Due to a strict service regime, one of Afrigrit’s four Bell B25D articulated dump trucks has clocked 40 000 operating hours, and counting.

Afrigrit, a specialist in the rehabilitation of slag dumps and mineral separation, runs a 24/7 operation at its Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa factory. The company runs about 50 pieces of equipment ranging from wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks (ADTs) through to road trucks.

Owner, Marius Pick says for an operation of this nature, equipment uptime is of essence. He understands that a strict service regime for his machinery is the key to increased uptime, maximum productivity, lower maintenance costs, sound fuel consumption and extended lifecycle of equipment.

A strict service regime, at 250-hour intervals for all yellow metal equipment, is being maintained to keep the gear in optimum running condition. The company runs a fleet of four Bell B25D ADTs and a large fleet of wheel loaders comprising Bell Equipment, Caterpillar and LiuGong units.

Of note is one of its Bell B25D units that has clocked 40 000 hours, and counting. Pick explains that a strict service schedule and routine maintenance are key for longer lifecycle of equipment. “Due to this strict service and maintenance regime, we are able to run our equipment until it becomes too costly to run it. That saves us from regular fleet replacements, especially amid tough operating times,” says Pick. “Service for our yellow metal equipment is always done at 250-hour intervals.” Due to the 24/7 nature of the operation, this translates into weekly service intervals at most.

“Our maintenance costs are also significantly reduced due to our regular service schedules,” adds Pick.

Equipment Africa says: For a 24/7 operation of this nature, equipment has to be in its best running condition to keep the business running smoothly. It’s no wonder that preventative equipment maintenance is top of mind for Afrigrit business owners. Staying true to the strict 250-hour service schedules for the company’s most important equipment has resulted into huge time and money savings in the long run.