PRODUCT FOCUS
Even small equipment comes with a variety of attachments, as per this Hyundai R60-9S mini excavator with a bucket attachment.
horizontally inside the body. This cylinder
has a pin on either end that retracts to
unlock the attachment or extends to
lock the attachment into place. All Dezzi
attachments have what we call hanger
brackets at the top where the driver
‘hooks’ the attachment, then rolls the
attachment back, allowing the bottom
holes to align before the driver extends the
locking cylinder/pin set-up. Very easy and it
is done from inside the cabin.”
Rudolph says that couplers are “quite
popular” in South Africa, reiterating the
different roles of the two types. “The
major difference between manual and
hydraulic, however, is that with the former,
the operator needs to exit the cab to fix
the coupler to the attachment. With the
hydraulic option, the operator remains in
the cab and through working a button,
can remove the securing pin and attach a
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OCTOBER 2018
variety of operating tools with ease and
speed. “Liebherr offers LIKUFIX along with
our mechanical/hydraulic quick couplers.
This allows the operator to remain in the
cab, whilst connecting the working tool
electrically, mechanically, and hydraulically.
The Liebherr system is quite popular in the
market,” he comments.
While this all sounds like high-tech
and not for use in isolated areas, Rudolph
explains that Liebherr’s vast footprint
ensures that there are many machines
used in remote areas of Africa: “There
are a lot of these machines operating in
Mozambique for example, with these
types of coupling systems configured to
them,” he assures. “The market or the
region is not an issue, as we have dealers
all over to support the machines,” he says.
According to Martin, when pressed for a
comment on the most popular attachment
in the Kinshofer range, he remarks: “In
the construction market, our most popular
attachments include hydraulic couplers
and grapples. Couplers offer the greatest
versatility with a quick and easy switch
from a bucket to a ripper and back again.
While grapples allow for a wide range of
material handling options, including rock,
debris, tree stumps, and much more.”
Of its product offering, Heslop believes
that it’s the hydraulic hammers that are
the most popular but adds: “It’s anyone’s
guess as figures are not available from
the Department of Trade and Industry
or customs. However, there are import
figures available for machines.” Regardless
as to which piece in the Xcentric Ripper
stable is the most in demand, with a grin
Van der Merwe adds in conclusion: “The
quality and design and the ease of use of
our products are second to none!” ■