Equipment developers Volvo Construction Equipment and Terex Trucks will be represented by plant and equipment supplier Babcock at the 2017 Investing in African Mining Indaba, where it will showcase new products from the manufacturers that will be introduced this year as part of Babcock’s South African offering.

“With indications of recovering commodity prices, our customers are positive about the outlook for 2017. The mining sector remains an integral market for Babcock,” says Babcock Equipment MD David Vaughan.

He notes that demand for Babcock’s larger construction equipment, in particular, continues to grow as customers look for cost-effective ways to move their material.

“Babcock is renowned and respected for delivering high-production machinery that is also fuel efficient. This year, we’re adding the Volvo A60H, the largest articulated dump truck to ever be launched commercially by Volvo, to our product range. Unveiled in 2016, this 60 t articulated hauler is the largest of its kind in the world.”

Vaughn highlights that the Volvo A60H’s higher payload represents a 40% increase on Volvo’s A40 models, significantly lowering the cost-per-ton ratio for hauler customers. In addition, its stability, comfort and high hauling speeds are ensured by the matched drivetrain, automatic drive combinations, all-terrain bogie, hydromechanical steering and active suspension, further improving production and reducing operational costs.

Babcock expects the first Volvo A60H haulers to reach South Africa’s shores by March, while the hauler will be officially launched into the Southern African market by May, together with the new Volvo EC950E – a 90 t crawler excavator that combines power and stability to handle a higher capacity in the toughest applications.

“The A60H is ideal for hard-rock mining, coal mining, general mining and big quarry applications, and the EC950E has been designed to load the massive A60H, so they work hand in hand,” explains Vaughan.

Babcock has already presold three Volvo A60H articulated haulers, as well as one Volvo EC950E excavator, to plant and earthmoving equipment hire company Burgh Plant Hire.

Babcock will also bring the Volvo A45G articulated hauler to South Africa this year. Designed for heavy hauling in severe off-road operation, Vaughn highlights that this hauler delivers unbeatable off-road performance in its class and an increased 2 t payload on the A40. “Volvo is the world’s leading manufacturer of articulated haulers and the new A45G displays all the hallmarks of Volvo’s articulated haulers, including strength, durability and fuel efficiency.”

Another first for Babcock in 2017 is the introduction of the Generation 10 TA300 and TA400 articulated dump trucks (ADTs) from Terex Trucks. Vaughn notes that these ADTs are the first new Terex Trucks products to be launched by the company since Volvo CE acquired the Terex Trucks brand in June 2014 and Babcock’s subsequent appointment as the official distributor of these vehicles in Southern Africa.

“Terex Trucks is renowned for delivering robust performance in the steepest, deepest mines and largest quarries around the world while simultaneously providing durability, comfort and efficiency. The Generation 10 TA300 and TA400 [ADTs] reflect Terex Trucks’ reinvigorated attitude to performance and quality, and have been designed to improve customer productivity and enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness of the ADTs on the toughest job sites.”

Vaughn adds that the TA400 ADT is the largest of the company’s new Generation 10 ADTs and excels in large-scale construction projects, quarries and mine sites alike.

Babcock is the sole regional distribution and service agent for international equipment brands, including Volvo Construction Equipment, Terex Trucks, Tadano and Sennebogen Cranes, Winget concrete handling equipment and SDLG construction equipment.

Demonstrating the success of its business, the company opened a new sales, parts and service dealership in Middelburg last year to offer customers in the region responsive support and service across its entire equipment product range. “From this new flagship branch, we have been able to deliver improved service and a faster turnaround time, and the response from our customers has been exceptionally positive,” says Vaughan.

Opencast coal mining subcontracting company Atlantis Mining MD Mark Johnstone adds that the facility is kept well stocked with inventory lines to ensure that there is seldom a delay as a result of waiting for parts.