Bauma Africa 2013 preview

When Messe München International (MMI) announced its plans for a new construction and mining exhibition in South Africa, it was hoped that around 200 exhibitors would take part, using 20,000 m2 of exhibition space.

But this turned out to be a conservative estimate, and MMI has since revised its expectations. Bauma Africa is now sold out and expected to host over 500 exhibitors from 34 countries on 60,000 m2 of exhibition space. Some 15,000 visitors are expected to the event, which takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg from 18 to 21 September.

Bell Equipment will be one of the big names at the show, and will debut its new B60D, 60 tonne payload articulated dump truck (ADT). The manufacturer said the monster machine opened up opportunities for the company in the rigid hauler domain.

The B60D, which follows on from its 50 tonne B50D, has full articulation and oscillation steering but differs from a traditional ADT in that it has two driven axles, giving it 4x4 capability.

As well as the show-stopping ADT, Bell will also be displaying its new B50D Ejector as well as the E-series ADT and upgraded Fleetm@tic telematics system.

And Bell – which is also a distributor in South Africa for other manufacturers – will be showcasing the new Bomag MPH 600 soil stabiliser and asphalt recycler, and will announce the expansion of its Liebherr range of equipment in Southern Africa to include three larger dozers, the Liebherr PR744, PR754 and PR764 models.

Its newest partner, Finlay, will also display a range of mobile material processing equipment that Bell distributes in Southern Africa.

Meanwhile, South African distributor Babcock International will launch three new SDLG machines at the show. SDLG is Volvo’s Chinese joint venture, and the machines being introduced at Bauma Africa are the LG9787L wheeled loader with a bucket capacity of 4.2 m3, the LGG8190 16 tonne class motor grader and the LGG812H 12 tonne single drum hydrostatic roller.

Drilling

Meanwhile, Bauer will exhibit a broad range of specialist foundation equipment on its stand, including a BG 20 H rotary drilling rig, which will be fitted with a special tool for rock socketing at the show.
Other models on display will include the Multi-Hammer Drill for hard rock drilling – a particular feature of many Southern African regions, while rigs for the exploration and waterwell drilling markets will also be on the stand.

Bauer subsidiary Hausherr System Bohrtechnik will have an HSB 3000 blasthole drill on show, while Klemm Bohrtechnik, another Bauer subsidiary, will showcase a KR 909-1 anchor drill rig.

More drilling technology will be on show from Everdigm, which will display its ECR 12 and ECR 17 core drilling rigs. The manufacturer said the fact that the drills are driven by gears instead of chains distinguishes them from other models on the market and contributes to lower heat generation.

Meanwhile, Ditch Witch will be showcasing its JT25 horizontal directional drill at the exhibition, which is designed for installing utility pipes and cables with diameters of up to 12 in (305 mm) at lengths of up to 500 ft (152 m). The machine is fitted with a Cummins QSB4.5 diesel, rated at 130 hp (97 kW), and is available in a Tier 3 emissions configuration for African markets, as opposed to the Tier 4 Interim/ Stage IIIB requirement for the US and Europe.

On the crushing and screening side, Powerscreen will display its XH320X impact crusher and Warrior 800 screen in partnership with its South African distributor ELB Equipment.

And Caterpillar’s Southern Africa dealer Barloworld Power will be showcasing the Cat C7.1 Acert Tier 3-compliant engine at the show – a 116-225 kW, 7.1 litre model.

Meanwhile, falsework and formwork manufacturer Doka will also be present at the exhibition, showcasing its new Dokadek 30 panel floor formwork. This is a beamless hand-set formwork system, designed as a lightweight steel construction with powder-coated frames and the company’s Xlife sheets.

Optimistic

CEO of MMI South Africa Elaine Crewe was optimistic that the inaugural Bauma Africa would be a success. Ms Crewe said investors and businesses were looking towards developing countries for new growth, and Africa’s mining and construction industries were set to profit from this move.

“The growing pool of international entrants into the African market is a telling sign of just how important Africa is becoming and the need for specialised players in the industry. We trust that Bauma Africa will highlight new products in these sectors.”