All posts by Coral Fraser

Client Focus

CHRYSO DELIVERS SPECIALTY WATERPROOFING SOLUTIONS FOR CONCRETE AND BRIDGE STRUCTURES

As infrastructure networks age and traffic demands increase, the long term protection of bridges, overpasses, culverts and other critical concrete structures has become a top priority for engineers and contractors. 

Within the Saint-Gobain group, GCP’s internationally proven waterproofing technologies – available in South Africa through Chryso Southern Africa – are providing advanced solutions for both new construction and rehabilitation projects. These products, including BITUTHENE® 5000 and ELIMINATOR® Bridge Deck Waterproofing, are engineered to extend service life, improve safety and reduce costly maintenance on vital transport infrastructure.

BITUTHENE® 5000 is a heavy duty composite membrane developed for use beneath hot-applied asphalt concrete wearing courses. It incorporates a moisture and water resistant rubberised asphalt layer reinforced with a puncture and heat resistant polypropylene mesh, providing dimensional stability, flexibility and excellent adhesion. 

Supplied in rolls with a protective release paper for easy handling, the membrane is cold applied, requiring no heating or hot bitumen bedding. It is suitable for both new construction and repair applications, offering effective waterproofing for bridges, overpasses and other vehicular traffic structures as well as parking decks.

In rehabilitation projects, BITUTHENE® S5000 strips are recommended for restoring concrete pavements with asphalt overlays, preventing premature deterioration caused by reflection cracking and sub-base erosion. The membrane’s high resistance to water, combined with its ability to remain flexible over extreme service temperatures, ensures performance even during harsh winter cycling over small cracks. 

On structures where detailing is critical, BITUTHENE® Liquid Membranes and BITUTHENE® 5000 Mastic can be used to seal terminations, edges and overlaps, ensuring complete waterproofing integrity.

“BITUTHENE 5000 is designed with the realities of modern infrastructure projects in mind,” Andries Janse van Rensburg, Business Development Manager – Specialty Building Materials at Chryso Southern Africa, says. “Its robust construction, flexibility and proven ability to withstand extreme conditions make it a trusted choice for protecting concrete structures against water ingress and deterioration. The fact that it is cold applied means faster, safer and more consistent installation on site.”

The ELIMINATOR® Bridge Deck Waterproofing membrane offers equally impressive performance for steel and concrete bridges which are constantly exposed to water, chlorides and frost – conditions that can lead to deterioration and even structural failure. 

This cold spray-applied system is based on ESSELAC® advanced resin technology, creating a fully bonded composite layer between the bridge deck, waterproof membrane and asphalt surfacing. The result is a membrane that withstands punishing climate conditions and heavy traffic loads while maintaining its bond and integrity. 

ELIMINATOR® can be applied in virtually any climate, curing in just one hour even in high humidity or low temperatures, preventing costly weather delays and allowing for greater scheduling flexibility. A two colour application process enables on-the-spot quality assurance, while the membrane’s ability to withstand asphalt surfacing temperatures up to 250°C eliminates overcoating time constraints and accelerates project completion.

“ELIMINATOR has a proven global record of protecting thousands of bridges over decades of service,” Janse van Rensburg adds. “Its rapid curing time, adaptability to almost any climate and long term durability are significant advantages for contractors and road authorities who cannot afford prolonged closures or recurring maintenance. It is a cost effective way to protect the substantial investments made in these essential structures.”

With proven track records on thousands of bridge and concrete structures worldwide, both BITUTHENE® 5000 and ELIMINATOR® provide engineers and contractors with reliable long lasting waterproofing systems. Supplied in South Africa by Chryso Southern Africa, these GCP technologies safeguard critical infrastructure against water ingress, chloride attack and freeze-thaw damage, extending service life, enhancing safety and reducing the long term costs associated with maintenance and repair.

Client Focus

AFRICA WELCOMES FIRST-EVER FULLY ELECTRIC SANDVIK MOBILE CRUSHING PLANT

The African mining and aggregate industries are marking a major milestone with the arrival of the first fully electric Sandvik mobile crushing plant on the continent. Sold through Sandvik Rock Processing distributor, S&R Enterprises, the Sandvik UJ443E heavy jaw crushing plant has already been sold into the market, with significant interest building as the sector accelerates its move towards lower carbon, more cost effective operations.

“This is the first time Africa will see a Sandvik mobile plant built from the ground up on a fully electric track platform,” Jaco Benade, Distributor Manager at Sandvik Rock Processing, says. “It is a gamechanging development that helps customers cut operating costs while advancing their sustainability goals.”

Benade says the introduction of the fully electric mobile crushing plant is a step change in efficiency and sustainability. “A key differentiator of the Sandvik UJ443E is its energy flexibility,” he explains. “The unit can operate directly from the electrical grid, bringing customers considerable savings through reduced fuel costs, lower emissions and quieter operation. Where grid power is not available, it can switch to diesel or renewable biofuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).”

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By offering multiple energy pathways, the Sandvik UJ443E allows customers to adapt to site-specific conditions while preparing for the broader shift towards electrification in mining, quarrying and construction. Benade notes that where reliable grid electricity is available, operators can also benefit from extended drivetrain service intervals, leading to reduced downtime and lower lifecycle costs.

Proven Technology, New Platform

Built on a fully electric track platform, the Sandvik UJ443E is fitted with the proven CJ412 jaw crusher. This latest generation unit features smart technology for real-time performance monitoring and adjustment as well as an unblock facility that improves safety and reduces downtime. Other innovations include three-speed electric tracks for precise movement, a redesigned feed station with hydraulic tilt access for easier maintenance and a downstream 125 amp connection for integrating other electric equipment such as screening plants.

“This machine consumes about 90% less hydraulic fluid than its predecessors which means lower maintenance costs and a lighter environmental footprint,” Benade explains. “It also offers flexible configurations – from a vibrating grizzly feeder for clean rock to an under-screen option for fines removal.”

Market Preparation and Support

The first Sandvik UJ443E unit in Africa is already in preparation for delivery. To ensure seamless commissioning, Sandvik Rock Processing and S&R Enterprises have invested in advanced training for local service teams. A Sandvik factory technician will also be on site for the installation, guiding both distributor and customer teams through the process.

“Comprehensive lifecycle support underpins this introduction,” Benade says. “We have ensured that our distribution network is ready with spares, technical expertise and tailored aftermarket packages. The Sandvik My Fleet telematics will further enhance support by enabling remote diagnostics and performance monitoring.”

The arrival of the Sandvik UJ443E in Africa signals a turning point in mobile crushing technology on the continent. Customers can now access a solution that not only delivers on productivity but also drives progress toward decarbonisation and reduced operating costs.

“This first Sandvik UJ443E mobile crushing plant is just the beginning,” Benade concludes. “With the level of market interest we are seeing, we expect more units to be placed soon – helping reshape the future of mobile crushing in Africa.”

Client Focus

NEXT INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS DRIVE SMARTER, MORE EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE

Leveraging the power of data and digital technology, Weir’s NEXT Intelligent Solutions have been benefiting customers through performance and condition monitoring – allowing performance optimisation and preventing unplanned downtime.

Using Insight – one of three packages within NEXT Intelligent Solutions – a customer was recently able to gain the visibility they needed into the separation process on their hydrocyclones, according to Marina Eskola, Director of Digital Solutions Management at Weir.

“We created the Insight package to give our customers clearer visibility into their plant processes by providing real-time data flow,” says Eskola. “When applied to hydrocyclone operations, this package includes a solution called roping index monitoring, which focuses on tracking the hydrocyclone’s separation efficiency.”

She describes how Weir was able to monitor the throughput and separation efficiency of the customers’ hydrocyclones, as well as the roping index. 

“We observed that the figures were consistently low for a specific material size which prompted the customer to take a closer look,” she says. “The root cause was traced and resolving it only required a relatively simple adjustment. Without the visibility offered by Insight, however, identifying where to direct the investigation would have been far more challenging.”

The long-term value of this adjustment was significant, enabling the customer to optimise both the hydrocyclone’s separation efficiency and throughput, ultimately improving recoveries. In another example, this time focused on equipment condition, she highlights the benefits of vibration monitoring on a pump. In that instance, elevated vibration levels and temperatures were detected, signalling a potential issue.

“The customer took immediate action and was able to prevent a bearing failure that could have led to six to ten hours of unplanned downtime,” she says. “The production loss from such a disruption would have been significant, but thanks to NEXT Intelligent Solutions, it was completely avoided.”

These predictive insights do more than just protect components and equipment from damage and unplanned downtime – they also enable more effective planning of maintenance strategies, she explains. In turn, better maintenance contributes to a lower total cost of ownership for the equipment, she adds.

Insight, along with Uptime and Production, make up the three packages in NEXT Intelligent Solutions. Each package aligns with a stage in the journey that customers can take in partnership with Weir towards smart and more sustainable mining. These tools leverage real-time data in making informed decisions, applying cutting-edge sensing technologies and boosting operational efficiency.

“Weir partners with customers to help them unlock increasing value from this intelligent technology as they advance through each stage of implementation,” she says.

While the Insight package gives the customer access to vital information about equipment performance and condition, Uptime allows customers to extend the operational lifetime of their equipment. Predictive capabilities are added, so that forecasts can be made of the remaining useful lifetime of critical components. 

The third package, NEXT Production, then allows customers to maximise their process efficiency with AI-powered optimisation. Taking the data gathered through the Insights and Uptime packages, it gives recommendations to metallurgists, process engineers and operators based on their operational priorities.

Client Focus

WEBA CHUTE SYSTEMS MD UNPACKS INDUSTRY SHIFT IN TRANSFER POINT DESIGN

As mining operations push for greater efficiency, safety and sustainability, the role of transfer points has moved from the periphery to the forefront of materials handling strategy. Mark Baller, Managing Director of Weba Chute Systems, says the company is seeing a significant shift in how the industry views and manages these critical components.

“Transfer points are no longer treated as secondary or generic elements of a plant,” Baller says. “We are pleased to see that in many instances chute systems are now being recognised as strategic assets that influence uptime, wear rates, energy use and even compliance with environmental standards.”

This changing mindset is driving demand for custom-engineered chute systems that are designed not only to move material, but to do so in a controlled and predictable manner. Baller explains that uncontrolled flow, free falling material and high impact zones at transfer points are key contributors to excessive dust, spillage and equipment wear – all of which erode productivity and increase operational risk. 

Weba Chute Systems addresses this by focusing on flow control and energy dissipation in every chute it designs. “Increasingly, mines are asking for solutions that go beyond simply transferring material from one conveyor to another,” he says. “They want reduced dust emissions, longer wear life, easier maintenance access and ultimately, a safer and cleaner plant environment. These outcomes are only achievable through tailored designs based on site-specific conditions.”

To meet these expectations, Weba Chute Systems relies heavily on Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) to simulate material flow and optimise performance before a chute is manufactured. This digital approach not only predicts how material will behave but allows the company’s skilled engineers to pinpoint high wear zones and ensure the correct liners are placed for maximum protection. The result is a solution that extends wear life, reduces the need for unplanned maintenance and cuts down on associated downtime.

Baller notes that there is a growing preference for bespoke chute systems rather than standardised units, and this is exactly where Weba Chute Systems has achieved its mark in the mining and materials handling industry globally. 

“Mining operations are increasingly aware that variations in material type, particle size, flow rate and plant layout require a design that is purpose-built and not off the shelf,” Baller says. “Our approach begins with an on-site assessment and consultation, ensuring that each chute integrates seamlessly into the surrounding infrastructure, whether feeding a crusher, a screen or another conveyor.” 

He adds that effective chute design also plays a vital role in safety performance and environmental compliance. By eliminating uncontrolled discharge and managing flow paths with precision, custom engineered Weba chutes reduce spillage, limit dust clouds and improve visibility in areas that are often congested and high risk.

“What we are seeing is a deeper appreciation for what happens at transfer points, and a recognition that investing in smarter design upfront has long term benefits,” says Baller. “Our systems are not just engineered to move material. They are engineered to protect assets, people and productivity.”

With over 5 000 Weba chutes operating in mines and materials handling facilities around the world, the company’s reputation is built on a foundation of innovation, reliability and application-specific performance. As the industry continues to evolve, Weba Chute Systems remains committed to leading the way in transforming transfer points into enablers of efficient, safe and sustainable mining.

Client Focus

NEW SEW-EURODRIVE SERVICE CENTRE TRANSFORMS FUTURE OF DRIVE REPAIRS

In a momentous step for the local industrial gearbox and drives market, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa has formally opened a new service and repair facility alongside its headquarters in Aeroton, Johannesburg. 

“For the first time, customers can have all aspects of their industrial gearbox dealt with in one place – and to the highest OEM quality standards,” Raymond Obermeyer, Managing Director of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, says. “This allows us to offer unprecedented warranties on service work, giving the market peace of mind, quicker turnarounds and enhanced uptime on their repaired and refurbished units.”

The company has invested almost R385 million in the new 17 000 m² facility, where construction began a year ago. Significantly this followed just years after company built its R500 million, 26 000 m² head office complex in Aeroton, into which it expanded in 2022. These developments form part of SEW-EURODRIVE’s proactive investment in added service capabilities across the world, which amounted to €1 billion in 2024 alone.  

Obermeyer explains that in an unprecedented move the new service facility marks the end of an era in South Africa in which industrial gearbox users would have to involve multiple service providers in a single repair or refurbishment contract. 

“The expertise and equipment in this facility allow SEW-EURODRIVE to conduct all aspects of a drivetrain repair – from the gearbox and coupling to the motor, steelwork and electronics,” he says. “We now have all this capability at our disposal, which is gamechanging in terms of quality, reliability and warranties.”

He highlights that the investment in skills and sophisticated hardware now gives the company comprehensive control over the repair process and the results. 

“Previously, we were often limited by the fact that other players were involved in the work on many service interventions – and we could not take responsibility for their level of workmanship,” he explains. “As a world class OEM and with our steadfast commitment to quality processes and components, we can now offer warranties of two years on our repairs and refurbishments. This has never been possible before and represents a significant and high-value development for customers all over Africa.”

The new service centre will even conduct work on gear units from other manufacturers, he notes, given the depth of the experience and infrastructure at SEW-EURODRIVE’s new world class service and repair facility. Over 65 additional technical staff are in the process of being brought on board at the site including engineering managers, field service engineers and artisans in various specialised disciplines. 

“Our centre is being equipped with the some of the most experienced skills in the local market, and our in-house DriveAcademy is busy finetuning their expertise in line with our wide range of drive solutions,” Obermeyer says. 

Fully equipped with the latest technical infrastructure, the work of the new facility will include vibration analysis and diagnostic testing for motors and drives as well as equipment for 3D scanning and CNC machining. Winding machines will allow for motors to be rewound in-house and tested in line with SEW-EURODRIVE world class OEM standards. 

“The facility will also include a fabrication department, so that we don’t have to outsource aspects like base plates, flanges, guards and other steelwork,” he says. “With the capacity to do our own cutting, bending and welding, this department allows us to conduct all this work in-house – speeding up turnaround times and ensuring constant quality control.”

Obermeyer concludes that the breadth of in-house services and engineering equipment at the SEW EURODRIVE service and repair centre represents a significant investment in the re-industrialisation of the local economy – allowing customers to optimise the longevity and performance of their drive systems and is aligned with the company’s commitment to strengthening its position as the leading industrial gearboxes and drives provided on the African continent. 

Client Focus

AFRISAM CONCRETE SUPPORTS COMPLEX WATER TOWER PROJECT IN GAUTENG

AfriSam is playing a pivotal role in the construction of one of Gauteng’s largest and most technically complex water towers, supplying specially designed readymix concrete to meet both structural and seismic performance requirements. Located near Main Reef Road south of Johannesburg, the 43 metre high water tower will store 3,2 mega litres of water to support the new Goudrand mega city development.

With construction led by M&D Construction and engineering design by SCIP Engineering Group, the project has demanded highly customised concrete solutions from AfriSam. The structure is located in a seismically active zone and required additional reinforcement in the lower section of the shaft to withstand ground acceleration above 0,1g. This called for increased steel density and a concrete mix that could deliver strength, flowability and controlled heat of hydration.

AfriSam’s Product Technical Team Leader, Mduduzi Ndlovu, explains that the concrete mix was developed with a high proportion of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce the heat generated during curing. “The base mix comprised 70% ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) and 30% AfriSam High Strength Cement, reducing the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content to just 20%,” says Ndlovu. “Despite the low OPC content, the mix exceeded expectations – achieving the target strength of 51 MPa was achieved in only 28 days in relation to the designed 56 day requirement. ”

The construction process placed high demands on the readymix in terms of both slump control and delivery precision. With over 210 kg of rebar per cubic metre in some sections, AfriSam developed a high slump pump mix for vertical pours, while limiting slump to 130 mm for slanted sections to avoid concrete sliding off shuttering.

Sheldon Temlett, Contracts Manager at M&D Construction, highlights the importance of this mix performance. “With such dense steel and complex geometry, AfriSam’s mix gave us the workability we needed without compromising quality. Their team worked closely with us to adjust slump levels and plan deliveries around our 12 m³/hour pour rate.”

AfriSam Territory Manager Toni Williams adds that logistics were carefully aligned with construction progress to avoid delays or idle time on site. “Coordination was key to supporting M&D’s controlled rise rate of 1 metre per hour, especially as the concrete had to partially set before each formwork lift could proceed.”

Construction of the Main Reef water tower began in September 2024 and is scheduled for completion in April 2026. Once commissioned, it will provide essential water infrastructure to approximately 20,000 homes in the Goudrand housing development – a major project spearheaded by the Gauteng Department of Housing, the City of Johannesburg and Blue Print Housing.

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Client Focus

ENGINEERING THE FUTURE: TRAFO POWER SOLUTIONS AND TMC TRANSFORMERS SET NEW STANDARDS IN DRY-TYPE TECHNOLOGY

As demand grows for safer more reliable and environmentally responsible power infrastructure, dry-type transformer technology is gaining ground globally – and leading the charge in Africa is Trafo Power Solutions, in partnership with renowned Italian manufacturer TMC Transformers.

This dynamic collaboration, now in its seventh year, continues to push the boundaries of dry-type transformer design and application. According to Trafo Power Solutions Managing Director David Claassen, the company has played a pivotal role in introducing this technology to a wide range of industries across Africa, from mining and manufacturing to renewable energy and infrastructure.

“Our work with TMC Transformers enables us to deliver custom engineered dry-type transformer solutions that meet even the most demanding specifications,” says Claassen. “Our success lies in a shared culture of innovation, agility and technical excellence.”

TMC Transformers Sales Director Andrea Ghidini explains that the company is known for tackling complex challenges with highly specialised solutions. “We are often approached for non-standard applications, such as transformers with ratings up to 25 MVA or primary windings at 50 kV, or units handling extreme harmonic distortion or secondary currents of up to 30,000 amps,” he says.

In African mining operations – one of Trafo Power Solutions’ primary markets – the challenges extend beyond electrical performance. Transformers must be robust enough to endure long and difficult transport routes, severe vibration, high dust levels and extreme temperatures.

“Dry-type technology is ideal in these environments, especially as safety and environmental concerns grow,” Claassen notes. “Unlike oil-filled transformers, dry-type units are air-cooled and present minimal fire risk, making them suitable for installation near operational areas and personnel.”

Once confined to indoor use, dry-type transformers are now widely used in outdoor applications thanks to technological advancements. Higher protection ratings and improved cooling options, including forced-air, air-to-water and direct or indirect water cooling, allow these units to operate reliably even in Africa’s toughest climates.

What sets this partnership apart is its commitment to engineering precision. TMC uses advanced simulation tools, including finite element analysis and thermo-dynamic modelling, to verify every design before production. This ensures optimal performance, long-term reliability and reduced operational risk.

“Rather than just meeting the brief, we interrogate every application to offer smarter alternatives or highlight potential issues,” says Ghidini. “That is the value of custom engineering.”

Claassen adds that customers benefit from this depth of expertise: “We don’t just sell transformers – we deliver engineered power solutions that support long-term operational success.”

With this collaboration, Trafo Power Solutions and TMC Transformers continue to redefine what is possible in dry-type transformer technology – setting new benchmarks for innovation, safety and performance across the continent.

Client Focus

INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS ACROSS COMMINUTION FLOWSHEET SET WEIR APART

To complement its market-leading ENDURON® range of high pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs), Weir has developed a robust range of crushers and screens under the same premium brand – now further strengthened by its in-house screening media.

“Combined with our renowned service culture and extensive global footprint, this creates a truly unmatched offering,” says JD Singleton, Weir’s Comminution Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “In just 15 years, we have evolved from being primarily recognised for our high quality pump solutions to becoming a global leader in the comminution space.”

He notes that Weir’s large ENDURON® Elite double-deck banana screens have been in high demand, and will soon be produced at the company’s Alrode facility south of Johannesburg – where expansions are underway to create a dedicated production bay for this purpose.

“Large vibrating screens are vital to complement large capacity crushing plants and HPGR circuits and our ENDURON Elite range is playing an important role in hard rock mining developments throughout Africa,” he says. The latest orders include a contract with a leading brownfields mining project in Zambia. The first units from Weir’s Alrode plant expansion are expected to start rolling out later this year.

Weir’s research, development and innovation behind the ENDURON® Elite range of screen includes creating the largest exciters available in the market. Having developed the LTX exciter to generate the +1 mega newton force to vibrate these screens, Weir went on to develop its second-generation exciter – the ETX, with 1.28 mega newton force which has been nominated for technology awards, says Singleton. 

Weir’s ENDURON® Elite ETX Exciter is a groundbreaking advancement in vibratory screening technology, delivering the world’s only “mega” newton linear motion exciter capable of generating forces equivalent to a fully laden A380 on take-off, 12 to 16 times per second. This patented innovation redefines a 50 year old mechanism, setting a new global benchmark in performance, reliability and efficiency.

The ENDURON® range of jaw and cone crushers, equipped with improved control and lubrication systems, come standard with premier ESCO® crusher liners for longer life and less downtime. The latest generation of Weir’s ENDURON® cone crushers and jaw crushers has also just been introduced. 

“A key factor behind the success of ENDURON HPGRs and our complementary crushers and screens in the circuit has been the rising cost of electricity, affecting not only South Africa but many other countries in Africa,” he says. “Mines are adopting HPGR circuits as an energy efficient alternative to the traditional semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill circuits.”

Among the studies in which Weir assists customers is the comparison of a circuit using a primary crusher, SAG mill and ball mill with a circuit that comprises a primary crusher, a secondary cone crusher, HPGR, screen and ball mill. 

“We work with customers at early planning stages to find ways of reducing energy consumption with technology like HPGRs,” he says. Weir supports these solutions through its service culture across a wide footprint, giving the company a presence within 200 km of any large mine anywhere in the world. 

Client Focus

FIRST SANDVIK HYBRID MOBILE MACHINE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Sandvik Rock Processing, in partnership with its southern African distributor, S&R Enterprises, has launched its first dual-powered mobile machine in southern Africa, a tracked Sandvik QA452e triple deck sizing screen with Doublescreen technology. 

Upon its arrival, the machine was immediately dispatched by S&R Enterprises to its owner, a contractor operating on a major dam project in Lesotho, where the machine has already been deployed to produce G2 and G5 material.  

PC Kruger, Business Line Manager Crushing at Sandvik Rock Processing, says the launch of the first Sandvik electric unit in southern Africa is in direct response to the apparent growing appetite for electric mobile crushing and screening solutions in the region. While the technology provides both cost and sustainability benefits, Kruger believes that the major driver in southern Africa to date is largely the need to reduce total cost of ownership. 

“Customers in southern Africa are increasingly pursuing energy efficiency due to the significant financial benefits of reducing energy consumption, which is generally a major operational cost. Hybrid solutions, which can be powered by either diesel or grid electricity, offer significant fuel savings and more versatile operation, with the added benefit of reduced carbon emissions,” says Kruger. 

According to Stephen Smith, MD of S&R Enterprises, the major talking point on the Sandvik QA452e screen is its hybrid “e” drive option, which provides the flexibility to operate in diesel or electric mode for lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions. Powering the machine using an external electric source can bring several advantages, including lower running costs, extended drivetrain service intervals, reduced onsite emissions and noise levels.

“One of the major benefits of this technology is reduced maintenance costs,” says Smith. “The electric motor drive reduces the need for diesel engine servicing and hydraulic oil, increasing machine availability and reducing costs. In fact, the machine consumes up to 50% less hydraulic oil over 10 000 hours of usage. Consequently, hydraulic service intervals have been increased from 2 000 to 4 000 hours, subject to oil sampling.”

In addition, the standard Sandvik mobile equipment warranty has gone up from the traditional 12 months/1 000 hours to 24 months/3 000 hours, with extended warranty options up to six years, providing the much-needed peace of mind for customers. 

The QA452e features Sandvik’s patented Doublescreen technology for high throughput and efficiency. It is a revolutionary design that utilises two high velocity screen boxes that work independently of each other; the primary screen works as a fines extractor, while the secondary screen operates as a grader. 

“Doublescreen advantages over competing products include greater material control, greater adjustability, increased accuracy and higher screening efficiencies, making this unit ideal for producing massive volumes of high specification products, without compromising on productivity,” says Smith. 

The patented Doublescreen design features three independent 20’ x 5’ (6 m x 1,5 m) screens, each providing a screening area of 9 m³/9,3 m², with the bottom deck being 11% longer for more screen area and fines extraction. Compared to conventional 20’ x 5’ screen boxes, the Doublescreen technology typically outperforms traditional screens by up to 30%. It also allows up to 42 screen angle options due to the two screen boxes. 

“The arrival of the first Sandvik dual-powered machine marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future for the local mobile crushing and screening industry,” concludes Kruger. 

Client Focus

SEW-EURODRIVE SAYS MEPS RULES CREATE OPPORTUNITY BUT SMART MOVES ARE CRITICAL

South African regulations on premium efficiency IE3 motors open a door of opportunity for geared motor users, says SEW-EURODRIVE, but forward planning and the considered advice of established and trusted experts is vital.

With the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) now mandatory since June 2025, many users of electric motors might be confused about their next step. Worse still, they may be vulnerable to poor decision-making due to uncertainty and opportunistic buying, according to Willem Strydom, SEW-EURODRIVE’S Manager for Business Development Electronics. 

“Having supplied IE3 motors as standard in our relevant geared units for some years already, and at no added cost, there is nothing in the regulations surprising to us or our customer base,” explains Strydom. “However, there are still many players in the market who might not be up to date with the regulatory developments – and we are well placed to be of service.”

He notes that some companies may feel pressurised by fear-mongering messages in the market to unnecessarily replace less efficient motors. On the other hand, the looming moratorium on the sale of IE1 and IE2 motors may lead to these units being ‘dumped’ on the market at cut-rate prices. This may tempt companies to buy old technology that will cost them dearly in terms of energy consumption.

“The regulations remind the market of the financial and sustainability value of using more efficient motors –  but the real benefit lies in system efficiencies,” says Strydom. “This is where companies can benefit the most when planning their shift to IE3 motors.”

Natasha Meintjies, Business Development Electronics Proposal Engineer at SEW-EURODRIVE, explains that the customer journey often begins with an energy efficiency test – which SEW-EURODRIVE conducts at no cost at the customer’s site. 

“By measuring the energy consumption on the customer’s existing motors and comparing this to our IE3 motors, we can provide them with an energy cost saving analysis,” says Meintjies. “There is typically an immediate cost saving of 4 to 8% of the motor’s power consumption, but more significant benefits can be achieved when moving to system level.”

This includes SEW-EURODRIVE’s more energy efficient drives, which can take the energy savings to another level – up to 20 to 30%, she says. These results are achieved from integrating the latest monitoring and optimisation technologies into the system.

“This also gives the customer more overall process stability and reduced maintenance costs,” she says. “Our modular designs ensure that all the components work together seamlessly for the best efficiencies and performance, making the whole system more reliable.”

Strydom highlights that SEW-EURODRIVE’s global research and development has ensured that the company already has ‘super premium efficiency’ IE4 and ‘ultra premium efficiency’ IE5 motors in its market offerings already.

“Our in-house laboratory in Germany is also third-party approved to test our motors for energy efficiency – as the IE3 benchmark has been mandatory for some years in Europe,” he says. “The test certificates that we issue are therefore accepted by South Africa’s national regulator; we worked on this well in advance to be ready for these regulations.” 

He points out that MEPS will be a valuable enabler for companies to mitigate the effect of rising power costs, especially as they reassess their drive systems with an integrated approach in mind and with experts like SEW-EURODRIVE to advise.

The MEPS specification applies to a broad range of three-phase, low voltage electric motors with rated power output between 0,75 kW to 375 kW and includes motors with non-standard mechanical dimensions and geared motors. Motor users are permitted to run their existing IE1 and IE2 motors until they need to replace them due to failure. From a retailer’s point of view, these IE1 and IE2 motors are allowed to be sold until May 2026.