MANUFACTURING
Dezzi Equipment ’ s National Parts Centre in Port Shepstone . on a wave of orders that are generated mainly through word of mouth from a growing customer base .
Plant Equipment & Hire ( PEH ) had the opportunity to investigate the enigmatic company up close and personal , speaking at length to a variety of its clients over several days , visiting their various facilities and seeing the machines in action , while hearing first-hand what has created an almost cult-like following by Dezzi Equipment users .
Manufacturing process
Dezzi Equipment draws its inspiration from listening closely to the customer base , understanding what is required in the various sectors of forestry , construction , quarrying , and mining , often undertaking adaptations from the standard machine to equip an order with modifications to best enhance the customer ’ s needs . “ From a different tyre size or brand to attaching a different implement ,” explains Mike Edmonds , factory manager .
With over R30-million worth of parts on site , once an order has been received , it ’ s a matter of selecting the various components from stores , “ and ascertaining if anything is short ”, says Edmonds , adding , “ Obviously we don ’ t carry a large number of chassis , so at this stage we ’ ll start processing the larger components ” after assessing which specs need to be met . Drivetrain components are supplied by world-leading manufacturers , namely Cummins , Perkins , and ZF , to name a few .
All the steel is sourced from local manufacturers , which ensures availability and cost-effectiveness , along with a consistently high-quality product . Mike Jackson , GM , explains that the machines are designed on a modular system with numerous interchangeable elements . Also , many parts are highquality , off-the-shelf parts , readily available when any form of replacement is required , making it simple for customers to fix / maintain their machines after the warranty runs out . “ Our 2WD front axle for example uses a 3 ” steering cylinder which is a very common size and uses an off-the-shelf standard seal kit ,” he adds . This in turn keeps manufacturing and replacement costs down , while expediting the fixing of any type of breakdown , minimising machine downtime .
The range is simplistic in design and would rate as entry level when compared with international OEMs . But the machines are packed with elementary solutions in their hardy make-up . “ For example , there are no bends or curves in the radiator hosing ,” says Edmonds and indeed , there are no curves in the machine design generally . The equipment comes with flat glass that , should it be broken , can simply be replaced at a local glass supplier . The exception here is the recently added TLB , imported from Europe , an enhancement to the Dezzi stable .
Automated assembly is not a consideration as the number of units produced ( and / or individually modified ) would not warrant that type of financial outlay . The entire assembly process , therefore , is manual , with multitasked teams working in stationery work bays . A team is designated to a build , working on it from start with the placement of the chassis , through to the completion of the unit . Sub-assembly takes place parallel to the main assembly , such as the cab . Jackson adds , “ The factory produces about 120 machines a year , from tractors and ADTs to graders . The range is too wide to warrant automation based on those volumes ,” he reiterates . “ To change
Kim Kemp
From left : All in-house components are manufactured to rigorous ISO standards ; hydraulic tank in production with inspection / cleaning port clearly visible ; and steel skeletons ready for recycling collection .
SEPTEMBER 2018 15