South Africa-based Lion Park Quarries has broken new ground with the commissioning of a claimed first-of-its-kind in Africa
As a fully electric-drive operated crushing plant, the new Terex plant is said to be a significant departure from diesel-guzzling predecessors with a smaller price tag, while also requiring significantly less maintenance. In addition, the model, which boasts powerful electric-driven jaws and high quality materials handling components, is around 40% cheaper on its energy cost compared to its most recent predecessor.
Supplied locally by ELB Equipment, the Terex WJ1175 is described as a game-changer for mines and quarries with access to the national electricity grid or another similarly reliable source. With fewer moving parts and no hydraulics it is a simpler machine and, as a result, is less expensive to buy and maintain. Furthermore, the electric drive operated crusher provides powerful and precise crushing operations, whilst also being considerably quieter and safer for operators.
Johann Meintjes, who co-owns JHB quarry alongside his father, Johann Snr, says the new machine is a revelation in terms of output and efficiency. “Diesel bills for the predecessor jaw crusher were mounting up and added a considerable margin to the cost of our sand and stone products.
“The new machine’s electricity bills are about 40% less by comparison, and with its bigger, more efficient crushing chamber it adds considerably to our sand and stone production. By contrast to the mechanically operated plant, which required servicing every 200 hours at a cost of over [RAND] R20,000, along with five hours downtime, the new Terex requires only a daily brush-off and check-up in order to run flawlessly for years to come.
“Being mobile, it can also be hitched to a truck or loader and be taken to where the crushing is required depending on where mining is taking place. Once in place the wheels also serve to anchor and dampen the vibration of the plant giving it a stable and smooth platform to operate from,” explains Johann jnr.
JHB quarry has worked closely with ELB Equipment throughout its 30 year plus history. Although Johann Snr and Johann Jnr are always looking at new technologies from different suppliers, the vast majority of the quarry’s equipment is procured from ELB Equipment (ELB). The father and son team stress that ELB’s support and important technical advice has played a key role in the success and growth of the quarry.
While the purchase of any of quarry’s equipment is usually based on well-researched facts and figures, this time the purchase of the Terex WJ1175 was more of a “chance encounter”, as Johann Snr passed ELB Equipment’s stock yard and noticed the unusual machine.
While he had effectively been scouring the world’s equipment suppliers to find a new crushing solution that fitted JHB quarry’s requirements, Johann snr did not know that the right machine had already been brought into South Africa as a pre-launch demo. A few enquiries later and the sale agreement was signed.
“Here in the heart of the northern suburbs of Johannesburg we are in the midst of some of the most fiercely contested markets in the country. I believe that the acquisition of the new crushing plant effectively puts us in a better position than ever before with better product availability at sustainably lower prices.
“This kind of innovation and access to world-leading equipment from ELB Equipment is what set them apart and gives us the opportunity to always be one step ahead of our competitors. Service and support go without saying and with lower running costs, it sets us on a new path of profitability,” Johann Snr concludes.
