data has revealed that by promoting safer driving practices, the Hollard Highway Heroes competition has led to a substantial improvement in participating drivers’ road behaviour since the inception of the competition.
Better driving cuts risk and reduces road-accident claims and fatalities and leads to safer roads. Hollard Trucking’s successful Driver Rewards Card Programme also ties in with Hollard Highway Heroes to encourage good driving outside the competition.
THE TIP OF THE EXCAVATOR: The combination of high power ratings for greater productivity and a robust structure for dependable performance puts the Doosan DX450LCA-7M and DX450LC-7M crawler excavators in another league.
Noted for stability on-site and long service life the crawler excavators are valuable machines on any tough construction site and in mining, quarrying and civil engineering.
“These robust excavators have been developed for improved performance, efficient operating costs and minimal downtime in arduous conditions. Doosan’s new generation of machines boasts an impressive combination of power and intelligence, which means operators can handle heavy loads and challenging tasks with ease,” says Darrel Holton, managing director, DISA Equipment Limited, trading as Doosan, part of Invicta Holdings Limited.
“All features of this series have been optimised for a greater working range and fast digging speeds required for high performance in tough applications.”This bodes well in South Africa, due to the local climate and conditions that are varied.
“The DX450LCA-7M excavators, with an operating weight of 44.3 tons and DX450LC-7M machines, with an operating weight of 44.4 tons, can operate efficiently with attachments designed for 50-ton
excavators, with sufficient pump flow and lifting capacity.”
Doosan’s new DX12 engine, with outputs of 181 kW and impressive torque, delivers the precise power needed for each specific task. A rotor-type pre-cleaner ensures efficient filtering in dusty environments, which increases maintenance intervals, resulting in more uptime.
HOW ISUZU IS CHANGING THE TRUCK LANDSCAPE: ISUZU’s ESG commitment is looking forward to the products they deliver, and it starts with a keen interest to improve EURO standards locally.
South Africa is behind when it comes to EURO Standard trucks on our roads, and to address this Isuzu is rolling out more EURO 5 standard models.
Previously selected N-Series and F-Series trucks were available with EURO 5 standards, now even more models will be available with this checkbox.
In the short term, under ISUZU Truck, the company will release more duel-fuel models locally, as well as CNG options in selected models. Expanding the EURO 5 portfolio of vehicles is however one of the major short-term goals.
According to Craig Uren, Senior Vice President, Revenue Generation at ISUZU, current and future plans support the reduction of carbon emissions.
With that in mind some medium terms ESG goals will be releasing Battery Electric vehicles (on selected models).
Keeping in mind that these vehicles use less fuel the option will save overall operation costs and make these vehicles especially suited for business needs in South Africa.
Isuzu’s long-term goal is to introduce Hydrogen-Electric vehicles. These power trucks are considered some of the most sustainable fleet solutions.
“We have several reasons to celebrate when ringing in the new year, with such an excellent sales record, the amazing hard work of everyone in the ISUZU Dealer Network, and the team members who power the ISUZU products and stand by them day in day out,” says Uren.
The South African truck market including van and bus recorded total sales of 30,153 units for the 2022 calendar year, an increase of 11.4% overall on 2021 numbers, with ISUZU’s growth at 4.7%.
ISUZU achieved a total sale of 3 304 units of the total market, excluding vans and buses – a record performance for the brand which smashed the previous year’s total by an increase of 4.76%.
The Medium Commercial Vehicle market increased by 17.8%. ISUZU sales in this category increased by +10.12% compared to 2021.
GROWING TO MEET EXPANDING MARKETS: Owner of Webcon Mini Plant Hire, Sakkie Davies, says demand for smaller plants such as TLB’s has grown recently, adding that customers are moving to suppliers of quality equipment who can take a load off their shoulders by maximising equipment availability and solving their onsite challenges.
For this to be effective, Davies views relationships as the most important part of his business, and companies like Webcon are thriving on repeat business and the strength of their offerings.
The strength of relationships also extends to suppliers and Webcon recently ordered a further five machines from its long-time supplier ELB Equipment with the purchase of four GEHL GBL X900 TLBs and a single Sumitomo SH210 excavator. These are expected to soak up demand from its clients across the country and neighbouring countries.
Webcon has equipment as far as Zimbabwe, Kathu, Malelane and Durban within the construction industry making quality a priority especially when it comes to maintenance and breakdown cost elimination.
“ELB Equipment offer package deals in addition to parts and services, making it a one-stop shop for all my earthmoving need.”
During the handover of the machines, ELB area sales manager, Elmien Bolleurs and the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) team collectively handed over the five earthmovers to Webcon, bringing them to 55 earthmovers in total.
This comes to show that good business relationships could affect the long-term growth of an organization.
Davies and his wife Michelle were met with warm congratulations as they came to collect the machinery. Webcon has been a loyal customer of ELB Equipment since 2010.
“ELB’s price is right, their service is affordable, and their parts are available even in the aftermarket.”
Davies continued to say that ELB Equipment goes out of its way to sort out any issues without hassle. Bringing their part in maintenance and support, ensuring continued business from Webcon and other loyal customers.
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