Juanita Pienaar spoke with Goscor Sales and Rental Director, Siviwe Gushu, to explore how the company is redefining construction compaction with innovative roller designs and smart technology. From reducing downtime to improving efficiency, Goscor is helping contractors tackle projects with greater confidence and cost-effectiveness.
Dual-purpose rollers offering flexibility on site
Goscor offers rollers in two sizes: a 12-ton and a 20-ton model, each available with a smooth drum or a padfoot drum. What sets these machines apart, according to Gushu, is the removable padfoot shell. “The padfoot shells come as an attachment that can be removed and then fitted back on. The benefit of this feature is that you can buy one roller, and use it as both padfoot (with the attachment on) and as a smooth drum (attachment off),” he explains.
This flexibility has already delivered tangible results for clients. “We currently have a 20-ton excavator building a road between Bloemfontein and Kroonstad. This is a success story for us because the client initially asked for two rollers but was relieved when we were able to offer him one roller that could do both padfoot and smooth compaction,” Gushu says. By providing machines that serve dual purposes, Goscor helps clients save on capital expenditure while maintaining productivity.
Data-driven compaction
Beyond hardware, Goscor is integrating technology to enhance operational efficiency. Intelligent Compaction (IC) technology is at the heart of this approach, equipping rollers with sensors to provide real-time data about soil conditions, engine temperature, and compaction performance. “Intelligent Compaction technology is all about data collection. This data allows for proper planning and scheduling, proactive maintenance, and minimised downtime,” Gushu explains.
He adds that the technology also guides operators on optimal equipment settings for each job. “With the data, the operator is informed about the optimal settings on the equipment for each job. It removes the risk of rework due to over- or under-compaction, hence improving efficiency on the project.” For contractors, this means projects are completed faster and more accurately, saving both time and money.
Looking beyond the purchase price
Gushu emphasises that selecting construction equipment is about more than just the initial purchase cost. Total cost of ownership involves factoring in warranties, spare parts, and service support. “One of the key factors to consider when calculating total cost of ownership is the warranty period. The Goscor warranty on our rollers is one year or 2 000 hours, whichever comes first. This is critical because should anything fail during this period, the customer will not be out of pocket,” he says.
He also highlights the importance of spare part availability. “It’s not only about pricing, but also availability, because downtime due to part availability also comes at a cost.” By ensuring parts are accessible, Goscor helps clients maintain continuous operation and avoid project delays.
The differentiator lies in aftermarket support
While durable machines are important, Gushu is clear that Goscor’s true advantage lies in its service support. “Our aftermarket support is the key differentiator when it comes to our offering. Yes, we offer quality and durable machines, but even more importantly, we offer world-class service support for our equipment,” he says.
Goscor’s national footprint enables it to respond quickly to clients across South Africa. “Our service department has more than 30 roadside technicians who are able to get to any site in SA. All of these contribute to ensuring that we can maintain the highest possible levels of uptime,” Gushu adds. For contractors, this reliability translates into fewer interruptions, reduced operational stress, and greater project predictability.
Meeting client needs with innovation
Gushu notes that many of Goscor’s innovations are driven by listening to client needs. “Our approach is simple: understand what the client requires and provide a solution that is both practical and efficient,” he says. The dual-purpose rollers and IC technology reflect this philosophy, giving contractors tools that adapt to a range of conditions and tasks.
With projects ranging from road construction to large-scale civil works, Goscor’s solutions are making a measurable impact. “The client who initially requested two rollers on our road project was pleasantly surprised that one machine could meet both needs. It’s these kinds of practical solutions that make our offerings so valuable,” Gushu emphasises.
A future of smarter, more efficient projects
Gushu sees technology and support as inseparable elements of successful construction projects. “When clients invest in our equipment, they’re not just buying machines; they’re buying confidence, backed by data and service that ensures uptime,” he explains. By combining innovation, flexibility, and comprehensive support, Goscor is helping contractors deliver projects more efficiently and cost-effectively than ever before.
For the South African construction sector, where deadlines are tight and projects often operate under challenging conditions, this approach is increasingly vital. Gushu concludes, “Whether it’s the roller that serves two functions or the IC technology that guides every pass, it’s all about enabling contractors to work smarter, safer, and more effectively.”
