Maximum Equipment, the South African distributor of Hidromek excavators, has launched the new HMK 370 LC HD crawler excavator.
The new model, coming in at 39 tonnes of operating weight and a 2.2m³ bucket capacity, becomes the largest Hidromek excavator model currently offered in South Africa by Maximum Equipment. Vaughan Ellis, MD of Maximum Equipment, says the launch of the HMK 370 LC HD marks a step up in the Hidromek excavator line-up locally. Before the arrival of the new 39-tonne model, the largest Hidromek excavator in the Maximum Equipment stable was the 30-tonne HMK 300 LC.
While the first unit has already been sold, the official debut of the HMK 370 LC HD will take place at the upcoming
The new HMK 370 LC HD allows Maximum Equipment to enter the quarrying and mining segment, having previously catered for the general construction market only. “It is a mining spec’d machine which will largely cater for small-scale mining and quarrying applications,” explains Ellis. “It can load a 10 m³ tipper fast and cost-effectively, achieving 4-5 passes with its 2,2 m³ bucket.”
The machine ticks all the right boxes for mining and quarrying applications. It comes fully spec’d with hammer lines and an in-line filter as standard, making it the ultimate tool carrier. Hammer lines allow for immediate installation of hydraulic attachments, while an in-line filter guards against particle contamination of the hydraulic system. Contamination of hydraulic oil, mostly when using hydraulic attachments, can be detrimental as it reduces the service life of hydraulic components.
Apart from standard hammer lines and an in-line filter, several standard safety features make the HMK 300 LC a perfect fit for mining and quarrying applications. It comes with a full cab protection system that protects against falling objects, as well as a reverse camera, as standard. “These are features you get as optional extras on competitive machines,” argues Ellis. “The Hidromek machine is the only excavator on the market that comes with a total of nine spot lights, a reverse camera, factory-fitted beacon light and a cab guard, as standard.”
The HMK 370 LC HD is also designed as a heavy duty type machine, making it a perfect fit for carrying heavy duty attachments such as crusher buckets and hydraulic breakers. “All fabricated parts, including boom, arm, bucket, undercarriage, as well as lower and upper frames, have been designed as heavy duty type,” explains Ellis.
The X-shape box type sub-frame offers sound resistance against bending forces and vibration stress as it homogeneously distributes the stress exposed on it. The lower rollers are connected to the sub-frame by pentagon shape fittings, enhancing the strength and lifetime of the frame.
The standard long track maximises the balance of the machine by offering a durable platform for the machine to work on. Two roller housings in each track keep track chains in straight direction and therefore prevent corrosion of lower rollers. The upper roller, lower rollers and front idlers are suitable for heavy duty working conditions; they have been sealed with life-time seals which are maintenance-free.
Just ahead of bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, Ellis is positive about the prospects of business growth in 2018 in South Africa and Southern Africa at large. He notes that the past two years have been very tough, but several recent developments point towards a better 2018. The rebounding commodity prices offer better prospects for the mining sector and this can have a trickle-down effect onto the construction sector.
Ellis is also encouraged by recent political developments in both South Africa and Zimbabwe. The new ANC leadership in South Africa has brought some confidence, and the country’s currency has strengthened in recent weeks. “The Rand has recovered significantly in recent weeks, and this brings the costs of machines down, allowing customers to invest in new assets,” reasons Ellis.
