The selection of suitable equipment for specific earthmoving tasks is critical, not only to optimise productivity, but to also ensure efficient capital expenditure, minimal downtime and safety on site, notes Equipment supplier HPE Africa.

It is also critical that the equipment selected complies with a mine’s regulations, says MD Ross Collard.

HPE Africa, the exclusive Southern Africa distributors for equipment providers McCloskey, Hyundai and Soosan, celebrate 20 years of business this year.

Collard notes that factors to consider include a machine’s performance features, fuel efficiency, availability of spare parts and dependability of support from the supplier.

Operator training to ensure precision-control and safety on site is also critical.

“Companies looking to invest in capital equipment should also consider a supplier’s financial options and instalment payment choices.

“We also work closely with every customer to modify equipment when necessary, to meet exact performance requirements. Field tests ensure that every machine conforms with stringent quality and safety specifications and meets exact application requirements.”

HPE Africa states that its range of Hyundai earthmoving equipment has been designed to cope efficiently in arduous conditions. This includes the mining and quarrying sectors.

Hyundai R850LC-9 excavators are renowned for “quick, effortless manoeuvrability and high productivity”. HPE Africa reports that they offer faster cycle times, greater loading capacity and improved productivity than other similar class machines.

R850LC-9 85T excavators comprise advanced Tier 3 engine technology for fuel efficiency as well as hydraulic system improvements to ensure enhanced performance, smoother operation and precision-control. A newly designed pump compartment controls  functions such  as two speed travel, power boost, auto boom-swing priority and a safety lock.

The strengthened undercarriage improves performance of these machines, particularly in the mining sector. Durable covers have been specially designed to protect travel motors and hoses against damage from rocks.

Meanwhile, HPE Africa’s Hyundai R1250-9 excavators are available with an operating weight of 118 000 kg, an engine output of 567 kW at 1 800 rpm and a maximum travel speed of 3.2 km/h.

Features for precision control include a smart automatic boom-swing priority, computer-aided power (CAPO) and an improved hydraulic system. Hyundai’s advanced CAPO system interfaces with multiple sensors throughout the hydraulic system, as well as the electronically controlled engine, to provide the optimum level of engine power and hydraulic flow for maximum performance and productivity.

This system also provides complete self-diagnostic features and digital gauges for critical information, including hydraulic oil and water temperatures and fuel levels.

Operators are able to easily select the correct power mode for specific applications. For example, P (Power Max) mode maximises machine speed and power for mass production. S (Standard) mode provides a reduced, fixed rpm for optimum performance, greater control and improved fuel economy.

E (Economy) mode provides precise flow and engine power, based on load demand and by using the U (User) mode, the operator can customise engine speed, pump output, idle speed and other precise machine settings for the specific job.

HPE Africa is also sole distributor for McCloskey crushing and screening equipment, which encompasses high capacity, mobile J45 jaw crushers, designed for “high production, simple and fast assembly, ease of operation, minimal downtime and low maintenance requirements”.

“Our customers are impressed with the simple design of this series, which requires minimal electronics. This means there are fewer problems resulting from dust damage in arduous environments,” says McCloskey product manager Rasheel Sukdhoe.

“McCloskey crushers have a user-friendly dust- and water-proof control panel, that allows efficient monitoring of pressure, fluid levels and fuel consumption. The minimal, yet effective electronics system also provides push-button control of the jaw, track and feeder functions.”

With both level and load sensors, this machine ensures efficient materials handling in all applications. The J45 jaw crushers have a deep jaw chamber and an aggressive toggle design for high productivity.

“McCloskey equipment also has considerably more room for maintenance than other brands on the market, making servicing of these machines quick and easy for service staff.”

Heavy-duty McCloskey J45 jaw crushers have a 1 140 mm x 688 mm single toggle jaw, ensuring efficient handling of materials in all applications, including tough conditions. This high-performance crusher also has a heavy-duty bofar grizzly design and pan feeder chutes, with steeper angles, designed to reduce material sticking to the chutes. A high-capacity hopper with 6 m³ capacity, is mounted over a vibrating feeder.

The feeder rate can be regulated manually or automatically by a load-sensing jaw. The main conveyor is fitted with heavy-duty skirting, positioned close to ground level, for ease of access and maintenance. An optional independent pre-screen maximises efficiency of the crusher and delivers the screened product via a side conveyor with a 2.5 m stockpile height.

Soosan products available from HPE Africa encompass hydraulic breakers and quick couplers.

These breakers combine advanced technology for high productivity and a robust structure, to ensure extended service life and minimal maintenance requirements. HPE Africa states that notable features include a high power to weight ratio for optimum efficiency and a patented valve system, which is synchronised with a simple hydraulic system.