Quarry Southern Africa March 2017 | Page 10

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