Plant Equipment and Hire September 2018 | Page 33

NEW EQUIPMENT SCA intermodal side tipper bin being loaded on to a rail wagon by container handler. decreases national road congestion, and minimises product damage. “In areas that are not fully serviced by rail, the intermodal side tipper can be loaded onto road transport, for closed loop, short-haul operations. Road vehicles are then used to carry the tipper bin containing bulk material to the railhead. This means cargo can be received at non-rail serviced facilities, for example on mines, terminals, and ports.” SCA intermodal side tipper bin being loaded on to a road vehicle by container handler for short road haul. Mouritzen adds, “The biggest challenge is to change the mindset of railway operators, for whom the benefits are enormous in that they can use the same rolling stock for multiple uses.” For the transporter, benefits of using robust intermodal side tipper bins are lower operating costs, minimal cargo loss, and weatherproof tarpaulins that ensure product integrity during transport. Advantages also include cost-efficient, easy handling of bulk; improved safety for drivers, vehicles, and cargo; as well as reduced insurance premiums. While road infrastructure benefits include less long-haul bulk traffic on national roads, resulting in reduced congestion, greater safety, and decreased wear of road surfaces, the greatest advantage o f bins is being intermodal (road and rail compatible). This makes it possible for smaller operators (such as An important feature of these intermodal side tipper bins — which are able to be stacked two-high for storage — is they can be used across different modes of transport, including road and rail, without the need for investment in double The tippers were developed in South Africa by SCA and are manufactured in Pretoria from 100% local content. handling cargo. SEPTEMBER 2018 33