LOAD WEIGHING TECHNOLOGY: The Konecranes range of lift trucks has a history of working with leading container ports and terminals. Now, the range of trucks also offers peace of mind with the latest technology to keep the wheels turning, reduce running costs, and ensure compliance with regulations within the lifting industry.
Lenny Naidoo, Acting National Operations Manager for Heavy Lift, a division of CFAO Equipment SA sells heavy forklifts to container handlers and the ports industry, says that for over 80 years, Konecranes has been the industry leader in the lifting sector, offering reliable and resilient container lift trucks, reach stackers and forklift trucks for shipyard, port and terminal applications.
“From the start, Konecranes has invested in research and development to continually improve the safety, productivity and cost-effectiveness of equipment. The new technology enables us to give every one of our customers fit-for-purpose solutions for their own set of circumstances. Added to this, our service-minded attitude makes all the difference,” says Naidoo.
The Konecranes Lift Trucks Flow Drive concept significantly cuts down fuel consumption and emissions by up to 25%, but also enhances the driver experience and increases active operation time. “Flow Drive, a Konecranes innovation, uses hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT) to limit power at low speed, lowering wear, fuel consumption and emissions on a heavyduty engine that maintains full performance. With greater intervals between refuelling and less maintenance, it can significantly increase productivity. It’s a solution that brings concrete benefits to everyday operations and an increase in overall productivity,” says Naidoo.
Konecranes’ active preventive maintenance programme also plays a crucial role in improving productivity and safety. Since preventive maintenance can reduce downtime and increase reliability, Konecranes CheckApp for daily inspections is an easy-to-use app for crane users to record their findings when performing pre-shift and/or pre-lift inspections quickly and easily. CheckApp allows for intuitive and reliable auditing of performed daily inspections. The easy-to-use mobile app assists with the timely recognition of potential assetspecific safety or production risk issues. Furthermore, it can also capture videos and photos for uploading to the cloud where it can be accessed by service personnel. Inspection results can also help to identify potential asset-specific safety or production risk issues and identify workplace improvement opportunities and operator training needs.
MINI EXCAVATORS: A closer look at Caterpillar’s innovations with mini excavators available in South Africa shows that these small machines are well suited to a variety of tasks. In the ever-evolving world of construction and excavation, the importance of efficient and versatile machinery cannot be overstated.
Their recent releases in the mini hydraulic excavator category, such as the Cat 2.7- to 3.5-ton mini hydraulic excavators and the Cat 305 CR Mini Hydraulic Excavator, are prime examples of how technological advancements are revolutionizing the industry. In addition to these new models, Caterpillar has also expanded their Tilt Rotate System (TRS) offering, which further enhances the versatility of their mini excavators.
Caterpillar has always been at the forefront of engineering excellence, and their new line of mini hydraulic excavators is no exception. These compact powerhouses are set to redefine the 2.7- to 3.5-ton class, with industry-first features that enhance operating efficiency, servicing ease, and operator comfort. The Caterpillar 302.7 CR, 303 CR, and 303.5 CR hydraulic mini excavators boast several groundbreaking features designed to lower costs and boost efficiency. Built on the Next Generation platform, these models offer a consistent operator experience throughout the 1.5- to 10-ton range. This platform includes exclusive innovations like stick steer, cruise control, operator-adjustable settings, and a tilt-up canopy or cab as standard equipment.
These features are not only user-friendly but also improve overall operational efficiency. One key aspect of these mini excavators is the increased use of common parts throughout the line, coupled with a sturdy exterior design. This combination significantly reduces parts inventory investment and lowers repair costs. Routine maintenance checks are made easy through conveniently located side doors, and the tilt-up cab design provides unparalleled access to components for servicing. With increased service intervals, these excavators spend more time on the job and less time in the workshop. Collectively, these features can lower total ownership costs by up to 5% compared to previous models.
ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS: In a world where sustainability and energy conservation are at the forefront of global discussions, South Africa faces unique challenges, particularly when it comes to its power supply. Frequent power interruptions, often referred to as loadshedding, have become a daily reality for businesses across the country. This unreliability and inefficiency have manifested as operational disruption, downtime, and a host of complex challenges that go beyond merely keeping the lights on. From supply chain disruptions to the unpredictable nature of loadshedding schedules, the implications are far-reaching and often costly.
Electric forklifts have emerged as a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by power supply interruptions and rising fuel costs. These forklifts, designed and constructed with energy efficiency in mind, offer several advantages that extend beyond their immediate functionality. Let’s explore the key factors contributing to their growing popularity in South Africa. One of the primary benefits of electric forklifts, such as the Mitsubishi Counterbalance electric forklift, is their reduced consumption of resources.
Compared to their fuel-powered counterparts, electric forklifts are more energy-efficient, resulting in lower operational costs. Additionally, their maintenance requirements are generally lower due to fewer moving parts and the absence of needs like oil changes and tuneups. This translates into cost savings for businesses in the long run. Businesses that rely on material handling as a key part of their operations to be operationally resilient says Masslift Africa CEO, Marco Caverni.
Caverni states that all these costs can be managed, but that this will require a longterm view and a look at the full picture. “The best way to save on material handling costs now is to start looking at the bigger picture and the long-term. We need to say ‘ok, how much is this forklift going to cost me in total over the next 5 years?’ Especially if you’re going to take a conservative approach and assume that market conditions are only going to get worse. Start looking at your 2025 costs and figure out what you can do today to manage what lies ahead,” says Caverni. Electric forklifts contribute to the value of the facilities in which they operate. They are designed to ensure operational continuity during loadshedding, preventing costly disruptions and downtime.
SCREENING EQUIPMENT: Maintaining high levels of productivity, however, is easier said than done. Unexpected downtime, increasing operating costs and Murphy’s Law no doubt have their agendas.
But producers can take concrete steps to prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency and maximise screening uptime. Paying special attention to screen media selection, screen installation and vibration analysis can all help mines and quarries take advantage of increased opportunities.
Many producers underestimate the impact screen media choice has on their productivity and uptime. According to Lars Bräunling, MAJOR Director of Product Technology and Development, three main screen media types are most helpful to consider, each with pros and cons depending on a mine or quarry’s situation.
“Synthetic media, such as rubber or polyurethane, stands out for its long wear life but can suffer from issues with performance. Synthetic media features less open area than wire screens, limiting throughput and often causing more issues with blinding and pegging. This tradeoff might lead some producers concerned with maximising productivity to search elsewhere for their screen media solutions,” he says.
Some of the most durable options for primary decks are perforated steel plates and heavy-duty rubber. Steel plates are desirable for applications that require durable media and high open area. The heavier media can make maintenance and operation more challenging, however. Rubber media can likewise provide large openings but may be limited in open area and can suffer from blinding and pegging issues that hamper screening efficiency. Despite their drawbacks, steel plate and rubber media might be the best option for applications with heavy, abrasive material.
REMANUFACTURED PARTS: In an era marked by heightened environmental awareness and the urgent need to combat climate change, the shift towards a circular economy has emerged as a pivotal strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Among the various industries embracing this approach, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) stands out as a trailblazer in keeping construction machines and their parts in action for longer, maximising their useful life while championing sustainability.
This commitment to circularity, which involves remanufacturing, refurbishing, repurposing, and recycling, benefits not only Volvo CE’s customers but also the planet. Volvo CE’s machines are designed to operate with the smallest possible environmental footprint. At every stage of development, the life cycle of each piece of construction equipment is carefully considered. The less reliance on new materials for parts and machinery, the greater the conservation of precious resources.
Volvo Reman, a division dedicated to this cause, breathes new life into old components. Through a meticulous process involving dismantling, cleaning, checking, and repairing, a wide range of components, including engines, transmissions, hydraulic parts, driveline parts, and select electronics, are given a second chance. David Forsman, Product Manager at Volvo Reman, underscores the importance of responsible resource usage, stating, “The planet’s resources are finite, so we need to make sure we use them carefully and extract maximum benefit from them. With Reman, we take used, worn parts and, in many cases, make them even better than they were when first purchased, incorporating available updates and the latest specifications.”
MANUFACTURING: Over the past three years, Sandvik Rock Processing has witnessed substantial growth in its screens product range. This expansion has firmly established Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions South Africa as one of the leading vibrating equipment suppliers not only in South Africa but across the African continent, Europe and the Middle East. This growth is further exemplified by the significant increase in exports, with a multitude of screens finding their way to destinations within Africa and internationally.
Notable among these is the recent supply of over 72 screens and related equipment to a large copper mining operation in Central Asia. To meet the surging demand that has seen the production of approximately 60 machines per month, the company is embracing agility within its manufacturing processes. Agility has enabled Sandvik Rock Processing to swiftly adapt to changing market dynamics while consistently delivering quality and exceeding customer expectations.
To align with its growth and maintain production efficiency, Sandvik Rock Processing has consistently reviewed and optimised its internal processes.
“On the back of the significant growth of our screening offering in recent years, we have seen the need to continuously review and optimise our internal processes,” says Riaan Steinmann, Director Operations for the EMEA Region at Sandvik Rock Processing.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD AND READ THIS ISSUE IN PDF FORMAT.
