Capital Equipment News’Juanita Pienaar spoke with Francois Marais, Sales and Marketing Director at Athos Crushing and Screening, and Jorge Abelho, about the company’s latest introduction - the Powertrack range of electric-powered crushing and screening equipment, and how it aligns with the growing demand for cost-effective, sustainable solutions across mining, construction, and aggregate industries.
Meeting the market where it’s at
The Powertrack range was developed in response to a noticeable gap in the mobile crushing and screening market. “We wanted to bring in a product that addressed different segments of the market that our premium Lokotrack machines couldn't reach,” explains Francois Marais. “Those machines, imported from Metso, are excellent for high-end mining applications, but not all clients need, or find it economical, to have equipment at that level.”
The new range is specifically aimed at the aggregates sector and junior mining operations, offering a more accessible price point without compromising on core functionality. “These are full electric crushing and screening machines,” says Marais. “They’re designed to offer the same reliability in processing, with a shift in the way power is supplied - either via off-grid electricity or an external genset. This flexibility allows operators to choose setups and brands that can dramatically reduce operational costs.”
A game changer in power and simplicity
The biggest differentiator for the Powertrack range is its fully electric drive. “Traditionally, mobile crushers have used diesel-powered engines,” says Marais. “But our case studies show that users can expect up to 50% savings on consumption costs when switching from diesel to off-grid electric. That’s a significant impact on the bottom line.”
Each machine is equipped with a small onboard diesel engine, but it’s only used to track, unfold and set up the unit. Once in place, the system relies entirely on external electric power for operation. According to Jorge Abelho, this results in a machine that’s quieter, cleaner, and dramatically simpler to maintain.
“One of the key issues in the field is finding skilled artisans to service complex diesel-hydraulic machines,” says Abelho. “The Powertrack range eliminates a lot of those complexities. Maintenance becomes more predictive. There are fewer hydraulics, less oil, and less piping involved. It’s a much simpler machine to look after.”
From a training perspective, this also reduces the learning curve. “You don’t need laptops or proprietary diagnostic tools to operate or troubleshoot these machines,” adds Abelho. “It’s a rugged design with industrial-grade components like circuit breakers and relays - straightforward and reliable.”
Proven technology, new configuration
While the drive system may be new, the crushing technology is anything but experimental. “These units are fitted with SRH crushers, which are well known and extensively tested in global markets,” says Abelho. “We’ve retained the core crushing components because they’re proven and trusted.”
Current models in the range include a 1060 x 700 mobile jaw crusher, capable of handling 600 mm rock and producing 150 to 250 tonnes per hour, and the SCH 2000 cone crusher, which processes 150 to 200 tonnes per hour. “The jaw comes standard with vibrating grizzly feeders, overband magnet, and other features you’d expect from a high-quality mobile crusher,” Marais notes.
Although only one size range is currently available, Pilot Crushtec expects this to grow quickly. “Globally, the Powertrack range is gaining traction,” says Marais. “By year-end, we anticipate the release of a dual-power version and the introduction of units in the 400 to 600 tonnes per hour segment.”
Built for Africa - and beyond
The Powertrack machines are manufactured by SRHeavy (SRH), a Metso-owned company, as part of a broader global multi-brand strategy. “We've already got 15 of their fixed machines in the field locally and have been selling their products for over five years,” says Marais. “This gave us the confidence to bring their mobile range to southern Africa.”
Distribution will be managed through Pilot Crushtec’s sister company, Athos Crushing and Screening. “It’s all within the same group, and we operate from the same premises,” says Marais. “This structure allows us to service Southern Africa while complementing the rest of our product offering - from entry-level to premium.”
In terms of applications, the machines are particularly suited for aggregates and construction, but are robust enough to handle mining tasks as well. “Anywhere there’s access to off-grid power, these machines can be a game changer,” notes Marais. “They’re especially useful in established quarries or mining operations looking to reduce fuel costs and maintenance complexity.”
Overcoming market hesitation
Despite the advantages, Pilot Crushtec acknowledges some initial hesitation in the market. “It’s a completely new way of thinking about powering equipment,” says Marais. “We’ve had questions like, ‘How will I run cables to the machine?’ But as more customers see the cost savings and simplicity, we believe that will change.”
Abelho adds, “Infrastructure is catching up. And even in off-grid sites, a single genset can power multiple machines. That’s still more efficient than managing and fuelling multiple diesel engines.”
A strategic step forward
The Powertrack range plays a vital role in Athos Crushing and Screening’s growth strategy, both locally and abroad. “For us, it’s about offering solutions for every market segment,” Marais states. “From junior miners and small contractors right up to major mining houses. This range lets us serve a wider customer base while moving toward greener, more efficient technologies.”
Athos Crushing and Screening’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and practical value is clear. With the Powertrack range, the company is not just launching a new product, it’s paving the way for the future of mobile crushing and screening in Southern Africa and beyond.