MINING SPECIFIC The Ford Ranger mine site heavy-duty double-cab pickup was developed in conjunction with mining houses and RMA Automotive South Africa
Modified light- and heavy-duty vehicles and fleet solutions supplier RMA Automotive (RMAA) showcased its latest mine site vehicle modifications and fleet solutions at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which took place in Cape Town last month.
RMAA South Africa GM Andrew Fuller spoke to Mining Weekly on the sidelines of the conference to discuss the company’s new Ford Ranger mine site heavy-duty vehicle offering.
He explained that the vehicle was still in the prelaunch phase, as Ford would only start production in April.
Fuller highlighted that prototype models of the vehicle were being tested on mine sites in South Africa and Australia, with positive feedback received so far.
“The Ford Ranger mine site heavy-duty vehicle, which has been approved by the 5-Star New Car Assessment Programme, was developed by Ford in conjunction with RMAA and South African and Australian mining houses. It is the first time that an original-equipment manufacturer has built a vehicle specifically for use in the mining sector,” he stated.
Fuller said the vehicle was a modified Ford Ranger double-cab pick-up.
“The chassis, drivetrains and suspensions were designed for best-in-class towing capability and heavy-duty payloads, as well as for the latest mining industry safety and fleet management systems, when equipped with the RMAA mine site conversion,” he enthused.
Fuller further noted that, as with all RMAA’s mine site conversions, modifications to the Ford Ranger double-cab pick-up were based on the vehicle’s standard features such as off- and on-road performance with ground-clearance capability, limited slip differential, high-torque engine revolutions and wading-depth capability.
It also features essential safety features, such as RMAA’s rollover protection systems, increased visibility with enhanced lighting systems, reflective strips and audible backup and warning alarms.
Fuller added that the Ranger could be fitted with electrical system upgrades, radio communication systems and global positioning system tracking, which “provides the operator with optimal confidence, even in the harshest environment”.
“Further, RMAA provides market-leading after-sales support, including vehicle tracking, maintenance, fleet rentals, finance, service, repair and logistics – all designed to keep mining companies’ operational wheels rolling,” Fuller concluded.