Monthly Archives: July 2025

Client Focus

CONCOR TO CONSTRUCTING TENTH BUILDING FOR INTAPROP IN OXFORD PARKS PRECINCT

Leading construction specialist Concor secured the contract to construct 3 Parks Boulevard for prominent property developer Intaprop in the prestigious Oxford Parks Precinct, marking the latest addition to this thriving development node. This will be the tenth building that Concor has successfully undertaken within the precinct.

The new development will comprise two distinct office wings set atop four parking levels – two below ground and two above – with a shared parking area for office tenants and visitors. Built on a triangular site, the project presents some challenges including a constrained footprint and a tight construction timeline.

“While the structure itself is relatively straightforward, the limited laydown area and proximity to existing residential and commercial properties require meticulous planning and execution. We have worked closely with the local residents’ association, facilitated through Intaprop, to ensure clear communication and minimal disruption,” Warren Mills, Contract Manager at Concor, says.

The west wing of the building will cover 3,247 m² of Gross Lettable Area (GLA) over three floors (ground, first and second), while the east wing will provide 4,602 m² of GLA across four floors (ground, first, second and third). 

Both wings will have their own entrance and atrium, accessible from the road, and will be joined by a raised outdoor courtyard above street level, creating architectural interest. The parking area encompasses some 1,203 m2.

In keeping with the aesthetic of the Oxford Parks Precinct, 3 Parks Boulevard will feature a unitised façade system on the northern façade to accelerate construction timelines. The southern and western façades will combine brickwork with strip windows, giving the structure a distinctive look while aligning with the broader precinct design language. Although the design features of both towers will be similar, each will boast a unique colour scheme to further differentiate them.

Mills explains that managing material deliveries is critical on such a confined site. “We secured a wayleave to use the roadway on the northern side of the site for deliveries, and in some cases, for limited material storage. Daily planning and weekly scheduling with suppliers and subcontractors are essential to keeping the project on track.”

Construction activities commenced in mid-April 2025, and completion is scheduled for May 2026. A single tower crane will service the entire site, with tight coordination required to maintain progress.

Aligned with Intaprop and Concor’s commitment to sustainable construction practices, the project targets a Five Green Star rating. Green initiatives include the installation of a Building Management System (BMS), solar energy generation, waste management and recycling programmes, water storage, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems and the sourcing of local materials within a defined delivery radius. AfriSam’s Green Star Mix concrete will be used to support these sustainability goals.

Concor’s emphasis on socio-economic development is evident in the extensive use of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) for key trades such as brickwork, plastering, painting, steel fixing and earthworks. Many of these contractors have been mentored on previous Concor projects, ensuring a high standard of workmanship and tight adherence to project deadlines. The company continues to phase in new SMMEs on each project, providing critical development support.

As part of its corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives, Concor maintains its longstanding support for the Bramley Children’s Home and recently assisted a dog rescue centre by donating building materials for the construction of kennels and a dam.

“We are proud to once again be part of the continued growth of the Oxford Parks Precinct and are committed to delivering a high quality sustainable building while supporting local communities and enterprises,” Mills concludes. 

Client Focus

ATHOS CRUSHING & SCREENING LAUNCHES FULLY ELECTRIC MOBILE CRUSHERS AND SCREENS

Following an extensive testing regime, Athos Crushing & Screening is officially launching a fully electric range of mobile crushers and screens called Powertrack, built by SRHeavy (SRH). Dubbed the Powertrack, the range initially comprises a mobile jaw crusher, a mobile cone crusher, a mobile triple-deck screen and a mobile scalping screen. 

Athos Crushing & Screening, sister company to Pilot Crushtec International, was established some five years ago with the mandate to provide mobile and static crushing and screening solutions, focusing on entry-level and mid-tier segments of the market. The overarching intent, explains Sales and Marketing Director Francois Marais, was to create a true “home of crushing and screening” with Pilot Crushtec concentrating on the premium end of the market. 

In line with this strategy, Athos is debuting the e-Power Powertrack range in southern Africa. At a launch event held at the company’s Jet Park in July, the company introduced the Powertrack PT Pro J-11E jaw crusher, the Powertrack PT Pro C-20E cone crusher, the Powertrack PT Pro ST-08E mobile triple-deck screen and the Powertrack PT Pro SP-08E scalping screen to local customers. Target markets, says Marais, include contractors, quarries and certain mining applications, particularly sites where there is access to grid power or renewable energy sources. 

“Ideal for aggregates, mining and recycling, the Powertrack PT Pro J-11E is equipped with an SJC108 jaw crusher with a 1 060 x 700 mm feed opening,” explains Marais. “The machine can handle a top size up to 600 mm and typically runs with a closed side setting of about 70 mm. It has the capacity to process between 150 and 500 tonnes per hour (tph), application dependent.”

The Powertrack PT Pro C-20E, which features the SCH2000 cone crusher, is ideal for secondary and tertiary crushing. The machine has the capacity to produce between 150 and 250 tph, depending on application.

The Powertrack PT Pro ST-08E mobile triple-deck screen comes with a 5,4 m x 1 ,5 m screen box and a large 8,4 m² screening area. With its four product conveyors, it can be deployed in 250 tph production capacity requirements.

The Powertrack PT Pro SP-08E scalping screen, which comes with a 4,8 m x 1,5 m screen box, is ideal for pre-screening of feed with excessive fines such as topsoil, recycled waste and gravel, amongst others. The machine is designed to process capacities up to 500 tph.

“A major factor behind the decision to go the fully electric route is that these machines come in at an extremely competitive price point,” says Marais. “Manufactured in China, inarguably the global leader in electromobility, the economies of scale for electric components such as electric drives provides for a notable cost advantage, making the e-Power Powertrack range an attractive crushing and screening solution for the local market, especially for cost sensitive, entry-level operations.”

Another remarkable advantage of fully electric crushing and screening solutions is the lower cost of operation. These machines are primarily intended to be plugged into grid electricity. Electric drive systems are cost effective and more efficient than their conventional diesel hydraulic counterparts. 

“In the absence of an electric plug-in, end-users can power the machine/s with a genset which, unlike in a dual-power setup, is completely separate from the mobile machine. This is a completely new concept in the local mobile crushing and screening market. One of the major benefits of keeping the generator away from where crushing takes place, is the elimination/reduction of dust ingression into the engine, which tends to be a major challenge for machines that come with an on-board genset,” concludes Marais. 

Client Focus

PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE KEY TO EXTENDING CHUTE SYSTEM LIFE

In many mining and other industrial plants, transfer points are the unsung heroes of materials handling – quietly facilitating the continuous flow of product through the process. Yet, too often, these critical chute systems are overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance, leading to premature wear, unplanned downtime and costly replacements.

According to Mark Baller, Managing Director of Weba Chute Systems, the long term efficiency and reliability of a materials handling system hinge on the consistent upkeep of its chute systems. When left unchecked even minor issues at the transfer point can escalate, damaging equipment, compromising throughput and raising the overall total cost of ownership.

“Transfer chutes experience high levels of impact, abrasion and wear, making them particularly vulnerable if not properly maintained,” Baller says. “Unfortunately, many operations don’t allocate sufficient resources to monitor the condition of their chutes, and this is where the cost spiral begins.”

To support mines and plants that lack dedicated chute maintenance teams, Weba Chute Systems offers a comprehensive solution. This begins with a detailed on-site audit to assess the current condition of the chute systems and identify areas of concern. From there, the company provides a report outlining what is required to restore each chute to optimal operating condition. Once this has been achieved, a proactive maintenance programme is implemented to ensure the systems remain in top form.

This service-driven approach not only ensures the longevity of the chute systems but also contributes to improved plant performance and reduced operational costs.

“By maintaining the chutes correctly, customers can significantly extend the wear life of their materials handling systems and avoid the capital outlay associated with repeated replacements,” he notes. “It’s a cost effective sustainable strategy that supports better planning and minimises unexpected breakdowns.”

Weba Chute Systems’ maintenance programmes are tailored to the specific conditions and wear patterns of each site, ensuring that potential issues are identified early and addressed timeously. This approach delivers long term savings and operational peace of mind.

“In today’s competitive mining and processing environments, where uptime and efficiency are paramount, overlooking the maintenance of chute systems is no longer an option,” Baller concludes. With Weba Chute Systems’ support, mines and plants can ensure that their materials handling infrastructure continues to deliver – reliably and cost effectively.

Client Focus

SANDVIK ROCK PROCESSING’S LIFECYCLE STRATEGY CUTS SCREEN COSTS PER TONNE

By embracing a lifecycle management approach with its customers, Sandvik Rock Processing ensures that its vibrating screens meet production targets at the lowest cost per tonne.

The most effective starting point, says Lomave Sukati, Sandvik Rock Processing’s Business Line Manager Lifecycle Solutions, is for mines to request a full assessment from their OEM partner.

“This allows for a gap analysis to identify opportunities for improvement, so the equipment can be restored to OEM standards in terms of reliability and performance,” explains Sukati. “The customer might also require that operators receive targeted on-the-job training, which helps ensure performance is maintained.”

Sandvik Rock Processing’s assessments include a visual inspection followed by dynamic testing to measure mechanical performance. Any defects or concerns are then detailed in a report to the customer for action.

“Our training empowers a customer’s team to recognise conditions that need early attention, as part of overall lifecycle management to keep equipment well maintained and productive,” she says. “The OEM can’t always be on site to conduct daily checks but operators can be trained to do this and a close working relationship with the OEM ensures there are open lines of communication to report issues.”

Regular inspections allow the remaining wear life of parts and components to be estimated and logged, enabling maintenance and part sourcing to be planned well in advance. This prevents unscheduled downtime and allows maintenance work to be done during planned plant shutdowns.

The performance of the screens is also affected by the changing nature of the ore bodies being mined, which requires constant monitoring – as changing geology could result in more abrasive material being crushed and screened.

“This may call for a different choice of wear materials in the screen panels to achieve the required output and wear life,” she says. “Screens are specified for certain conditions at the start of a project but adjustments invariably need to be made during the equipment’s lifecycle.”

Crushers and screens in the same circuit also impact one another, so mines need to work with OEM specialists who understand this relationship when conducting assessments and making adjustments over time.

“Effective lifecycle management is aimed at achieving the lowest cost per tonne over the life of the screen,” says Sukati. “By focusing on where most screen costs are incurred, mines can quickly identify areas to reduce costs as part of broader efficiency and productivity efforts.”

She emphasises that this is the most direct route to achieving low costs per tonne, especially when done in close collaboration with the OEM. She also highlights the value of formal agreements between mines and OEMs regarding responsibilities for keeping screens functioning optimally.

“These agreements provide clear roles for each party avoiding grey areas that could lead to oversights in monitoring, service delivery or parts availability,” she says. “For mining customers, these agreements are powerful tools to derisk their business by enhancing both equipment performance and reliability.”

This gives mines the confidence that they will meet production targets while gaining better control over operational costs through detailed planning and monitoring. Through its service level agreements, for instance, Sandvik Rock Processing places a team of experts on site who is responsible and accountable for the screens and must report regularly on their condition and performance.

“We can also manage inventory to ensure that necessary wear parts and components are available when required to ensure optimal uptime,” she concludes.

Client Focus

FLS EXPANDS DELMAS FACILITY TO SUPPORT NEXGEN POLYURETHANE INNOVATION

FLS has completed a significant upgrade to its polyurethane manufacturing facility in Delmas, Mpumalanga, positioning the site as a key global hub for the production of its advanced NexGen wear -resistant material. This development forms part of a wider modernisation programme by FLS, aimed at strengthening supply chains, increasing manufacturing efficiency and enhancing sustainability across its global footprint.

Brad Shepherd, Director Service Line – Screen and Feeder Consumables at FLS, says the investment at Delmas aligns with the company’s global strategy to standardise and optimise production processes. 

“This is a milestone for us,” says Shepherd. “We are integrating cutting edge technology and modern manufacturing methodologies across all our polyurethane plants, and Delmas is leading the way. The upgrade enables us to respond more quickly and reliably to customer needs across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.”

The centrepiece of the upgrade is the introduction of purpose-built infrastructure to produce NexGen screen media – a polyurethane material developed by FLS to deliver extended wear life, reduced maintenance and improved operational efficiency. In on-site trials, screen panels made from NexGen have demonstrated up to three times the wear life of conventional rubber and polyurethane products, making it a gamechanger for industries that rely on high performance screening solutions.

Warren Walker, Head of Global Manufacturing – Polyurethane Operations at FLS, explains that Delmas is the first of the company’s five global polyurethane plants to complete this transition. “We have installed new, latest generation polyurethane machines, precision tooling and dedicated preheating ovens for inserts,” he says. “This allows us to significantly increase our output while ensuring consistent quality.”

The facility now includes two trommel screen media stations and three screen media stations, each tailored to produce NexGen products. One of the standout technologies introduced is a programmable auto-calibrating polyurethane machine capable of adjusting material hardness to suit specific applications. 

“The flexibility to produce varying hardness levels is critical,” Walker notes. “It means we can tailor our screen media precisely to the customer’s application, ensuring optimum performance and longevity.”

To complement this, a high capacity polyurethane machine capable of pouring up to 42 kg per minute is in operation at the facility. This system is particularly suited to applications requiring large volume pours, such as flotation spare parts and vertical mill components.

The Delmas facility already benefited from a significant upgrade in 2019, when a state-of-the-art six-axis machining centre was introduced for tooling precision, along with robotic welding systems for manufacturing screen media panel inserts and a CNC controlled spiral welding machine to produce wedge wire products. The latest round of investments builds on this foundation and brings the facility to the forefront of global polyurethane production capability.

Energy efficiency was a key consideration in the new layout and equipment design. “We have incorporated smart energy saving features like individual temperature control on each casting table station,” Walker says. “This avoids the need to heat large surface areas unnecessarily and contributes to our carbon reduction goals.”

Further supporting these goals is the installation of 300 kW of solar generation capacity at the Delmas site, completed in 2024. Plans are already in place to expand this by another 500 kW in 2026, along with the integration of a battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling greater energy independence and resilience.

FLS’s offering from Delmas extends beyond screen media manufacturing. The facility is equipped to handle the complete fabrication of vibrating screens, from raw material processing and in-house machining to assembly and factory acceptance testing. This vertical integration allows the company to deliver customised solutions with tighter control over quality and lead times.

Shepherd emphasises that FLS operates both as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a screen media specialist, supplying screen panels for all types and brands of vibrating screens, feeders and trommel screens. 

“We don’t just supply products,” he says. “We work closely with our customers through our network of on-the-ground specialists to assess site conditions and select the best screening media for their specific needs.”

He notes that many older processing plants are treating materials that differ from their original design specifications. In these cases, screen efficiency can often only be improved by optimising the screen media. “This is where NexGen makes a real difference,” Shepherd says. “Combined with the correct aperture design, it allows customers to get more life and better performance from their screens.”

Unlike injection-moulded polyurethane, which can compromise the structural integrity of screen panels, FLS’s proprietary process retains superior mechanical properties, resulting in a tougher more durable product. “We have never used injection moulding because it reduces the quality of the end product,” Shepherd explains. “Our process delivers a product that stands up to the toughest operating conditions and offers lasting value.”

Walker adds that the expansion at Delmas not only supports FLS’s global operations but also contributes meaningfully to the South African economy. “Our commitment to local manufacturing is evident in the scale of our investment and the jobs we have created,” he says. “We have expanded our workforce, prioritised local recruitment and significantly grown our apprenticeship programme.”

A strong focus has also been placed on developing female artisans. In 2024, six women from the local community were recruited into a three year trade apprenticeship programme, receiving training in welding, fitting and boilermaking.

“Our investment during a period of economic uncertainty underlines FLS’s long term commitment to South Africa and to our customers in the broader EMEA region,” says Walker. “We are not just building products – we are building skills, opportunities and partnerships that will power sustainable growth for years to come.”

Client Focus

GRINDEX STAINLESS STEEL MEGA INOX PROVES LONG TERM RELIABILITY AT COPPERBELT MINE

Integrated Pump Technology, in collaboration with its local distributor IES, stepped in to provide a reliable dewatering solution at a major mining operation on Zambia’s Copperbelt.

Almost a year later, the 85kW Grindex Mega INOX stainless steel dewatering pump continues to operate successfully, transferring water from the tailings dam back to the process plant, says Alfred Kelsey, Sales Manager at Integrated Pump Technology.

“This was the first unit of its kind to be installed at the site and the customer was extremely pleased with its performance during the three month trial,” says Kelsey. “They valued the confidence we had in the pump, which allowed us to offer a 12 month warranty. Equally important was the fact that we could provide local support through our distribution partner, IES – not something all pump suppliers in the region can offer.”

Thanks to the strong partnership between Integrated Pump Technology and IES, strategic stockholding in Zambia ensured that the Grindex Mega INOX pump was available ex-stock and could be deployed without delay, he adds. The unit is tasked with pumping water at a rate of 60 litres per second at a head of approximately 80 metres.

Kelsey notes that the Copperbelt region hosts some of the wettest mines globally and with mining activity on the rise the demand for Grindex dewatering pumps is gaining solid momentum.

“In particular, our units in the power range of 10kW, 18kW, 37kW and 90kW are especially popular,” he explains. “These models offer a combination of high performance, robust design and long service life – making them ideal for demanding mining applications.”

He highlights that Grindex pumps are engineered for high head and high flow applications and are built with features that set them apart in tough conditions. These include durable stainless steel or cast iron construction, advanced motor protection and built-in air valves that allow the pumps to run dry without damage. 

The pumps also incorporate smart cooling designs and heavy-duty mechanical seals to ensure reliability in highly abrasive and corrosive environments, such as open pit and underground dewatering and tailings management.

“The Mega INOX, for example, can handle aggressive water with high chloride content which is common in tailings dams,” says Kelsey. “It is equipped with a high efficiency motor and hydraulics to ensure minimal energy consumption while delivering high performance.”

Another advantage is the ease of serviceability. “Grindex pumps are designed for quick maintenance with minimal downtime and many components are interchangeable across models, which simplifies logistics for mines,” he adds.

Combined with the local technical expertise and readily available spares and units through IES in Zambia, customers are assured of fast turnaround times and minimal disruption to operations. “This holistic support structure is key to maintaining uptime in environments where every minute counts,” Kelsey concludes.

Client Focus

AFRISAM SAYS WHAT GOES INTO IT MATTERS

In a country building towards a better future, what we put into our infrastructure today determines its value tomorrow. From homes and schools to highways and water systems, South Africa’s development depends on strong lasting foundations and that means choosing quality construction materials from the start. AfriSam’s Sales and Marketing Executive, Richard Tomes, says that quality cement is one of the most unappreciated yet critical components in our built environment. 

“It is central to the way we create our modern world and facilitate development, providing a cost effective path to a better future,” Tomes says. This cement, often hidden from sight beneath roads or inside walls, is the glue that binds the country’s progress together.

What sets AfriSam apart is not just the volume of cement it produces but the quality behind every bag. Each product is designed for longevity because early repairs or rebuilds are simply not an option for developing countries. Good cement choices made decades ago are still saving money today by reducing the need for maintenance and freeing up resources for other priorities.

AfriSam’s All Purpose Cement is a standout in its class – engineered to remove confusion in the market and deliver consistent high performance results across structural and residential applications. For the manufacturing sector, AfriSam’s Rapid Hard Cement gives precast and paving producers the speed they need to stay productive, offering high early strength and faster turnaround times. On South Africa’s roads, the company’s RoadStab Cement, a specially formulated cement for stabilising the layers beneath the surface, helping prevent the scourge of potholes.

Large infrastructure demands even more specialised solutions. On projects like the Lesotho Highlands Water scheme and the construction of wind turbine bases, AfriSam’s low-heat cement helped mitigate cracking by carefully managing the heat of hydration during curing. “It is not just about performance – it is about precision,” Tomes says.

That same attention to detail extends to AfriSam’s environmental approach. By incorporating extenders such as fly ash and slag – byproducts from coal and steel production – the company significantly reduces the carbon footprint of its cements. In fact, its average carbon content per kilogram of cement is below the global average. And with low-water-demand options now available, customers can help preserve one of South Africa’s scarcest resources.

But perhaps what matters most is how AfriSam ensures its quality promise reaches customers. Through its bi-annual Voice of Customer survey the company gains real-time insights across the full customer journey, from product selection to final payment. “Just like checking out of a hotel, the final experience can shape the entire perception,” says Tomes. “Our goal is to deliver not only a great product, but a great relationship through remarkable service.”

“In the end, it is simple,” he says. “If you want infrastructure that lasts, start with materials that are built to. What goes into it matters because the future depends on it.” 

Client Focus

CHRYSO ENVIRONMIX ENABLES SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE WITHOUT CONSTRUCTION DELAYS

As the construction industry intensifies its focus on sustainability, a common challenge has been balancing lower carbon emissions with the need for fast-paced project delivery. Chryso is addressing this issue with its EnviroMix® range – a solution that allows for the use of low-carbon concrete without sacrificing early strength performance.

“Reducing the carbon footprint of buildings is no longer optional – it is becoming a priority for developers and specifiers,” says Patrick Flannigan, Chryso GM Technical and Product Support Management Africa. “But traditional methods for lowering embodied carbon, such as replacing ordinary Portland cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), typically slow down early strength development.”

This trade-off can cause costly delays on site as slower strength gain means formwork and scaffolding must remain in place longer. It also limits turnaround time in precast manufacturing, where production speed is key to profitability.

Chryso’s EnviroMix® range effectively resolves this challenge. Designed to support concrete mixes with high SCM content – such as fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag – EnviroMix® ensures that early strength targets are still reliably achieved. This allows for quicker demoulding, formwork removal and overall project momentum, without compromising sustainability goals.

“The economic impact of delayed early strength is significant,” Flannigan explains. “Whether it’s slowing down a construction schedule or reducing precast output, it affects profitability. EnviroMix® gives contractors and manufacturers the ability to keep to their deadlines while using greener materials.”

Backed by a strong global track record, Chryso’s low-carbon solutions were responsible for avoiding 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2023 alone. The company’s laboratories also offer customised formulations, tailored to the variability of locally sourced SCMs, ensuring consistent results.

“With EnviroMix, sustainable concrete no longer means a compromise on productivity or quality,” says Flannigan. “It is a vital step toward greener construction – made practical, reliable and economically viable.”

Client Focus

PILOT CRUSHTEC POWERS OVENDEN EARTHMOVING WITH NEW TWISTERTRAC VS350E

Pilot Crushtec’s longstanding relationship with leading UK contractor Ovenden Earthmoving Co Ltd has been strengthened with the successful delivery and operation of the latest generation TwisterTrac VS350E mobile vertical shaft impact (VSI) crusher.

Ovenden Earthmoving, based in Canterbury, Kent, has built a reputation since 1985 as a trusted partner in earthmoving, crushing, recycling and sea defence projects. The company’s longstanding trust in Pilot Crushtec’s VSI technology goes back more than a decade, with a 2008 TwisterTrac AC210 model still in operation.

As Ovenden Earthmoving looked to boost productivity and enhance environmental performance, the decision to invest in the TwisterTrac VS350E was a natural evolution. The new machine brings significant advantages including a Stage 5 Volvo engine that reduces emissions and cuts fuel consumption by up to 40%, while increasing production rates by as much as 50% compared to the older AC210.

Shane Dolman, Operations Manager at Ovenden Earthmoving, says the TwisterTrac VS350E has already demonstrated its value. “We recently put the machine through its paces processing limestone pebble in wet conditions with moisture content exceeding 6%. The results were exceptional with the machine converting what was previously unsellable material into high-demand sand,” he explains. “From 6mm feed, we achieved 60% under 2mm product. Even with 10mm feed, nearly half the output was under 2mm. This has opened new commercial opportunities for us.”

Ease of use was another critical factor. Operators quickly adapted to the TwisterTrac VS350E thanks to its intuitive start-up panel and lack of complex PLC systems. The machine’s onboard annunciator display keeps operators informed with clear LED indicators for any faults, while its automatic lubrication system simplifies daily pre-start routines.

“Maintenance and inspection have also been transformed,” says Dolman. “The ability to open the crusher housing in under five minutes for rotor inspection without running the diesel engine is a gamechanger. It is safer, faster and more efficient.”

Pilot Crushtec’s Director Sales and Marketing, Francois Marais, highlights that the success of the TwisterTrac VS350E at Ovenden Earthmoving is exactly what the machine was designed for. “We wanted to deliver not just more power and higher production but smarter more sustainable crushing solutions. The load sensing system dynamically adjusts feeder speed to maintain optimal engine load, reducing fuel spikes and improving overall efficiency. And the ability to connect to grid power makes the VS350E even more cost effective and environmentally responsible,” he says.

The TwisterTrac VS350E is equipped with advanced rotor balancing for improved stability and longevity and the machine features variable speed control to finetune output sizes and shapes according to the customer’s specifications. 

The positive pressure system prevents dust ingress into electrical panels, adding further reliability and reducing long term maintenance. Additionally, the machine’s hydraulic lift and rotate system for rotor and table access streamlines serviceability.

Marais also points to the versatility of the TwisterTrac VS350E. “This machine is designed for multiple applications from sand manufacturing and shaping of aggregate to recycling and industrial minerals crushing. In addition, the modular design allows customers to adapt easily to different requirements without needing multiple machines,” he says.

With the successful deployment of the TwisterTrac VS350E, Ovenden Earthmoving has reaffirmed its trust in Pilot Crushtec’s innovation and reliability. As the demand for more environmentally conscious cost effective crushing solutions grows, this relationship continues to stand as a testament to forward-thinking investment and technology leadership.

Client Focus

ENHANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH SANDVIK MOBILES

To increase energy efficiency and help reduce the climate footprint of the mining and quarrying sectors, Sandvik Rock Processing is leading the shift to electric mobile crushing and screening equipment. Essentially, by using less energy the industry can save money and operate in a more environmentally responsible way.

Mobile crushing and screening solutions remain prominent comminution solutions in both mining and infrastructure sectors. According to PC Kruger, Business Line Manager – Crushing at Sandvik Rock Processing, these solutions are renowned for their quick setup and deployment times, which makes them ideal for sudden spikes in demand. In addition, he says, as the industry continues to adopt in-pit crushing and conveying practices, mobiles can help do away with costly haulage trucks onsite, while reducing onsite traffic, dust and noise – increasing safety on site. 

Another major attribute of mobile crushing solutions is their energy flexibility – the ability to be powered by electricity, diesel or both. To enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, the move to fully electric mobile crushers and screens has in recent years gathered pace. With its range of stationary and wheeled crushers and screens already 100% electrified, Sandvik Rock Processing has been one of the original equipment manufacturers at the forefront of the electric drive alternative.

“The most recent addition to our tracked electric range of crushers is the Sandvik UJ443E heavy duty jaw crusher. This machine is built on a new, ‘fully electric’ track platform. It features electric final drives and an on-board genset which can be operated more sustainably, either by an external electricity supply, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) or diesel,” explains Kruger. 

Operating the machine connected to the external electric source can bring several advantages including lowering running costs and noise levels, extending drivetrain service intervals and reducing time spent refuelling as well as reducing onsite emissions. Using fully electric track drives and final drives, the unit is said to decrease the use of hydraulic oil on the plant by up to 91%.

The Sandvik UJ443E features a 125 Amp downstream connection which allows customers to operate a downstream plant such as a screener or scalper, providing a decrease in fuel consumption of up to 20% compared to running separate units.

“In addition, our wheeled range of crushers has been made to meet the same high standards as its tracked counterparts, operating at maximum efficiency and designed for high-capacity production. Electrically powered, these units offer lower cost per tonne operation as well as lower emissions, minimising the environmental impact, which speaks directly to the industry’s sustainability drive,” Kruger concludes.