We witnessed this LiuGong loader working in the slag dumps in the old coal fields of Mpumalanga.

Chinese made loaders have certainly carved themselves a niche in the southern African equipment market, especially on jobs in-and-around the stockpiles. We have also seen them deployed in agricultural industries and in the timber yards.

Smaller quarries, collieries and construction sites are looking for a cost-effective machine that gets the job done without incurring downtime, and it seems that this is where players, such as LiuGong, have a lot to offer.

This original-equipment manufacturer has carried through on an extensive investment programme in the country. This started with the establishment of a subsidiary in the country to support its dealer and building up the necessary local capability needed to keep its machines running. Included in the investment was the establishment of a large local parts inventory.

Over the years, there has also been a concerted effort by LiuGong to seize market share from existing players in the mining sector, mirroring its commitment to the country. This is an arduous load-and-haul environment, where downtime is shunned, and the market less inclined to experiment with younger brands. Proving staying power is therefore essential, and clearly LiuGong has the recipe for success.