A new model crusher has been equipped with a Stage V diesel engine which complies with European Stage V norms, allowing the track mounted mobile vertical shaft impact (VSI) crusher to be deployed in highly regulated markets such as Europe and North America. 

Designed and manufactured in South Africa by Pilot Crushtec, the TwisterTrac VS350E VSI is said to be one of the first South African original equipment manufacturer Stage V engine-powered machines. Previously driven by a Tier 3 Volvo TAD1651GE engine, the new model now comes with a Stage V Volvo TAD1382GE motor.

“The Stage V project has been in the pipeline for a while as part of our export focus. Our machine development strategy has always placed greater emphasis on offering exportable products and this move allows us to unlock new markets and grow our export sales. We are excited by the prospects of growth in emission-controlled markets such as Europe and North America. In addition, this project speaks to customers in some of our traditional markets such as Australia, where there is a strong focus on adopting high emissions standards,” explains Pilot Crushtec CEO Sandro Scherf.

Pilot Crushtec director: technical support Jorge Abelho says the company opted for the 13-litre TAD1382GE engine from Volvo because it considers it to be a powerful, reliable and economical motor built on the dependable in-line six design. The engine incorporates advanced technologies designed to reduce emissions and also deliver improvements in power density, performance and operating efficiency. Engineered for easy, fast and economical installation, the engine’s injection and charging system with low internal losses contributes to improved combustion and low fuel consumption.

In addition to the transition to new engine technology, Pilot Crushtec says it has also redesign some areas of the machine. For example, says Abelho, the machine now comes with an integrated cooling pack and the whole power pack base has become much smaller.

“We have also re-arranged some of the key components to make the cabling and piping shorter and simpler. For instance, we have moved the operator panel from the left-hand side to the right-hand side of the machine. This reduces the number of cables required on the machine by bringing panels closer together. We have also made the operator panel easier to use,” explains Abelho.

In addition, the size of the hydraulic tank has been reduced and the tank has been moved closer to the pumps. The company says that these refinements were informed by knowledge and feedback gained over the last ten years of operating the TwisterTrac VS350E in the field.

Designed for tertiary and quaternary crushing applications, the crusher is recognised for its versatility, reliability and efficiency. The fully mobile, track-mounted VSI crusher can be moved between sites or within a site. Its compact design and robust construction make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including road construction, quarrying, mining and recycling.

“One of the standout features which has made this machine popular is the unique crushing concept. This uses rock-on-rock crushing principles, making it the perfect choice for producing cubical material for road and concrete aggregates. Another big advantage, which we believe will make it popular in new export markets, is that it is a diesel-electric machine, which results in increased operational efficiency, while at the same time reducing carbon emissions,” concludes Scherf.