Heavy machinery manufacturer SANY will launch the new 75 t SY750 excavator this month for the local mining industry, having first launched the excavator onto the global market in 2017.

According to SANY, the new excavator will be the first of its kind in South Africa. The excavator, primarily designed as a loading tool, is specially designed for mining applications. With high efficiency, low fuel consumption, strong power and high strength, they are “primary loading tools” for all mining sites, says Goscor Earthmoving Equipment (GEM) GM Andre Steenkamp. Goscor is the distributor of the SANY brand.

Compared with former generations, the overall efficiency was improved by 8% to 10% and fuel consumption by 10%, says SANY. The 377 kW engine and wear-resistant bucket with 402 kN digging force makes the machines reliable enough to handle any challenges. The design also enhances the machines' stability and durability, extending their service life by 50%. In addition, the new product can be equipped with various attachments, such as extension jib, breaker, cutter and ripper.

Steenkamp says the excavator runs on an Isuzu motor known for its “durability and economy”. It is also equipped with Kawasaki pumps, which deliver a constant hydraulic flow. The SY750 excavator is equipped with a bucket load capacity of 4.2 m3.

“This machine has enough horse power to get the job done quietly, efficiently and, most importantly, without breaking the bank, as it is a very affordable large excavator. The SY750 will definitely carve, or rather, dig, itself into the market with its reliable power source, as well as impeccable back up from GEM,” Steenkamp enthuses.

The self-diagnostic system ensures quick recognition of technical issues, thereby ensuring less downtime. Meanwhile, the standard warranty that is provided with the excavator provides for “care-free digging” for the first year-and-a-half, or 3 000 h – whichever occurs first.

GEM has clinched its first sale of a SY750 excavator to a local major coal mining company, and is confident that the new range will soon gain significant traction in the local mining, construction, and road-building industries.

Following the first sale, Steenkamp says a second SY750 is arriving in South Africa only in mid-July, hence, GEM’s aiming to host the official launch in August.

Meanwhile, SANY also distributes the excavator to neighbouring countries – four were sold to and are being deployed at a copper mine in Kanshansi, Zambia. “The client ordered four units as a trial and now they have ordered another six units, which will be delivered in the following weeks,” adds Steenkamp.

GEM plans to target all the sectors with the new excavator, such as opencast, alluvial diamond mining, as well as production loading of material and earthmoving applications.

While SANY is a fairly new brand when it comes to surface mining in South Africa, technologically it compares well to the well-known brands, he adds.

Steenkamp reiterates that the local mining industry “is a high-risk and -return industry, and also the backbone of the economy”.

Yet, he sees “some glimmers of hope filtering through”, with product demand remaining stable for now, and more work becoming available.

However, there has been such a low demand for a prolonged period that many companies have spare capacity. “Once this backlog has been depleted, sales will be positively influenced,” Steenkamp concludes.