Plant Equipment and Hire June 2019 | Page 21

PRODUCT FOCUS Milwaukee Product Specialist Werner Koch. can be used for an entire store or even a vehicle, encompassing everything from toolboxes to screwdrivers or stepladders to power tools. Entering a secure area requires submission of a tool list, which can be confirmed by the ONE-KEY app. The user can log all the tools being used at a project on the app, which allows for easier inventory management. Tools can also be assigned to specific users, which warrants individual accountability. Operational effectiveness The ONE-KEY app Milwaukee also offers improved tool management, due to greater control, access and traceability, through the new ONE-KEY app when used in conjunction with the TICK equipment tracker from Milwaukee. The ONE-KEY app is a digital platform for tools and equipment that allows users to customise, track and manage their power tools. The app, a free- to-use inventory management program, is freely available for download for iOS and Android devices. Koch explains that while some power tool manufacturers do offer a single digital inventory system, ONE-KEY takes this a step further with the addition of a tracking functionality. It is cloud-based, using Bluetooth to detect any tool within a 30m radius by a device that has the app installed. The app updates the tool’s last recorded position. Therefore, if a tool equipped with TICK tracker goes missing, the user simply has to open the app to learn the date and time that the tool was last located. As soon as the tool comes within range of a ONE-KEY enabled device, it will update its location. Additional benefits include an inventory management function, which The Milwaukee K2500 H features a 10-m-long cord, making it the longest- corded 25kg class breaking hammer. The extended cord means added flexibility and operational effectiveness and the third handle allows for easy manoeuvrability. The brushless motor allows the breaking hammer to run off a 7kVA genset if need be. Koch explains that the locations of the magnets and windings are also reversed. This means that the magnets are on the conventional motor shaft and the copper windings of the armature are fixed and surround the shaft. Instead of carbon brushes and a commutator, a small circuit board coordinates the energy delivery to the windings. “The motors’ electronics communicate directly with the stationary windings, and the tool adjusts according to the tasks,” says Koch. “In addition, brushless motors can be more powerful overall. Because the copper windings are on the outside of the motor configuration, there is room to make them larger. Brushless motors also do not have the friction and voltage drop that carbon brushes create by dragging against the spinning commutator. This physical contact results in continuous energy loss during the operating process. The net gain is a tool with greater efficiency and more durable motor.” The new breaking hammer is currently being trialled at various customer sites, ranging from construction to gold- mining. Koch reveals that the feedback to date has been highly positive, with Milwaukee’s well-known durability and ruggedness making the K2500 H ideal for such arduous applications. “A contractor has run the Milwaukee K2500 H for 13 hours straight on a single shift, without it overheating once,” Koch highlights. Tool servicing is vital and when tool issues arise, Upat will strip and assess the condition of the tool in terms of wear- and-tear and any re-greasing requirements before returning it to the customer. Milwaukee offers a standard one- year manufacturer’s warranty on all its tools, with the added advantage of extending this to three years by simply registering the tool online within 30 days of purchase. All batteries come with a two-year warranty. Upat’s Milwaukee product specialist and its technical sales team provide all customers with full training on the Milwaukee range. “We offer training at our nationally-based Upat offices, at customers’ premises and on site, as and when requested. The training covers all aspects of how to safely and correctly use and maintain the K2500 H breaking hammer to ensure it is used as intended, with major focus placed on user safety to avoid them injuring themselves,” says Koch. “Not only do we want to ensure our customers use their Milwaukee tools correctly and safely, but that they obtain the maximum benefit from the brand’s technology and features,” concludes Koch. PINT-SIZED POWERHOUSE Mini excavators are well-suited for most small to medium size construction, repair and demolition projects. High Power Equipment Africa (HPE Africa) first imported their Hyundai R60- 9S model in 2014 and have been a major player in the southern African market for this class ever since. The company now offers the highly versatile Hyundai R35Z-9, R60-9S and R80-7 mini excavators, which are backed by superior aftermarket support and www.plantonline.co.za preferential warranties. These small but mighty machines are the perfect solution for all small- to medium-sized projects. Although mini excavators generally do not exceed 10 000kg and are much smaller than full-sized excavators, these powerpacks have excellent power-to-weight ratios, without compromise on functions and capabilities. They are fuel efficient and are easy to transport from one site to another. Packing a punch Their small size means they can swing within a small radius, which is not possible with bigger excavators. They JUNE 2019 19