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July 2016
MODERN MINING
47
LOGISTICS
with Scania
One of EC Blaauw’s fleet of
Scania P410 tipper trucks
doing duty on a platinum
mining contract near
Rustenburg.
quickly and easily so that we can ensure high
efficiency levels at all times.”
According to Groenewaldt, the data col-
lected on board Scania trucks gives valuable
insight into driving styles, productivity and
economy.
“This level of tracking and diagnostics can
bring significant benefits in increased uptime,
improved safety and reduced operating costs,”
he explains. “Features such as a weekly moni-
toring report shows the owner at a glance where
action is needed to improve the performance of
drivers and vehicles.”
A monitoring package provides regular and
consolidated reports by e-mail, allowing fleet
operators to identify the factors that are affect-
ing their fuel consumption or even carbon
dioxide emissions.
The mining demo unit, a G410 model with
CG14 cab, has been specially designed for
off-road use – with axles specified for the maxi-
mum technical weight of 50 000 kg (front axles
rated at 9 000 kg by two, and the rear bogie
rated at 32 000 kg).
“This allows up to 34-tonne payload,
depending on the type of body fitted,” states
Groenewaldt. “To support this weight, the vehi-
cle is fitted with 325/95R24 tyres.”
The vehicle is propelled by a Euro 3 engine
producing 302 kW at 1 900 revolutions per
minute (rpm), and a maximum torque at
1 000-1 350 rpm of 2 000 Newton metres (Nm).
“Driving the vehicle is simple, as it has an
automatic clutch and ‘opti-cruise’ function
which controls the robust GRSO925R gearbox,”
he states. “Brakes work in conjunction with a
powerful 4 100 Nm retarder and exhaust brake
producing 263 kW at 2 400 rpm.”
For safety, the vehicle has an anti-lock brak-
ing system (ABS), driver’s seatbelt pre-tensioner
and a two-circuit steering that allows the driver
to keep control in the case of an engine shut-
off; the steering continues to function while the
vehicle is in motion.
“For extra chassis strength, the vehicle
has our toughest frame – the F958,” says
Groenewaldt. “This is a double skin frame
made up of 9,5 mm outer skin and an 8 mm
inner skin.”
Peace of mind
With priority on vehicle uptime and continu-
ous operations, EC Blaauw opted to make use of
Scania’s full repair and maintenance contract.
“This makes sense for us, as it provides
a cost-effective solution for our highly pres-
surised working environment, giving us peace
of mind that the trucks are always in tip-top
condition and the chance of any unexpected
stoppage is minimal,” Van Heerden points out.
“Having a fixed monthly cost for maintenance
and repairs also makes it easier for us to bud-
get for our most significant expenses – which
include our trucks.”
With the Scania dealer taking responsibility
for scheduled maintenance, he says his com-
pany can also be confident that the value of
these substantial assets is being protected by
high standards of workmanship and genuine
parts replacement. Certain aspects of mainte-
nance can now be conducted on the company’s
Kroondal site given the growing number of
Scania units in its fleet – adding another level
of convenience and reducing each unit’s stand-
ing time.
“Scania was also able to help us raise the
bar in terms of driver development,” he says.
“Good drivers are at the core of our business,
being responsible for managing and preserving
our largest physical assets. So we made sure
that our drivers took advantage of the week-
long training Scania course that familiarised
them with the new units, and generally sharp-
ened their skills.”
Van Heerden adds that the result was
immediately apparent, with improvements in
important factors such as fuel efficiency.
Scania’s P-series is designed with the driver’s
safety and comfort in mind, says Groenewaldt
– resulting in better control, easier access,
excellent visibility and low noise. A shorter cab
configuration for mining and construction sites
allows for optimal axle placement and a tight
turning radius.
Report by Paul Crankshaw
“The technology
in the truck –
such as on-board
weightometer
and camera
– allows us
to monitor
operational
data quickly and
easily so that we
can ensure high
efficiency levels at
all times.”