Modern Mining May 2016

PRODUCT News

A major challenge encountered by the Zest WEG Group’s Generator Set Division teamwas the location of the mine, which is positioned high in the Maluti Mountains. Not only did special consideration have to be given to the logistics of transporting all components to the site, but the presence of significant amounts of snow during May to September called for an innovative solution to the housing of the generator sets. The access road to the mine had to be widened and its load-bearing capacity increased to accommodate the low-bed trucks transporting the Zest WEG equipment. Zest WEG Group’s Generator Set Division designed, supplied and installed three 12 m high, purpose-built containers that incorporate a special‘snow roof’structure to prevent snow build-up on top of the gen- erator sets, and subsequent blocking of the louvres. Particular attention was paid to the design and engineering of these ‘snow roofs’ to enable them to be collapsed when the containerised units are transported. The three 630 kVA generator sets needed to be synchronised via Woodward Easygen controllers and were subject to a soundproofing requirement of 65 db(A) at 7 metres. This stringent standard is normally applied to residential areas but was deemed necessary, since the appli- cation was for worker accommodation. Further requirements were for a 1 000 litre fuel tank with gauge and level indicators and a fusible fire link on the generator sets and inlet dust filters. Kirsten Larkan, Zest WEG Group Africa, tel (+27 11) 723-6000 Eazi Group extends its range The Eazi Group reports it has now extended its equipment range to the versatile Power Towers machinery. “Low-level powered access provides an easier, simpler, more efficient and safer way to work than manual lad- ders, steps, podiums and small scaffolding,” says Brett Fleming, CEO of the Eazi Group. Over the years, Eazi has positioned itself as a leading supplier and distributor of access equipment to the Southern African market. Eazi ser- vices the largest fleet of telehandlers and work-at-height equipment in the region. Its head office is located in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, with an additional 13 premises across South Africa. Eazi’s product range includes machines from big industry players such as JLG, Magni and Maeda. Recently, JLG bought 100 % of Power Towers, a formerly UK-based company. Says Fleming: “This acquisition opened the doors for the Eazi Group to take on Power Towers through our partner JLG for the African market. We are now in the position to fill a gap in the niche market of low access equipment in Africa.” The low level access segment refers to a lifting and working envi- ronment of up to 4,5 to 5 m. In the access industry such relatively low working levels are considered a specialist sector, particularly for tasks which include the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and electrical systems and ceiling work. Power Towers are said to be highly versatile and efficient whilst still being cost-effective. Unlike scaffolding, a ladder or steps, Power Towers can easily be put into position, adjusted and moved while observing high safety standards. Currently, the range comprises seven machines. The Power Tower, Nano, Pecolift and Ecolift make up the push around range. The Nano SP range covers the self-propelled machines. The latter are well suited to work on cables and pipes as well as for plastering and painting, particu- larly where space is limited. Eazi Group, tel (+27 11) 312-2118 

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