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COVER STORY
October 2016
MODERN MINING
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The Barloworld Rebuild
Centre (BRC) offers custom-
ers off-the-shelf remanu-
factured components for
Cat mining and other key
machines, specialising in
engines, torque converters,
transmissions, differentials
and wheel stations.
machines were guaranteed by Barloworld for
another 30 000 hours, but they went on to
achieve 56 000 each.
Machine models
Cat machines are designed with a built-in sec-
ond life that makes good economic sense for
customers who have practised sound first life
equipment management. Cat Certified Rebuilds
also receive better resale value.
Rebuilds are offered across all mining
machines including trucks from 777 up to
793, as well as the Cat drill rigs and hydraulic
shovels included in the former Bucyrus range
of products that joined the Cat stable on the
acquisition of Bucyrus by Caterpillar.
A Cat Certified Rebuild of a Cat 834 wheel
loader has recently been completed by the
Barloworld Equipment Polokwane facility for
a platinum mine in Limpopo, while two D11
track type tractors and a 16M grader are cur-
rently undergoing CCRs at the Middelburg
facility.
To rebuild or not
The durability of the machine is key when mak-
ing a decision to rebuild. “We ask questions
such as ‘Is the machine designed for a second
life?’, ‘Will it still be as durable as new follow-
ing the rebuild?’, ‘Will parts still be available
through the second life?’, ‘Is the rebuild eco-
nomically viable compared to buying a new
machine?’. Of course the service history of the
machine is also important,” says Parsons.
“To help us make this decision we have
tools specifically developed by Caterpillar
such as condition appraisals and technical
analysis. Fluid analysis, visual inspections and
review maintenance/SOS analysis services are
used to develop a customised rebuild plan and
cost estimate.
“All Barloworld Equipment’s main service
facilities across Southern Africa are accredited
to carry out Cat Certified Rebuilds, partner-
ing with the company’s specialist component
rebuild facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa
(Barloworld Rebuild Centre), and Kitwe,
Zambia,” he adds.
“The remanufacturing programmes run
by these facilities ensure that Barloworld
Equipment can offer off-the-shelf availability
of all major components for Core 15 mining
machines as well as other key machines, with
the major benefit of quicker turnaround for the
machine rebuild.”
Caterpillar stipulates which parts must be
fitted to the rebuilt machines and Barloworld
Equipment’s well equipped parts stores on all
sites also help to speed up turnaround times.
Importantly, CCR machines are not only
returned to original as-new condition, but also
upgraded to include improvements introduced
after the original date of manufacture.
“Barloworld Equipment has had robust
development plans for artisans in place for
many years, providing a stable platform of skills
to offer this type of solution to the market,” says
Parsons. “Every rebuilt machine undergoes a
battery of performance tests prior to delivery.”
Role of the BRC
The Barloworld Rebuild Centre (BRC) opened
its doors in Boksburg in 2012 to offer custom-
ers off-the-shelf remanufactured components
for Cat mining and other key machines.
The BRC specialises in the Big 5 components
(engine, torque converter, transmission, differ-
ential and wheel station) and can rebuild all
Cat hydraulic cylinders and pumps. The BRC
is the biggest, most advanced facility of its kind
in Southern Africa and all major components of
the largest machines Caterpillar produces today
can be rebuilt and tested here.
Willie Coetzee, General Manager of the
BRC since May 2015, and his team have taken
some bold steps to ensure this facility is able to
assist mining customers with remanufactured
components as a quick and cost efficient way
of keeping their fleets healthy and productive
during the commodities downturn.
“Processes have been refreshed, our cus-
tomer service has improved, we are confident
that our remanufactured components are world
class, and our turnaround times have reduced
by almost 20 % in the past year,” says Coetzee.
“All customers can expect 24-hour updates on
the progress of components.”
In addition to a Cat Certified Rebuild of the
entire machine, Barloworld Equipment offers
mining and other customers certified rebuilds
for power train, hydraulic system, engines
and/or transmission/torque converter combi-
nations.
“Every rebuilt
machine undergoes
a battery of
performance tests
prior to delivery.”