The Hyundai HL780-9S wheel loader, which is being used by plant hire company Vanalls Plant Hire at a manganese smelter in eMalahleni, in Mpumalanga, to break up and transport silica manganese, is “coping efficiently in harsh conditions”, states earthmoving equipment and construction equipment dealer HPE Africa.

“Hyundai wheel loaders are known for impressive performance in tough applications, but the durability of this machine is extraordinary,” notes HPE Africa MD Alex Ackron.

HPE Africa is the exclusive distributor for equipment company Hyundai Construction Equipment in Southern Africa.

Vanalls Plant Hire, which is responsible for the integrated materials handling of all commodities at the smelter, invested in this particular front-end loader at the end of 2016.

Since then, with more than 6 000 operational hours, this “robust” machine continues to offer optimum productivity, using on average only 22 ℓ/h of fuel.

Moreover, maintenance requirements for this machine are minimal, Ackron enthuses. The company’s website indicates that, in terms of serviceability, the loader has a reversible, swing-out, cooling fan for easy service and improved cooler maintenance; and ground-level access to critical service points, filters and sight gauges for easy maintenance.

“The wheel loader is used to break layered cast silica manganese from the prepared beds into smaller pieces and transport this high temperature material to a cooling pad. “For enhanced performance, improved traction and tyre protection, the HL780-9S has been fitted with durable tyre chains.”

Further, these machines have been designed for improved visibility and greater comfort for the operator. According to the company’s website, this constitutes an easily adjustable steering column and wrist rest to best suit an operator’s preferred comfort level, easy- and comfortable-to-operate pilot-operated joystick controls, and roller type sunshades on the front window that allow for reduced glare and improved visibility. There is also a heated side mirrors feature of built-in hot wires, which allow for quick defrosting during cold weather conditions.