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PRODUCT News
July 2016
MODERN MINING
49
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
Doosan excavators gaining in popularity
torque is 114 kgf.m at 1 400 rpm.
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
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
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
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
tools alongside compaction equipment,
rig-mounted attachments, portable com-
pressors, generators and light towers.
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-
gic locations across South Africa.
Jacques van der Westhuizen, Chicago Pneumatic,
tel (+27 11) 821-9000