Earthmoving solutions dealer Kemach Equipment has dispatched the first six rollers from South African vibratory compaction rollers manufacturer Stampede Compaction Equipment to each of its main branches across the country.

The companies partnered to supply the South African market locally manufactured walk-behind/pedestrian rollers following UK-based construction equipment company JCB’s decision to discontinue its range of walk-behind rollers. Kemach began discussions with Stampede in January after the announcement from JCB was made in December 2018.

A distributor of JCB earthmoving equipment and service solutions in South Africa, Kemach approached Stampede, which has 25 years’ manufacturing experience, as it was keen to continue supplying the machine type.

Kemach Equipment holds about 2.5% of the market share in walk-behind rollers in Southern Africa, with sales exceeding 100 machines over the past seven years.

“Although the local market may not be massive, we believe it holds significant opportunities, especially in the plant-hire space,” says Kemach Equipment national support and marketing manager Mark Senyard. 

He also points out that, as Stampede specialises in the smaller compaction product range, there is zero conflict with Kemach Equipment’s other product ranges.

Painted in Kemach Equipment yellow, the new-look machines will display Kemach and Stampede branding.

Stampede’s complete walk-behind roller range – the PR39 trench compactor, the PR 62 and 75 general-purpose rollers and the PR90 heavy-duty roller – is available in drum widths from 380 mm to 890 mm and operating weights from 495 kg to 1 080 kg.

Stampede’s range of walk-behind and ride-on rollers, rammers/tampers and plate compactors are engineered and built at its 2 000 m² manufacturing operation in Isando, Johannesburg.

“In addition to Stampede’s proven record for building tough, reliable and efficient equipment for Africa, the business contributes to the local economy through job creation and skills development,” says Senyard.

Stampede’s machines are versatile workhorses renowned for their simple, easy operation and efficiency, he adds.

Stampede Compaction Equipment MD Marco Capazario says the timing of this partnership could not have been better for the company, as it wants to concentrate all its efforts on its core competencies of manufacturing production and product development.

“We pride ourselves on our technical expertise which enables us to continuously improve our machines based on customer feedback, as well as through significant investment in research and development. We are passionate about developing cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiencies and extend the lifecycle of our machines affording our customers the lowest possible total cost of operation and, subsequently, ownership.”

He says Stampede’s partnership with Kemach will enable the company to achieve its ultimate objective of securing, through its competencies, the market leadership in smart walk-behind rollers that will prompt service intervals and predict failures.

Kemach Equipment is well-equipped to integrate the Stampede range of products into its solid aftermarket structure, emphasises Senyard.

“We will take on service and parts supply not only for the Stampede walk-behind units sold by Kemach Equipment but also for units already operating in some of our regions. Our key focus will be on ensuring exceptional parts availability and service support throughout our branch and dealer network,” he assures.

The Stampede team rolled out a regional road show to all the Kemach regions in April this year with the objective of bringing the Kemach Equipment sales and technical teams up to speed on these machines through in-depth technical training coupled with parts support.

According to Senyard, Kemach Equipment’s initial focus will be on the South African market and, in particular, the plant hire space where there is the biggest demand for walk-behinds, followed by the construction and government sectors.

“Once we have successfully accomplished this, the opportunity is there to offer this product to our sister companies in Botswana and Zambia and further afield to other JCB dealers in Mozambique and Zambia,” he concludes.