Capital Equipment News August 2018

COVER STORY

slide bushings for better grading and easier maintenance,” explains Sanday. “The grader also features an asymmetric drawbar ball stud that can be rotated 180° to keep the drawbar in horizontal level position – vital when performing fine grading. L958F loads in Babcock has also introduced the new SDLG L958F, a 5,4 t wheel loader that ticks all the right boxes for fleet owners seeking a reliable, yet affordable machine that gets the better of re-handling duties in diverse applications, including quarries, agriculture and ports, among others. Launched late last year in southern Africa, the new wheel loader benefits from several new features over the previous L-Series, but with competitive pricing. Sheppard says the machine is designed to meet the demands for customers looking for a high-performing, reliable, easily operable and cost-effective wheel loader. A key feature upgrade is the new SDLG VRT200 transmission, which offers an 8% increase in comprehensive efficiency over the predecessor model. With four forward gears, four reverse gears and a large adjustment range of speed ratio, the new transmission gives full play to the engine power for improved fuel economy. The VRT200 transmission also benefits from an electro-hydraulic shift with functions of kick-down, power cut-off and shift interlock, making the gearshift stable. A ladder buffering design for the clutch improves shift stability. Maintenance is also convenient on the VRT200 compared with the 4WG200; not only can the transmission and transfer case be separated, but also contains an external pump for easy access. The new machine also features an improved axle design for added support. Whereas the rear drive axle on the L-Series is mounted to the auxiliary frame, the F-Series’ rear drive axles are mounted on the swing frame, offering larger oscillation and better stability and traction. The 6-cylinder, direct injection Weichai engine delivering 162 kW @ 2 200 rpm, is matched to the new SDLG transmission to deliver maximum torque from the engine to the wheels for greater fuel economy. With the operator in mind, the L958F benefits from a new larger cab with greater comfort and ergonomics. The larger cab design adds 20% more glazing for improved visibility, safety and operator efficiency. “Improved air conditioning has also been added for greater operator comfort, while the single joystick guarantees precise, easy and comfortable operation of the loader arm and bucket, reducing operator fatigue,” concludes Sheppard. b

The new L958F loader was officially introduced in the local market late last year.

Babcock has launched the new B877F backhoe loader in southern Africa.

and a 120% improvement in blowing speed than previous-generation machines. This results in faster cooling of the cab and a much more comfortable operator environment, particularly in the hot climates of Africa,” explains Sheppard. In addition, the new B877F comes with an extended 2-year/3 000-hour warranty, compared with the 1-year/2 000-hour on the previous B877. Since its local launch late last year, Sheppard says the B877F has had a good run of sales. A good example is the recent tender awarded to Babcock by the eThekwini Municipality to supply six units. “We have also been awarded another tender for 20 units by another key government stakeholder. We have already delivered the first nine units and the rest will be delivered as and when required,” says Sheppard, adding that several more units have also gone into export markets. G9220 grades in Launched in southern Africa during the first quarter of this year, the G9220 VHP (automatic variable horsepower) motor grader – with a 16 500 kg base operating weight, dozer blade width of 4 267 mm and a blade pull of 10 530 kg – is suited for most grading applications, from new construction or maintenance to ditching and slope scraping, pavement levelling and site preparation.

A major upgrade of the previous G9190, the G9220 provides an automatic mode of transmission, allowing operators to shift seamlessly between manual to automatic transmission. “This gives them greater control over the grading process, while optimising fuel efficiency,” says Sanday. Traditionally, there was no substitute for experience when it came to motor grader operation. The conventional motor grader controls of the past weren’t that simple to learn and often overawed new operators, but the G9220 makes that challenge a thing of the past. “The Machine Blade Control System (MBCS) is controlled by hydraulic mechanical levers in the cab, meaning that the operator can swing the blade themselves if required. Moreover, the Dual Hydraulic Cylinders operate the Circle Turn, meaning that the operator can reposition the blade with load on, resulting in a smoother and more efficient grade,” says Sanday. “The G9220 is fitted with a piston pump hydraulic system that always delivers the optimum oil flow to the hydraulic functions, regardless of engine speed. In this way, VHP allows the operator to concentrate on grading with greater precision for superior results, while the machine focuses on being more fuel efficient,” says Sanday. “The unique circle drive system comes with three support shoes and non-greasing

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS AUGUST 2018 6