Optimal efficiency, cost-effectiveness and safety on a mining site can be achieved by selecting the most appropriate excavator to use in bulk materials handling environments at a mine, reports construction and mining equipment distributor Develon South Africa national sales manager Johann Viljoen.

“Excavators play a fundamental role in many sectors – including mining, quarrying, civil engineering and construction – and selecting the appropriate model for each task requires an understanding of the differences in design, size and functionality of each machine,” he explains.

Develon South Africa offers a broad range of excavators, with each machine designed to meet specific project needs, including large-scale mining operations.

For large-scale mining, dam construction and high-volume earthmoving, Viljoen points to Develon’s large excavators for heavy-duty applications.

Standard crawler excavators, highlights Viljoen, remain the industry’s most widely used machines, offering improved stability and traction on uneven terrain.

Develon excavators, with high digging capabilities and compatibility with specially designed attachments, provide a versatile solution for demanding mining environments, and can also prove useful for near-mine and mine-affiliated infrastructure projects, such as road and bridge development and demolition.

Further, mini excavators offer a reliable alternative for projects that require frequent movement on paved surfaces, offering enhanced speed and flexibility in environments where mobility is crucial.

Designed for deep digging and assessing difficult areas, long-reach excavators are suitable for dredging, coastal excavation and high-reach demolition tasks, with their extended booms ensuring efficient operation, while reducing the need for constant machine repositioning.

Site Applicability

Apart from selecting the appropriate excavator type for a specific project, Viljoen highlights other factors to consider in correct machine selection, including project size, terrain conditions, the type of material to be moved, mobility requirements, depth and reach considerations, as well as specific application needs.

He notes that wheeled models provide agility, while tracked machines deliver high stability on rough terrain.

Excavators with extended arms or greater hydraulic capabilities enhance performance in demanding applications.

Large Develon excavators, such as the DX300LC-7M and DX530LC-7M, are engineered for heavy-duty applications, offering high bucket capacities and enhanced digging force.

Particularly, the DX800LC-5B and DX1000LC-7, powered by high-performance Perkins engines, are recommended for reliable operation in demanding mining operations.

Develon’s excavator range also includes compact models, such as the DX55-5C, designed for operation in tight spaces, and the DX75-5B, which is suitable for small construction tasks.

Moreover, medium-sized models, including the DX140LC, DX220LCA-2M and DX225LC-7M, offer dependable power and efficiency.

Viljoen explains that customers rely on availability of high-quality equipment, reasonable rental and financing options, while a reliable aftersales service and dependable technical support are essential in maintaining operational efficiency and reducing downtime.

The Develon South Africa team offers an advisory service to ensure selection of the correct excavator to increase output, while reducing costs.

Use of the right machine for the specific task guarantees higher performance, greater safety, minimal maintenance and reduced downtime, he notes.

Develon, in conjunction with a network of carefully selected distributors, supports its wide range of excavators, wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks and attachments with an operator training service to ensure optimal efficiency and safety of every machine.