By: Lenny Naidoo - Acting Operations manager at Heavy Lift, a division of CFAO Equipment SA

South Africa's ports play a pivotal role in the nation's economy, serving as crucial gateways for international trade and commerce. Ports such as Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha, handle a significant portion of the country's imports and exports, facilitating the movement of goods to and from global markets.

Lenny Naidoo, Acting Operations manager at Heavy Lift, a division of CFAO Equipment SA, says these ports can elevate their status in global trade by modernising operations with cutting-edge lifting solutions, and, in turn, drive further economic prosperity for the country.

“As the South African partner and distributor of Konecranes Lift Trucks and Terberg, two of the leading global manufacturers of lifting equipment and terminal tractors dedicated to shipyard material handling and bulk handling, Heavy Lift is dedicated to providing its customers with solutions that ensure optimal operations at all times, while being reliable, reducing carbon emissions, cost-effective and enhancing safety.”

Low maintenance costs and exceptional reliability

Committed to ensuring its customers are fully operational at all times, Heavy Lift services both Konecranes Lift Trucks and Terberg machines every 250 hours, exceeding the OEM requirement of 500 hours.

“This is not a reflection of the product quality, but rather aimed at overcoming the challenging conditions that port operators face in South Africa,” explains Naidoo. “This proactive approach addresses the poor diesel quality in South Africa and Africa, which can degrade engine oil quality. By servicing more frequently, we aim to extend engine life and promptly identify and address maintenance issues, reducing any instances of downtime.”

Personalised customer support

Heavy Lift offers tailored support based on its customers’ operational demands. During peak periods, the frequency of machine inspections and maintenance visits is increased to ensure optimal uptime. This personalised approach helps customers maintain maximum operational efficiency and equipment longevity.

Operational excellence with 24-hour monitoring

Both Konecranes Lift Trucks’ TRUCONNECT and Terberg’s Connect advanced fleet management systems offer round-the-clock monitoring, alerting supervisors and managers to various operational parameters. These include instances of harsh braking or high-speed impacts and enable real-time corrective actions. The systems also include geofencing capabilities, alerting drivers when they approach hazardous areas.

Furthermore, both fleet management systems allow all stakeholders, including drivers, supervisors, managers, dealers and OEMs, to access real-time data, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed, and facilitating ongoing product development and service enhancements.

"Continuous monitoring allows customers to maintain high safety standards and operational efficiency. By addressing issues as they arise, we can reduce wear and tear, prevent breakdowns and enhance overall productivity," explains Naidoo.

Safety is a non-negotiable

Safety remains a paramount concern for Heavy Lift and the manufacturers it represents. One such safety innovation is the robust steel cage around the driver’s cab found in Konecranes Lift Trucks’ empty container handlers, protecting operators from accidents or falling containers. This innovation is a first in the market, demonstrating Konecranes Lift Trucks’ dedication to driver safety.

"Driver safety is non-negotiable for us as well as our manufacturers," says Naidoo. "The protective cage is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our operators and ensuring safe working conditions."

The results speak for themselves

Heavy Lift's proactive approach has led to significant success stories, such as its collaboration with a prominent customer at the Port of Cape Town.

By stationing a dedicated team on-site for regular inspections and immediate repairs, Heavy Lift has drastically reduced downtime for the customer’s fleet of Konecranes Lift Trucks reach stackers, ensuring uninterrupted operations and enhanced customer satisfaction.

“Partnering with Heavy Lift and its OEM partners, Konecranes Lift Trucks and Terberg, represents more than just an equipment upgrade, but a commitment to reliability, safety and reduced maintenance costs. It is also a pivotal step towards unlocking South Africa’s economic potential and securing a prosperous future on the global stage, where efficient port operations are essential for sustaining international trade and economic development," concludes Naidoo.