Rhino Excavator Hammers offers the full range of D&A hammers in the 2t to 100t size class.

Rhino Excavator Hammers, the local supplier for a range of Korean made hydraulic breakers, D&A Hydraulic Hammers, reports increased demand for this range of attachments in South Africa.

“We recorded our highest sales growth in the last financial year,” says Hussein Sheik, procurement manager at Rhino Excavator Hammers. The local dealer offers the full range of D&A hammers in the 2 tonne (t) to 100t carrier size class. Sheik says demand is being driven by a range of applications such as rock breaking in quarries, general concrete breaking and demolition. In terms of product, the 8t hammers for trailer loader backhoes (TLBs), as well as the 20t and 40t sizes are driving more sales at this stage, says Sheik.

The company also recently introduced the Xcentric Ripper to the local market, which Sheik says is an economical alternative to drilling and blasting. “The Xcentric Ripper increases production by up to five times than conventional ways. Other advantages include low noise levels, no daily lubrication required, minimum wear parts and long life components,” says Sheik.

The Xcentric Ripper is growing in popularity globally. Original equipment manufacturer Xcentric Ripper International recently recorded its 1 000^th sale for this tool following the sale of the model XR50 to Sevrienne Service, based in St Gelais, France. “Since its introduction at bauma 2010, the Xcentric Ripper has advanced rapidly. Its versatility and production capacity, as well as several cost and noise reduction features, are favourable for customers.”

Locally, one of the pioneers for using the Xcentric Ripper is Labucon Resources, an earthworks contractor. The company believes in sourcing new technologies at major international equipment shows, and Paul Labuschagne, development manager at Labucon Resources, first saw it at Intermat, where he bought it well before it was distributed locally. Labuschagne has found it to be an unparalleled solution in rocky applications, especially for trimming and side tipping of blasted rock.

Equipment Africa says: To remain competitive in today’s challenging economic environment, construction and mining contractors, as well as their rental counterparts, are looking beyond the basics. They are looking at how their fleets of excavators, skid steers, backhoe loaders and wheel loaders can squeeze more margins and volumes, and a strong attachment focus is gaining momentum. Attachments are the key to equipment versatility and utilisation, and suppliers are positioning themselves to get the best of these market needs.