Modern Mining July 2016

PRODUCT News

Doosan excavators gaining in popularity torque is 114 kgf.m at 1 400 rpm.

Heavy duty Doosan DX340LCA hydraulic excavators are reportedly gaining popu- larity locally in diverse sectors, including quarrying, mining and heavy construction. “There are currently over 2 500 Doosan machines in operation locally and we expect to further consolidate Doosan’s market position and soon reach the 3 000 unit mark,” says Chris Whitehead, MD, DISA Equipment (Pty) Limited, trading as Doosan Construction Equipment, part of the Capital Equipment Group (CEG) of Invicta Holdings Limited. Doosan DX340LCA hydraulic excavators have new technologies that deliver effec- tive control over each machine’s power and also simplify maintenance procedures. As a result, efficiency and machine durabil- ity are increased, productivity is improved and operational costs are lowered. These high strength excavators have a new 6-cylinder water cooled engine that is optimised and electronically controlled to boost production, maximise fuel effi- ciency and ensure harmful emissions remain well below the values required for Tier II engines. Rated engine power is 185 kW at 1 800 rpm and maximum

New specifications of the DX340LCA series include an increased maximum bucket size of 2,35 m³, a side lifting capac- ity of 9,33 t at 6 m reach and 3 m height, and a maximum digging force of 24,8 t. Traction has been improved with an 8 % increased drawbar pull of 27 t. The shape of the boom has been re- designed for improved load distribution throughout the structure and, for greater strength, material thickness has been increased to limit element fatigue, increase reliability and extend component life. A highly lubricated metal is used for the boom pivot to extend greasing intervals to 250 hours. All welded structures have been designed to limit stresses. The lateral chassis is welded and rigidly attached to the undercarriage. Tracks are composed of sealed, self-lubricating links, which are isolated from external contamination for dependability in all conditions. Each track is driven by an independent, high torque, axial piston motor through a planetary reduction gear. Two levers or a foot pedal control provide smooth supplying a piece of equipment and hope for the best. Suppliers need to become business advisers or partners in a sense, supplying a service instead of just another good product and understanding that the service that you as a distributor will provide will aid the growth and success of the cus- tomer’s business. “BMI understands this, with many years of experience in the construction and min- ing sectors shared between the founders. Also understanding that your success in this industry is not only based on providing a reliable product but also depends on how quickly you can respond when the product fails. Serviceability and after-sales support is key. BMI offers the complete solution with industry experience, product knowl- edge, and a fantastic service and support team. They ticked all the boxes and we had no hesitation in appointing the company as a Chicago Pneumatic authorised distributor in April 2014.” BMI has full access to the extensive Chicago Pneumatic portfolio of handheld pneumatic, hydraulic and petrol-driven

A heavy duty Doosan DX340LCA hydraulic exca- vator in a typical application. travel and counter rotation. For optimum excavator control, the new e-POS system (Electronic Power Optimising System) is claimed to provide a perfect synchronised communication link between the engine’s electronic control unit and the hydraulic system. A controller area network system facilitates a constant flow of information between the engine and hydraulic system, ensuring power is delivered exactly as it is needed. Efficient filtration is achieved by the use of multiple filters, including a fuel pre-filter fitted with a water separator that protects the engine by removing most of the mois- ture from the fuel. Doosan Construction Equipment, tel (+27 11) 974-2095 Says BMI Group’s Business Line Manager, GuyWilson:“The product range is fast gain- ing popularity as this global brand name becomes increasingly well-known in the market as a reliable, good quality product that is well priced. In a tough economic climate like we are currently experienc- ing, sound after-sales service and product back-up take on even greater significance for our customers and BMI’s large regional footprint makes it possible for us to meet these key customer requirements.” Wilson says that BMI is currently seeing traction mostly in the mining sector with the supply of lighting towers and portable diesel driven compressors, adding that the generator market has been especially buoyant as a result of the protracted power supply problems. The BMI Group was founded in 2010. It is based in Johannesburg and operates seven sales and services centres located in strate- tools alongside compaction equipment, rig-mounted attachments, portable com- pressors, generators and light towers.

Dealer grows Chicago Pneumatic market share BMI Group has reportedly achieved resounding success in growing the Chicago Pneumatic product range in the South African market since its appointment as an authorised Chicago Pneumatic dealer just over 12 months ago.

Chicago Pneumatic Business Develop­ ment Manager in South Africa, Jacques van der Westhuizen, explains that deal- ers are the only route to the South and Southern African markets for the Chicago Pneumatic range of construction and min- ing equipment. The establishment of a solid, country- wide network of reputable dealers is therefore fundamental to ensuring that Chicago Pneumatic achieves the objectives of being as close as possible to customers, irrespective of location, to ensure rapid product and service delivery to minimise disruption in the plant or workshop. “There are very few ’bad’ products in the market these days,” says Van der Westhuizen. ”What makes the difference, in my opinion, is truly understanding the customer’s needs. Gone are the days of just

gic locations across South Africa. Jacques van der Westhuizen, Chicago Pneumatic, tel (+27 11) 821-9000

July 2016  MODERN MINING  49