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Company takes new hydraulic range to mine operations

18th July 2014

By: Pimani Baloyi

Creamer Media Writer

  

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British high-pressure hydraulic tools manufacturer Hi-Force has attended a series of roadshows to showcase some of its newly launched hydraulic solutions, as well as other mining-specific products, at various mining sites across Africa.

These solutions include the HBR series of spring-eye bust replacement toolkits and the HPR series of pin and bush replacement toolkits, which were introduced to the market in January.

Hi-Force marketing manager Laura Thompson tells Mining Weekly that these kits are offered with the option of manual or air-driven hydraulic pump units. Depending on the user’s preference, the kits can be supplied without a pump, and an existing 700-bar pump can be used with the kit.

“The hydraulics sector is extremely active in South Africa and in neighbouring Southern Africa countries, particularly in the mining industry. This year, Hi-Force Hydraulics South Africa has attended various roadshows across Africa, where we have registered a high demand for our products,” she adds.

Thompson details that, by the end of the year, Hi-Force Hydraulics South Africa will have attended and exhibited at 25 roadshows. They are organised by mining industry representatives and held specifically for the mining industry throughout the year.
“The management of mines across Africa have approved the roadshows as a means of exposing their staff to suppliers at one venue,” she says.

Thompson adds that each roadshow is typically attended by 300 to 500 visitors, with between 20 and 60 exhibitors. The roadshows are being held on mine properties in all the major mining areas in Southern Africa, eight of which will be held at mining operations in Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The first 11 roadshows of this year took place at coal miner Sasol Mining’s Twistdraai colliery and synfuels plant, in Secunda; mining major AngloGold Ashanti’s gold processing plant, in West Wits; JSE-listed Village Main Reef’s Buffelsfontein gold mine, south-east of Johannesburg; platinum major Impala Platinum’s Marula mine, in Steelpoort, Limpopo; diamond major De Beers’ Jwaneng diamond mine site, in Botswana; gold major Harmony Gold’s Joel gold mine, in the Free State; gold major Gold Field’s Beatrix gold mine, in the Free State, and its South Deep, Kloof and Driefontein gold mine sites, outside Johannesburg; mineral sands producer Richards Bay Minerals’ mine sites in KwaZulu-Natal; phosphate producer Foskor’s mine site, in Phalaborwa, Limpopo; mining major Anglo American’s Middelburg colliery, in Mpumalanga; and Botswana diamond miner BCL’s mine site.

Market Reception
Thompson tells Mining Weekly that the HBR and HPR toolkits have generated significant interest from the mining and other industries in South Africa.

“The kits are a first for the market, as they offer an efficient, safe and easy-to-use solution that saves time, increasing uptime for production units. We have sold several units to the mining industry and hold regular demonstrations at various mine sites, transport companies, earthmoving equipment suppliers and construction companies.”

The HBR spring-eye bust replacement toolkits offer 18 t of hydraulic power when operated at the maximum working pressure of 700 bar. These kits incorporate a standard Hi-Force HHA182 aluminium hydraulic cylinder.

The HPR series of pin and bush replacement toolkits offer a choice of 37 t or 50 t options, incorporating a Hi-Force HHA372 aluminium hydraulic cylinder or a Hi-Force HHA504 aluminium hydraulic cylinder, respectively.

Thompson says both kits are supplied in a metal storage case for easy transportation and storage, and include a standard tooling range, with nonstandard and special tooling available on request.

The HBR and HPR toolkits are primarily targeted at commercial vehicle manufacturers and service centres, as well as heavy plant vehicle workshops that service the construction and mining industries.

African Base
The Hi-Force group added Hi-Force Hydraulics South Africa to its list of regional operations in 2001 to establish and grow the brand in the Southern Africa market.

Registering an increase in demand for its products, the group has expanded its presence to neighbouring countries. In 2011, Hi-Force Hydraulics South Africa relocated to a facility twice the size of the previous one, which allowed for increased stock levels, as well as a larger and better-equipped repair and service centre.

“Hi-Force Hydraulics South Africa caters predominantly to the mining, construction and engineering industries throughout Southern Africa and neighbouring markets. Our experienced Hi-Force Hydraulics South Africa team is proud to be a part of one of the fastest-growing Hi-Force operations in the world, which offers customers decades of experience in the manufacture of hydraulic tools and solutions,” she concludes.

Edited by Samantha Herbst
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

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