Plant Equipment and Hire March 2019 | Page 28

telematics system. Besides being re- painted the Transnet red, these machines have an efficient centralised greasing and fluid maintenance system. Other features include a VEI load weighing system, operator presence and engine protection system, LED lighting, and a bucket cylinder protection system. According to Prakash Ramsumuj, project manager for Transnet, it was critical to minimise the period between the arrival of a freight train and unloading of materials. Improved efficiencies within Transnet Freight Rail significantly reduce lead times of materials to export customers. “Due to our challenging operating requirements and the extremely corrosive environment in the port, Transnet and HPE Africa engaged in a highly effective joint design review process after the tender award,” he adds. Close collaboration between HPE Africa and Transnet enabled the assembly of all 10 specialised excavators before the Transnet operational deadline at the end of August 2018. These Hyundai excavators enhance TPT’s existing fleet of 22 ton Hyundai HL770-9S wheel loaders, which have exceeded performance expectations PRODUCT FOCUS Hyundai 26 ton R260LC-9S excavators have been fitted with specially designed 1.6m³ heavy-duty buckets and 2.5m³ coal buckets, to maximise a railway car’s unloading speed. in arduous Transnet port environments since they were purchased almost four years ago. HPE Africa, which is the sole distributor in southern Africa for Hyundai Construction Equipment, as well as Soosan hydraulic hammers and McCloskey crushing and screening units, offers a nationwide sales, spares, technical, and maintenance/repair service. When size does matter LiuGong’s wide range of excavators vary from operating weights of 3.8 tons to 90 tons, and include zero tail and compact excavators, medium-sized 20–30 tons with standard and long-arm options, as well as heavy-duty models in the 36-ton to 90-ton range. In 2016, LiuGong introduced its 945E and 950E model excavators to the sub-Saharan Africa market — the first of LiuGong’s ‘big size’ excavators ranging between 45 and 50 ton operating weights. The following year, the 970E made its debut as the largest in operating weight in platinum mining in South Africa. Since then, the 950E and 970E have played a leading role for LiuGong in the mining industry, increasing market share through their use in gold, coal, and platinum mines. LiuGong’s joint venture with Cummins Engines in 2013 led to improved engine 26 MARCH 2019 LiuGong’s 990F, with its 90 tons operating weight, is one of the few models of this size available in the market. The 970E with 481hp Cummins QSX15 engine is a power boost with 4.3m 3 standard bucket capacity. production, increased efficiencies, and enhanced parts management for their global operations. The 950E model is equipped with QSM11-type Cummins engine, and can reach up to 400hp gross engine power, with EGR cooling system and Cummins patented VGTTM turbocharger, which continuously varies the airflow boost to precisely match engine rpm and load demand for optimal performance. The advanced hydraulic system-proven negative flow hydraulics optimises the main control valve and cylinders, and improves the speed of the front-end working equipment, while cutting down on the hydraulic system’s damper loss, resulting in a much better working efficiency. The 970E with 481hp Cummins QSX15 engine is a power boost with 4.3m 3 standard bucket capacity and is extendable for lighter material operations such as coal. LiuGong’s big size range is not limited to the 36–70 tons range — LiuGong rolled out 990F, with 90 tons operating weight, powered by a Cummins EFI engine with a rated power of 447kW, combined with a 5.6m 3 bucket, making it one of the few models of this size available in the market. www.plantonline.co.za