The first Astec mobile track unit supplied in South Africa, an Astec GT205 three-deck mobile screen, has been successfully commissioned by Astec Industries for long-standing customer Lizarox.

Installed at a leading quarry in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, the Astec Global Track machine boasts a 600 tph capacity. It has proved itself more than up to the task since it was delivered, says Lizarox director Michael Crackett, who describes the massive unit as “a beast”.

This screen is operating in line with an Osborn mobile jaw and cone crusher that were supplied to Lizarox six years ago. The three-deck mobile unit is fitted with a 5 x 20 screen and a Caterpillar C4.4 129 HP Tier III diesel engine.

Crackett says that Lizarox chose the Astec GT205 because the screen is robust, and its operation is straightforward. “Certain competitor products are unnecessarily complicated. The maintenance of some equipment is difficult as a result of the logistics challenges experienced globally since the COVID-19 crisis. With the Astec GT205, we felt that we had a degree of independence if we needed to run repairs amid any supply challenges as we are familiar with the major components used to drive the machine.”

He explains that this screen compliments the existing plant mix and will be used in a two-stage and multi-stage crushing and screening application for the production of layer works materials such as G5 and G2, as well as single size aggregates for use in concrete and asphalt.

Lizarox also favoured the GT205’s large screen box. “This enables the production of high volumes of material when producing straightforward products such as G5. But, with the three-deck four-product conveyor setup, there is also an element of finesse available when coupled with the height and angle adjustable screen box. This functionality allows us to maximise high quality low yield products such as 7 and 10mm surfacing stone,” Crackett states.

Astec Industries’ long standing relationship with Lizarox is founded on consistently reliable products and service, he says. “Astec’s backup on our existing equipment has always been excellent. When faced with challenges in the past, they always stepped up to the plate. This remains the case today and provides us with a sense of comfort that we are in good hands when it comes to product reliability and backup service. We are excited about Astec Industries’ range of products and hope to expand our current plant mix with more Astec products,” Crackett concludes.

Commenting on the partnership, Astec Industries regional sales manager Casper Booyse says: “We are delighted to add this latest successful undertaking to our long partnership with Lizarox, a solutions-oriented company with a wealth of knowledge. We look forward to continuing to partner with them, and helping them to attain profitable production goals, valued benefits and deliver a competitive advantage to their clients through our innovative, world-class equipment.”

Astec mobile incline screen plants have an array of features for maximum screening efficiency and production. Booyse expands: “These plants combine heavy-duty screens with industry-leading conveyor heights for maximum stockpile capacity. A large range of media provides flexibility for a variety of applications. Pair that with the flexibility and mobility of the track unit and producers can quickly and easily produce the material they need.”