African Mining February 2022 | Page 47

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT •

Metso Outotec announced the launch of a new Crossover feeder late last year – a hybrid feeding solution suitable for a wide range of greenfield and brownfield applications . The feeder offers a modular belt-over-apron design , delivering reliability for bulk material transportation at reduced costs .

Astec Industries

“ The Crossover feeder was developed to provide a flexible and economical solution in a wide range of applications where belt and apron feeders are not the optimal fit ,” says Brian Bookamyer , director , Bulk Materials Handling at the company .

Mobile cone crusher

Through its Africa and Middle East business units , Astec Industries entered a partnership with Unatrac , which includes Mantrac group , one of the world ’ s largest Caterpillar ( Cat ) dealers , in November 2021 . The partnership promises to enhance the supply , distribution , support , and after-sales service of Astec ’ s material solutions product range to numerous African countries , as well as in Iraq and Russia ’ s Ural and Volga regions .

The new distribution alliance will see Unatrac , including Mantrac and Delta groups , offering sales and support services in Nigeria , Ghana , Sierra Leone , Liberia , Kenya , Tanzania , Uganda , Egypt , Iraq and the Ural and Volga regions in Russia for all the equipment in Astec Industries ’ Material Solutions division .

This division encompasses Astec ’ s premium range of crushers , screens , and feeders , as well as washing , classifying and material handling solutions , modular plants , and rock breaker technology .

The Crossover feeder design features a reduced height of up to 50 % as compared to conventional feeding technology . This lower height requirement provides an opportunity for CAPEX savings by decreasing the excavation and civil works required . For retrofit applications , the reduced height profile allows the Crossover feeder to economically replace existing feeders , including apron and / or belt feeders , lowering modification costs .

The Crossover feeder complements the company ’ s feeding solutions portfolio , which also includes Apron feeders and Belt feeders .

The Metso Outotec Apron feeders are suitable for both light and heavy-duty applications and consist of a pre-engineered range that makes sizing and selection simple . They are best suited for feed to a primary gyratory or jaw crusher , primary gyratory discharge , secondary and tertiary stockpile reclaims , and railcar dumper discharge .

The customisable Metso Outotec Belt feeders provide a reliable solution for material transport especially in large , high-capacity installations . The optimal applications range from light- to mediumduty for tertiary , reclaim and concentrate , and filter cake discharge , as well as railcar dumpers in lighter duty .

Parts , refurbishments , and a wide range of specialised field services help meet maintenance , repair , training , installation , and refurbishment needs for both Metso Outotec and third-party feeders .

Douglas Mouton , Astec Industries ’ regional sales manager – East Africa & Middle East , commented , “ This agreement demonstrates Astec ’ s commitment to exceeding the expectations of customers in these regions . We want to ensure that in addition to having access to Astec ’ s exceptional material solutions products , our aggregate and mining industry customers have the peace of mind , ease and convenience of an experienced and outstanding in-country presence .” Adding that the move also forms part of Astec Industries ’ strategy to increase its global footprint .

M . Eltobshy , group technical manager at Unatrac , says that the organisation has well-established in-country partners across its territories , all of which have deep local knowledge , experience , and expertise . “ Our aim is to offer mines and quarries in our Unatrac territories a full package , from earth moving equipment and crushing plants to power systems . The alliance will add enormous value for both Unatrac ( including Mantrac Group and Delta Group ) and Astec ’ s customers in these regions . We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with Astec and know that it will be a mutual success .”

Metso Outotec Crossover feeder .

The redesigned Cat D7 dozer now delivers up to 10 % more dozing efficiency , moves up to 11 % more material per hour and offers a broad choice of technology options . A fully automatic 4-speed transmission allows for ease of operation and optimal fuel and dozing efficiency . At 197kW ( 265 hp ) and an operating weight of 29 776kg ( 65,644 lbs .), the new D7 dozer replaces the D7R .

Metso Outotec