ON THE COVER: In an environment where productivity, efficiency, and reliability determine the success of a project, choosing the right excavator is more than a purchase decision - a long-term business strategy. Across construction, mining, and plant hire sectors, Hitachi Construction Machinery’s medium excavator series - comprising the ZX200-5G, ZX240-5G, ZX280-5G, ZX350LC-7G and ZX350LCH-7G - is proving to be a smart investment for businesses seeking dependable performance and long-term value.
Inside BLS Fleet’s agile rise
Capital Equipment News spoke with John Loxton, Managing Director of BLS Fleet, to uncover the story behind the company’s rapid ascent, strategic agility, and commitment to fleet optimisation in a changing landscape.
BLS Fleet, formally known as Boutique Leasing Services, is not a newcomer to the fleet management scene - it’s the result of decades of deep-rooted industry expertise. Established in 2021, the company was born from a vision to bring agility and excellence to an industry often slowed by bureaucracy and red tape.
Rebuilding with Purpose: How Astec’s aftersales team is driving longevity and value
Juanita Pienaar spoke with Stefan Bekker, Business Line Manager Aftersales at Astec, to find out how the company’s rebuild and aftersales services are helping clients extend equipment life, optimise performance, and reduce environmental impact across Africa and the Middle East.
Founded in 1972, Astec has built a global reputation for delivering state-of-the-art equipment backed by world-class customer service. “Astec was founded with the vision to apply creative thinking and state-of-the-art technology to traditionally low-tech industries,” explains Stefan Bekker. “Bolstered by a corporate culture renowned for putting customer service first, our market-leading brands have become a global leader in the manufacture of equipment from Rock to Road.”
Backhoe loaders built for performance
An interview with Mark Webster, General Manager - Regional Dealer Network, Southern Africa, about the versatility, performance, and value that Manitou’s backhoe loaders bring to the construction, agriculture, and municipal sectors.
Manitou’s backhoe loaders have steadily carved out a reputation for versatility and dependability across Southern Africa’s demanding industries. “Manitou backhoe loaders are highly versatile machines, ideal for a wide array of industries and environments,” says Mark Webster. “They are particularly well-suited for the construction sector and are also very effective in agriculture, offering multi-functional capabilities with various attachments to significantly enhance productivity.
