Loading larger tonnages

Having offered a single wheel loader model over the years, the 5-t SYL956H, SANY is expanding its offering with the launch of the larger SW978K1. The 7-t model, GM Samuel Zhang tells Quarrying Africa, allows SANY to compete at the larger end of the wheel loader scale. More importantly, the company can now offer a fitting solution for heavy-duty loadout and stockpiling operations.

“With a 24,3-t operating weight, a rated payload of 7 t and bucket capacity of 4,57 to 7 m³, the SW978K1 front-end loader is ideally suited for heavy-duty mining and quarrying operations,” says Zhang. “This is a radical upgrade of our existing 5-t SYL956H model, both in terms of the operating weight and features.”

The SW978K1 also speaks to SANY’s recent strategy which has seen the company expanding its load and haul offering with larger models to cater for heavy duty mining operations. As part of the strategy, the company has just brought in its largest mining excavators to date, the 100-t SY980H and the 125-t SY1250H. The new models come hard on the heels of the recent launch of the 70-t SKT105S wide-body dump truck, positioning SANY as a key player in the larger load and haul solutions market.

Efficiency to the fore

According to Zhang, the new SW978K1 wheel loader has a special design focus on high productivity and lower cost per tonne of operation – key parameters of significance to every fleet owner.

At the heart of the loader is the proven Weichai WP10 engine, which comes with large displacement, power and driving force. With cost of operation in mind, the engine is efficient, is easy to maintain and comes with cost-effective accessories.

Specifically tailored for SANY, the large-capacity 7-t fully automatic gearbox perfectly matches with the engine’s 210 kW @2 200 rpm rated power. Vehicle speed has been increased by 5%, while traction force has gone up to 205 kN, and the overall operating efficiency has increased by more than 10%.

With efficiency in mind, the loader comes with a constant power load-sensitive variable flow system, which uses constant power control and pressure cut-off technology to maximise flow distribution on demand. With the variable piston pump, the machine constantly maintains sufficient power for the application at hand. In shovelling operations, the hydraulic system maintains high pressure and less flow, reducing power losses by 95%, while realising high efficiency- and energy-saving.

Reliability and durability

When designing the SW978K1, SANY also paid particular attention to reliability and durability – two parameters with great influence on machine uptime and longevity. The reinforced front axle, for example, allows for stronger bearing capacity, thus reducing maintenance costs.

“The wheel loader adopts a heavy-duty frame structure design, large articulation, double tapered roller bearings and a thickened steel plate with stronger load-bearing capacity. All these features speak directly to the greater focus on machine reliability and durability,” explains Zhang.

With safety in mind, the machine comes with a fully hydraulic wet brake system, which is sensitive, safe and reliable. The wet brakes run in oil, which keeps them cool, especially in heavy braking applications. Wet brakes generally last longer, require less adjustment and maintenance over time. The multiple disc set-up also provides more stopping power and improves all around safety.

Operator in mind

To improve operator comfort and consequently productivity, the SW978K1 comes with a newly upgraded cab. The large space provides the operator with a comfortable and safe operating environment, thus ensuring that they remain at their productive best, even when working for long hours. The low noise level of up to 75 dB (A) effectively protects the operator and reduces fatigue.

“The large field view provided by the panoramic front window eliminates obstruction to important sight lines. The reverse monitor enhances the operator’s view of the back of the machine when reversing, thus reducing safety incidents on site,” says Zhang.

The electrical control shift offers smooth operation, while the pilot control offers more precise operation and takes less effort, thus reducing the motions required by the operator during a shift.

Available on rental

To allows customers to put the machine through its paces before they commit to outright purchasing, the new SW978K1 is available on rental through SANY Southern Africa’s rental facility.

“Rental gives customers the opportunity to evaluate the machine before they commit to a big-ticket purchase. Our rental fleet is serviced and maintained by the OEM, allowing fleet owners to eliminate the need to service their own equipment, keeping parts and employing a service team on site,” says Zhang.

In addition, customers will also benefit from SANY’s high inventory of machines. In an environment where customers have to wait for up to nine months for their machines, SANY offers the benefit of short lead times. In fact, customers can walk in and drive out with their machine.

Key specs