Engineering solutions provider Bearing Man Group (BMG) has expanded its range of tools by introducing industrial tools and equipment manufacturer Atlas Copco’s turbo grinders this month, which are designed for grinding, cutting and sanding, even in confined spaces.

“These handheld grinders, with axial turbine motors, have power ratings of between 2.1 kW and 4.5 kW, offering more efficient and faster operation than conventional grinders. The turbine technology ensures compressed air is used in the most efficient way,” says BMG fasteners and tools business development manager Andrew Johns.

The Atlas Copco turbo grinders, which include the GTG 21 and GTG 40 ranges, have a maximum weight of 4 kg, which reduces strain on the operator and, through their compact design, ensure accessibility in smaller working areas.

Johns notes that low vibration and an increased rotation speed reduce the consumption of abrasives.

“The tools are fitted with an integrated autobalancer, which reduces vibrations to less than 2.5 m/s2, and a speed governor for enhanced performance,” he says.

“The grinders are also fitted with an overspeed protection drive for enhanced user safety, which is something which the market is becoming more interested in,” states Johns.

The grinders operate with a lubricant-free air supply, reducing the risk of hose deterioration and preventing oil spills on the grinding surface.

He adds that the low height of the GTG 21 range of turbo grinders is particularly suited to overhead grinding tasks.

“These lightweight grinders, weighing 2.8 kg, have an adjustable support handle for increased feed force and flexibility and are available with dust-extraction and diamond cutting kits,” notes Johns.

Meanwhile, the heavy-duty GTG 40 units, with power ratings of 4.5 kW, achieve a higher rate of material removal on an uneven surface than conventional grinders, he adds.

“These 4 kg handheld tools are designed for rough grinding and the fettling of casting or stock removal. They are also fitted with a silencer to reduce noise levels.

“These units are fitted with a throttle handle, with soft rubber sleeves for temperature insulation, a comfortable grip and an easily adjustable wheel guard, which ensures increased accessibility and operator safety,” says Johns, adding that quick and simple wheel changes on grinders offer clients increased productivity.

Meanwhile, the success of the first BMG Fasteners retail concept store, established in Durban last year, was the inspiration behind a new specialist tooling and equipment retail store, in Kimberley, and two other retail stores, which will open in Delmas and Richards Bay in the second quarter of this year.

“Since the acquisition of maintenance, repair and operating supplies company Man-Dirk in November 2012, BMG has significantly extended its service offering in the tooling and equipment sector,” explains BMG GM for tools and equipment Darryl Campbell.

He says the new retail stores will offer BMG clients the convenience of hand-picking from a range of tooling products.

“These will include quality tool and equipment brands such as Gedore, Metabo, Bosch, Klingspor, Wera, Fluke, Megger, Atlas Copco, Ingersol Rand, Hit, Somta, Bahco, Crescent and Eclipse.

“Man-Dirk’s house brands include Maxpower, John Leo and JBL, which are used in various industries, particularly mining,” states Campbell.

Other products, which will be available in the stores, include handheld and power tools, tool kits, personal protective equipment, locks and lockouts, lifting equipment and environmental products.