Konecranes has been contracted to supply overhead cranes for tipper truck maintenance workshops at a mining operation in Guinea. Tipper trucks transport rock, coal, excavated earth, crushed ore and other minerals to storage or loading areas, so regular maintenance is essential to mining operations. Overhead cranes are crucial in the maintenance of these trucks for safely lifting, moving and positioning large components like engines, transmissions and tires.
Johan Oberholzer, Industrial Equipment sales representative at Konecranes South Africa, says, “We are pleased to have been awarded this contract to supply our Konecranes S-series double-girder and single-girder overhead cranes for the first phase which is now nearing completion. The cranes will support maintenance work on new and upgraded high-volume tipper trucks inside the newly built mechanical workshops.”
“The Konecranes S-series overhead crane features a robust and durable steel structure and innovative synthetic wire rope, offering excellent hook approaches, Smart Features and multiple girder configurations, making it particularly suited for the mine vehicle workshop application,” adds Oberholzer.
Smart Features are a unique combination of crane components and software that enable semi-automation, allowing the operator to maintain manual control with various features assisting for greater precision and safety when lifting. Automated assistance helps operators perform lifts in a consistent, predictable way for safer and more efficient workflows in busy maintenance bays.
Oberholzer is optimistic that this first contract will open further business opportunities in Guinea. “Customers who have seen our S-series specifications, or demo units, are suitably impressed by the usability our Smart Features provide and the easy-to-handle synthetic ropes. With the variety of available girder configurations and lifting capacity up to 20 tons, this advanced crane has become the industry benchmark.”
Oberholzer adds that while Guinea is not a nearby neighbour, transportation to the site was not a logistical issue for Konecranes as they have decades of experience delivering cranes to all kinds of locations – near and remote – all over the world.
In order to provide the right lifting solution for the vehicle workshop, a detailed application study, including a RailQ Runway Survey, was conducted by Konecranes specialists. The team analysed lifting needs, workshop layout and runway conditions to provide an optimal crane configuration designed for operational safety and efficiency. The final report contained extensive equipment recommendations and workshop layout specifications.
RailQ is a comprehensive runway survey designed to deliver accurate information on runway rail alignment. It provides precise data on span, straightness, elevation and rail-to-rail elevation as well as expert recommendations for corrective actions. A runway survey is key when installing a new crane on an existing runway because a runway in poor condition can lead to reduced crane performance and reliability.
“If needed, Konecranes can send technicians to the site to verify the lifting environment, needed technical specifications and any other customer requirements. Based on the gathered information and inspection results, we can then recommend the most fitting lifting solution for the project,” says Ian Grobler, sales manager for Konecranes South Africa.
“It is important to us to establish close relationships with our clients so we are aware of the challenges they may face in equipment servicing and performance, health and safety requirements, site expansions or reductions, or application changes. We believe we should walk the walk with our customers, not just deliver and leave,” says Grobler.
