SMT Algeria, a subsidiary of the Belgian SMT Group, has been the official distributor in Algeria for Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology for mobile and fixed crushing / screening equipment since 1 March 2016. It is also a recognised distributor for Volvo Construction Equipment( Volvo CE). On 1 January 2017, SMT took over distribution responsibilities for Sandvik’ s surface drilling and underground drilling machines from previous distributor, Bennes Marrel. Sandvik’ s products complement the range already distributed by SMT and enable SMT to offer complete solutions to its customers in mines and quarries, ranging from discovery through to loading of the finished product.
The construction of a major terminal at the Julius Nyerere International Airport( JNIA) in Tanzania is on course, according to the country’ s minister for Works, Transport and Communications, Prof. Makame Mbarawa. The minister said work at the JNIA is currently 65 % complete, and will extend international arrivals by six million passengers per annum, in a total terminal area of 60 000m 2. Construction work is expected to be completed in December. The Tanzanian government is also implementing rehabilitation projects in 13 airports countrywide, and it is set to increase funding to improve the transport sector, which is the backbone of the country’ s economy.
Kenya’ s East African Portland Cement Company’ s( EAPCC) annual general meeting( AGM) had to be rescheduled after the company’ s auditors failed to show up, according to the Business Daily newspaper. The AGM required the presence of the office of the Auditor-General or its appointee, Deloitte East Africa, to proceed. According to the company’ s director, management was unaware of a change in procedure. A recent review indicated that EAPCC is insolvent, despite recent profits in which property revaluations masked operating losses. According to an audit report prepared by Deloitte on behalf of the Auditor-General, EAPCC’ s current liabilities have grossly exceeded its current assets.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar’ s new 980L medium wheel loader is a powerful, fuel-efficient replacement for the 980H.
Caterpillar launches 980L wheel loader across Africa, Middle East
Caterpillar has launched its new powerful and fuel efficient 980L medium wheel loader across Africa and the Middle East.
The 980L features significant improvements over its predecessor, the 980H, including drive train and hydraulic system refinement, operator safety and convenience enhancements, proven Z-bar linkage, Cat Performance Series buckets, and options such as automatic traction control, an enhanced ride control system, and Cat Connect Technologies.
The fuel efficient 303kW Cat C13 ACERT engine uses a combination of electronic, fuel injection, and air systems, and offers a five per cent increase in engine power compared to the 980H, as well as up to 25 % lower fuel consumption.
The 980L uses a 4F / 4R countershaft power-shift transmission. A high-capacity torque converter uses a lock-up clutch for efficient grade and high-speed performance, and the Caterpillar Advanced Productivity Electronically Controlled( APEC) control system maintains torque flow during range shifts for faster acceleration on ramps and smoother shifts in the transmission’ s direct-drive mode.
The powertrain, hydraulic, cooling and electronic systems intelligently lower average working engine speeds and reduce overall system heat loads for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
Economy Mode and an on-demand fan enhance fuel efficiency, while the engine-idle-management and the engine-idle-shutdown systems reduce or stop the engine after a pre-set idling interval, saving fuel, reducing sound levels, and reducing hour accumulation.
The cab’ s four-post roll over protection system( ROPS) offers comfort, visibility, and efficiency, as well as viscous mounts that reduce vibration and cabin sound levels. An extensive range of work tools and bucket styles, with either a pin-on or a quick coupler interface, can be changed without leaving the cab.
The front and rear frames, joined by an articulating hitch system, are fabricated with high-strength, robotically welded materials to ensure long-term durability and reliable performance.
The one-piece tilting hood with side and rear access doors provides easy access to fuelling points for daily fluid level checks and full engine compartment when required. Electrical and hydraulic service centres provide grouped, ground-level access to scheduled oil sampling ports. External calliper disc parking brakes are easily accessible for inspection and service, and the cooling system is also readily accessible, with the hydraulic-oil cooler and airconditioner cores swinging out to provide easy access to both sides for cleaning.
8 _ QUARRY SA | March 2017