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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
JUNE 2017
16
company’s assets and the organisation would also carry the depreciation costs.
Fourie adds that there are many challenges involved when procuring an asset
that requires continuous maintenance and high upkeep costs. He is of the view that
outsourcing eradicates these concerns, which in turn gives organisations peace of
mind. He adds that by adding the responsibility to a rental company, companies are
able to focus on their core businesses, which ultimately increases productivity and
enhances cash flow.
The view is shared by Kruger, who believes that the cost of owning may be more
expensive than renting, especially for smaller businesses as far as maintenance is
concerned. He believes that the advantage of renting is twofold, especially when
renting from a reputable organisation such as Goscor Compressed Air Systems;
the company offers full-time, skilled service personnel, while it also keeps a large
inventory of parts to service the compressors. During lengthy rentals, the company
identifies when a compressor needs scheduled maintenance and service personnel
is deployed to the job site accordingly.
According to Singh, a job might require the use of air compressors, but the task
itself could be fairly small. In this case, renting a compressor might be the choice to
go with. He believes that small tasks that are done infrequently might benefit more
from using this option. “Using air compressors without having to actually own one
provides an easier option for those who are concerned about the costs of owning the
piece of equipment,” he says.
Fourie adds that the rental option also offers back up machines in case of
breakdowns to ensure that productivity is not affected while the machine goes for
repair. “The rental option also offers an easy upgrade or downgrade path without
additional capital outlay when compared with outright purchasing,” he says.
The buying scenario
But, what happens when rental needs for a compressor become more frequent?
When can fleet managers decide that the time is right to stop renting and
purchase a compressor? When a business has a frequent need for compressed
air and there is a day-to-day need for one, Kruger believes that this may be a
good signal that buying a compressor is the best choice. “This gives you the
opportunity to have one at hand when needed, or if you work at an industrial
level, this could help boost your productivity to an even higher level,” he says.
Singh also believes that high-frequency use, where businesses need the equipment
regularly enough over its estimated lifecycle, is probably a strong indicator that buying
is an option. He argues that if renting the piece of equipment will cost as much or
more than owning it, then it makes sense to buy the compressor unit. However, since
the equation entails forecasts of future business climate, it is also important to plan
carefully and look at the risk or a cost-comparison approach.
In conclusion, renting or buying is a decision that many will be divided upon, but
everyone can agree on their usefulness. They are quickly becoming a staple for
many jobs and can bring many benefits.
b
Goscor Compressed Air Systems, the authorised distributor
of Sullair and Ozen compressors in southern Africa,
believes that the decision to rent or to buy normally comes
down to the company’s financial status.
COMPRESSED AIR
Doosan enhances small portable compressor range
The portable compressor range from Doosan Portable
Power is one of the most comprehensive for the Middle
East and Africa market and includes a strong selection
of small Stage IIIA/Tier 3 models, including the 7/20
and the high ambient 7/26E HA, 7/31E HA, 7/41 HA and
7/53 HA models, with free air deliveries from 2-5 m³/
min (70-177 cfm) and a rated operating pressure of 7 bar
(100 psi).
The small compressors are aimed at a very wide range
of applications in plant hire, construction and general
industry, including standard pressure applications such
as powering breakers and tools in road repair, demolition
and refurbishment.
The small, portable compressors from Doosan can be
equipped with a ‘bunded base’ option for environmental
safety, providing a fully contained base to ensure that
all operating fluids (fuel, oil and water) stay within the
compressor.
The 7/26E HA, 7/31E HA, 7/41 HA and 7/53 HA
models offer a number of important options, including
an integral 6 kVA generator, which increases compressor
flexibility by supplying electrical output in addition
to compressed air. As a result, electric tools or other
electrical equipment such as lights and fusion welding
systems can be run in parallel with pneumatic equipment.
The new 7/53 HA portable compressor is the latest
addition to the range, replacing the previous 7/51 HA
model. The new 7/53 HA compressor has been
redesigned by Doosan so that it remains in the Stage IIIA
category, avoiding the need to transition to meet Stage
IIIB regulations and ensuring it is ideal for use in the
Middle East market.
The new 7/53 HA portable compressor supplies 5 m³/
min (177 cfm) of compressed air and is powered by the
4-cylinder mechanical turbo-charged Yanmar liquid-
cooled 4TNV84T-BMDP engine producing 36 kW (49 HP)
of power at 2600 rpm.
Like all the other models in the small compressor
range, the 7/53 HA compressor can be supplied with
a range of running gear options to meet local market
requirements. The running gear can also be replaced
with a permanent metal support, typically ordered when
the compressor is to be truck-mounted.
The new 7/53 HA compressor offers a reduced size,
with a length of 3389 mm in the fixed height, running
gear version and a min/max height of 3520/3770 mm
with adjustable height running gear. The 7/53 HA model
also has a width of 1432 mm, a height of 1301 mm and
additional new features include integral forklift slots and
increased fuel autonomy.
The small, portable compressors from Doosan can be equipped with a ‘bunded base’
option for environmental safety.