Construction equipment supplier HPE Africa has supplied various companies with earthmoving equipment for mining applications across the country in recent months.

The equipment includes Hyundai R380LC-9SH and R520LC-9S excavators at a chrome mine in the Steelpoort area. HPE Africa also delivered a R260LC-9S excavator to an opencast mine and a R520LC-9S excavator to a mining company in Mpumalanga, explains HPE Africa MD Ross Collard.

Further, an R60-9S mini excavator, weighing 5 650 kg, has been dispatched to dig trenches at a mine in the Rustenburg area, while another R520LC-9S excavator is being used at a diamond mine in the Western Cape.

Collard notes that Hyundai’s HG190 motor grader first arrived in South Africa last month. The graders, which are now available, offer “high productivity, precise control, greater safety and fuel efficiency”.

The machines are suitable for operation in various industries, including roadworks, mining, construction, agriculture and landscaping.

“Owing to the launch of the Hyundai HG190 motor graders, the local market now has access to a wider range of Hyundai construction equipment from HPE Africa.”

“This launch also presents opportunities to supply Hyundai machines to an extended customer base,” he says.

He adds that Hyundai offers medium to large excavators, such as the R480LC-9S, the R520LC-9S, the R850LC-9 and the R1250-9, which weigh between 49 500 kg and 118000 kg, and are suitable for mining applications.

The Hyundai R520LC-9S series has “earned a reputation” for being able to cope effortlessly with challenging applications that normally cause wear and damage to equipment.

The machines are designed for minimal wear and less damage when undertaking difficult tasks, such as extracting and moving large boulders, as well as handling granite.

Further, the Hyundai R850LC-9 excavators are known for quick, effortless manoeuvrability and high productivity. These machines offer faster cycle times, greater loading capacity and improved productivity, compared with other similar-class machines.

The R1250-9 cabin incorporates high-strength steel, which is integrally welded, to form a stronger and more durable upper and lower frame. Robust, full-track rail guards keep track links in place. The strengthened undercarriage has been designed for high productivity in harsh conditions, especially at quarries and mines.

Collard explains that the Hyundai motor graders’ benefits include safety, easy mobility, fast and efficient performance, as well as manoeuvrability in tight spaces, with the graders’ control features minimising soil disturbance to enhance environmental protection.

The Hyundai HG190 motor grader series has power ratings of up to 142 kW, an operating weight of 15.6 t and a 4.268 mm moldboard.

The mechanical inline fuel injection system provides precise throttle control, delivering faster work speeds with high horsepower. Other benefits include ZF-technology powershift transmission, which is perfectly matched with a Cummins turbocharged engine for reliable and easy operation, as well as low fuel consumption, in all types of working conditions.

“The drawbar of the HG series has a robust A- or U-shaped frame for durability and precise blading control. The moldboard provides optimal curvature that helps to move all soil types quickly and efficiently, while wide tyres (17.5-25 12 PR L3) ensure high stability,” he says.

Further, the heat-treated rotating ring structure is equipped with a turntable of four inner gear guide types, which ensure a smooth 360⁰ rotation.

Important features for easy and precise operator control include lever and pedal throttle controls, an adjustable control console, a suspension seat and tiltable steering wheel.

For improved safety, the spacious cab has been designed with a side pillar layout for all-round visibility, while a well-positioned blade linkage provides an unobstructed view of the moldboard and front tyres, Collard notes.

To ensure quick and simple maintenance procedures, side-open engine hood doors allow for easy access to service points for daily checks and the replacement of filters.

“Added to this, a disconnect switch disengages batteries during the repair of the machine or when batteries need to be checked. Easily replaceable load-resistant wear inserts are installed between the blade mounting group and moldboard to keep components secure for fine grading,” he adds.

Collard highlights that HPE Africa also offers the Hyundai HL760-9S, HL770-9S and HL780-9S wheel loaders, which weigh between 17 600 kg and 29 500 kg, and are suited to mining.

Moreover, the Hyundai HL770 and HL780 wheel loaders, which offer precise operation and easy control, are suited to use in arduous terrain and difficult handling requirements.

“Users are impressed with the durability, low fuel consumption and minimal maintenance requirements of these machines. Operators note clear visibility during operation and greater comfort,” says Collard.

Hyundai motor graders enhance the current range of wheel loaders, tracked and wheeled excavators, backhoe loaders and skid steer loaders.

The selection of suitable equipment for specific earthmoving tasks is critical to not only optimise productivity but also ensure efficient capital expenditure, minimal downtime and safety on site. It is also critical that selected equipment that complies with a mine’s regulations, Collard concludes.