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February 2017
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MechChem Africa
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Materials handling
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T
hree high capacity double-girder overhead travellingworkshop
cranes, completedon schedule for Exxaroand installedatGroo-
tegelukCoalMine inNorthwestProvinceduringSeptember last
year, are undergoing commissioning trials.
The three cranes, ordered to assist with large mine vehicle mainte-
nance, were manufactured by Condra on behalf of East Rand Cranes,
the company’s authorised distributor for Northwest Province, which
secured the R7-million-plus contract in 2016.
Two of the cranes are identical 1.4‑mspan50/20-tonmachines fitted
with variable frequency drives on the main hoists to facilitate precise
positioning of very heavy loads. Exxaro’s third crane, also with a span of
18.4 m, has a single 20-ton hoist.
Design of all three cranes was described by a Condra spokesman as
“standard”, although they feature live-axle drives in place of the more
common ring-gear configuration, part of Condra’s mandate to keep
maintenance costs to a minimum.
East Rand Cranes is thought to have won the Exxaro order because
of a combination of competitive pricing, machine durability, after sales
service and Condra’s ability to meet short lead times; this according to
Condra’s managing director, Marc Kleiner.
“We also pursue a market-imposed mandate to continuously drive
downmachinemaintenance costs, which iswhywe offer live-axle drives.
“In addition, our gearboxeswere up-rated some years back to deliver
additional power and the company today uses a 36B case-hardened
material on most pinions. This material, though expensive, is beneficial
in extending crane lifespan.
“Wherever possible, wefit our hoistswithhigh tensile-strength ropes
to reduce rope diameter, drum diameter and enable smaller gearboxes
and motors to be fitted,” Kleiner notes.
Condra’s cranes canbe used for hook, grabbing, magnet, ladle, bucket
or stacking duties and can be operated manually, electrically or both.
Overhead cranes aremanufactured to specification fromsome 250 sub-
assemblies, including hoists, drives, end carriages, brakes, gearboxes and
motors, all of which are manufactured by Condra.
q
Commissioning trials are taking place for three high capacity
travelling workshop cranes to be used to assist with large
mine vehicle maintenance. Crane manufacturer, Condra, has
developed techniques enabling fast-track production, which
contributed to winning the contract.
One of Exxaro’s three cranes for Grootegeluk Coal Mine undergoing load testing
at Condra’s Germiston factory.
Local crane company
puts rivals to flight