Heavy Lift, a division of CFAO Equipment, has delivered Konecranes’s largest standard reach stacker, the massive SMV 4646 TC5, to logistics services provider, C. Steinweg Group, under a 60-month rental agreement.
The equipment will be used to lift containers from a rail siding at C.Steinweg Bridge’s Johannesburg facility. The reach stacker, which weighs more than 100 tons and measures 14.15 metres in length, can lift 46 tons on the first and second rows of containers and 36 tons on the third.
Heavy Lift National Product Specialist, Lenny Naidoo, says standard reach stackers can pick up 45 tons on the first row, 32 tons on the second row and 17 tons on the third row. “This is what really differentiates the SMV 4646 TC5 from other reach stackers, making it a true ‘monster’ of a machine.”
On confirmation of the order with Heavy Lift, the reach stacker was manufactured in Sweden and methodically tested before being stripped and shipped to South Africa’s Durban port in multiple components (boom, spreader, counterweight and main unit).
Once the equipment reached South African shores, the components were transported to Johannesburg where the unit was then re-assembled on-site at C.Steinweg Bridge, a process which took about a week and a half to complete.
Naidoo says C.Steinweg Bridge is one of Heavy Lift’s key customers. “We have a strong partnership that exceeds 20 years. When we were approached by C. Steinweg Bridge, the business wanted to replace its existing unit with new equipment with more capability on the 2nd and 3rd row. After much deliberation, the team signed up for the SMV 4646 TC5 on a 60-month rental contract, viewing it as the ideal solution for enhancing capabilities and improving efficiencies on site.”
Group Asset Manager of C. Steinweg Bridge, Christiaan Venter, says the business believes in having the correct equipment for the task at hand and that this new addition will enhance its operational efficiency. “The new Reach Stacker not only offers superior lifting capacity but is equipped with an advanced telematics system – TRUECONNECT – which enables us to keep customers informed about their projects. It also allows us to monitor uptime and access real-time diagnostics, supporting predictive maintenance and maximising performance.”
Konecranes Global Key Account Manager, Winfried Lux, says the company is proud to deliver the largest Reach Stacker ever to Heavy Lift, one of its main customers in the Southern African region.
“The SMV 4646 TC5 is equipped with the latest safety features such as reverse camera, shock monitoring and tyre pressure control system, amongst others. These exceptional safety features are aimed at securing a safe and optimised operation, reducing operation costs and downtime and improving productivity.”
Being afforded the opportunity to supply equipment of the calibre of the Konecranes SMV 4646 TC5 marks a significant milestone in Naidoo’s career.
“With its powerful, low-emission engine, heavy-duty chassis, a versatile telescopic spreader and Optima cabin - designed for maximum operator safety and comfort - this heavyweight equipment is a marvel of engineering precision and performance,” he concludes.