For informed decision-making OCTOBER 2026
ELECTRIC EARTHMOVING PASSES THE REAL-WORLD TEST
WEIGHING SYSTEMS: Autotech Weighing Systems weighing in on smarter payload control
CRUSHING AND SCREENING Keestrack focuses on lower cost per tonne in Africa PAGE 20
MATERIALS PROCESSING: Processing material at the source
SCREENING: Smarter screening, less downtime
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CONTENTS Capital Equipment News is published monthly by
Crown Publications Managing Editor Wilhelm du Plessis capnews@crown.co.za Business Development Manager Elmarie Stonell elmaries@crown.co.za Writer Juanita Pienaar jpienaar@crown.co.za Design Ano Shumba Publisher Wilhelm du Plessis Managing Director
FEATURES 02 COMMENT Crushing and screening at a turning point
08
04 COVER STORY Electric earthmoving passes the real-world test
Karen Grant Circulation Karen Smith
08 WEIGHING SYSTEMS Autotech Weighing Systems weighing in on smarter payload control 12 Weighing the real cost of every load
PO Box 140 Bedfordview 2008 Tel: (011) 622-4770 www.crown.co.za Printed by Tandym Print The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.
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16 MATERIALs PROCESSING
Processing material at the source
20 CRUSHING AND SCREENING Keestrack focuses on lower cost per tonne in Africa
Total circulation Q2 2026: 8 600
24 SCREENING
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Smarter screening, less downtime
28 More than a screen panel
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COMMENT
CRUSHING AND SCREENING AT A TURNING POINT
electricity is available. South Africa’s energy environment means there is unlikely to be a single solution for every application. Instead, equipment selection will increasingly depend on the availability and cost of energy at the individual site. Screening is also receiving greater attention as part of the overall production equation. Efficient pre- screening can prevent material that does not require crushing from entering the crusher, reducing wear and energy consumption. The choice of screening media, meanwhile, affects open area, throughput, wear life, maintenance intervals and product quality. This highlights another developing trend: a move towards application- specific equipment rather than standardised solutions. Producers are looking more closely at feed characteristics, moisture, abrasiveness, particle size distribution and the required end product before selecting equipment. The biggest machine is not necessarily the most productive or economical machine. Digitalisation is reinforcing this shift. Telematics, remote monitoring, production tracking and connected equipment are providing operators with more information about machine performance. Data can help identify under-utilised equipment, monitor maintenance requirements and establish the actual cost of producing a tonne. There is also a growing emphasis on retrofitting and extending the life of existing fleets. With capital budgets under pressure, upgrading machines with modern weighing, monitoring, screening or control technologies can sometimes provide a practical route to improved productivity without replacing an entire fleet. For South Africa’s crushing and screening sector, the direction of travel is therefore clear. The market is becoming less focused on machine specifications in isolation and more focused on the performance of the complete production system. That makes this an interesting time for the industry – and an important one for Capital Equipment News . Our role is to look beyond the brochure, examine the technology and, most importantly, ask the question that matters to every operator: what does this equipment actually contribute to the bottom line?
S outh Africa’s crushing and equipment to understanding what that equipment contributes to the cost and productivity of an operation. For quarrying, mining, construction and recycling companies, the fundamentals remain unchanged: material has to be processed reliably, efficiently and at the required specification. What is changing is the number of factors influencing equipment decisions. Cost per tonne is increasingly becoming the key measure The screening market is entering a period in which the conversation is shifting from simply buying
purchase price of a crusher or screen is only the beginning. Fuel or electricity consumption, wear rates, maintenance requirements, production capacity, downtime and machine utilisation can have a far greater impact on the economics of a plant over its working life. This is particularly relevant in South Africa, where operators continue to face pressure from high operating costs, challenging logistics and the need to extract more value from existing assets. Equipment that can deliver consistent production while reducing unnecessary energy consumption and maintenance is consequently attracting greater attention. Mobility is another important trend Mobile and tracked crushing and screening equipment allows contractors and producers to take processing closer to the material rather than transporting large volumes to a fixed plant. For contractors working across multiple projects, the ability to relocate equipment can also improve asset utilisation and reduce infrastructure requirements. At the same time, mobile equipment is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Hybrid and electric drive systems are providing alternatives to conventional diesel power, particularly where reliable
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026
COVER STORY
Electric earthmoving passes the real-world test
Construction and mining fleet owners were able to experience the real-world power of electric earthmoving machines at a special event hosted by ELB Equipment to demonstrate the capabilities and seamless integration of the machines into their fleets. E LB Equipment is among the first major suppliers to launch multiple models of its electric LiuGong wheel loaders with the first three models launched already in operation at some of its customers’ sites. The event held at its Middelburg branch was attended by more than 300
Some of the differences our customers noticed was that the electric drive systems provide high torque from standstill and have much lower noise levels. There are no emissions and the operators have an easier and safer working experience with fewer vibrations, effortless controls and technologically advanced safety features built-in to the cab environment.
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026
QUICK TAKE
customers who were given the chance to operate the powerful machines alongside some of the company’s traditional diesel equivalents. ELB Equipment divisional director, Keon Kardolus, was on hand to walk customers through the experience explaining that skyrocketing diesel prices are strengthening the case for electric machinery in applications where charging infrastructure is available. The relative simplicity of the electric drivetrains requires significantly less maintenance offering unmatched reliability in the toughest of conditions. The event allowed an unusual opportunity to customers to compare the performance of electric loaders with LiuGong's established diesel range where the consensus among attendees was that the electric machines could match the diesel loaders in every way including working all day without the need for recharging. The electric range on display included the LiuGong 856HE, 870HE and 8110TE for different loading requirements in heavy construction and smaller-scale mining with the larger 8110TE suited to larger-scale operations. “Some of the differences our customers
300+ CUSTOMERS More than 300 construction and mining customers attended ELB Equipment’s electric equipment demonstration in Middelburg.
THREE ELECTRIC MODELS The LiuGong 856HE, 870HE and 8110TE electric loaders were demonstrated alongside their diesel equivalents.
FULL-DAY OPERATION Customers experienced electric loaders working through demanding applications without needing to recharge during the event.
LOWER MAINTENANCE Electric drivetrains have fewer moving components, reducing maintenance requirements while delivering high torque from standstill.
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026
COVER STORY
and support representatives will be able to assess and advise of the available options,” says Kardolus.
Luckily wherever the case does not suit electric machines we have a full range of LiuGong diesel loaders. These are well proven in the market with tried-and-tested engine, driveline and hydraulic systems designed for our hard-working local conditions and in every application our sales and support representatives will be able to assess and advise of the available options.
He added that LiuGong is one of the largest earthmoving equipment
manufacturers globally with world-leading research and development facilities that are pioneering new ways of powering earthmoving operations into the future. Its partnership with ELB Equipment has created one of Southern Africa’s fastest growing and most successful earthmoving equipment operations with branches in 14 locations across South Africa as well as dealerships in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and subsidiary operations in Kenya. “Events like these bring us closer to our customers and give them the opportunity to view and even operate machines that have the potential to move their own operations forward. They have relied on us to bring them the best earthmoving and mining solutions from across the globe for more than 100 years and with the addition of world-beating electric machines from LiuGong we believe we are showing them the way forward for the next 100 years,” Kardolus said in closing. b
noticed was that the electric drive systems provide high torque from standstill and have much lower noise levels. There are no emissions and the operators have an easier and safer working experience with fewer vibrations, effortless controls and technologically advanced safety features built-in to the cab environment. “But the main factors driving the move to electric equipment are the potential savings which, are particularly significant
for machines operating for long hours in fixed locations wherever suitable electrical infrastructure and the machine's duty cycle allows. “Luckily, wherever the case does not suit electric machines we have a full range of LiuGong diesel loaders. These are well proven in the market with tried-and-tested engine, driveline and hydraulic systems designed for our hard-working local conditions and in every application our sales
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026
CONVEYOR DRIVES
BMG integrates conveyor drive technology to improve mining reliability and availability BMG provides engineered turnkey drive packages for belt conveyors and feeders used in mining and bulk materials handling. In mining and bulk materials handling, the performance of a conveyor system is determined not only by the individual components installed, but by how effectively the motor, variable-speed drive, couplings, gearbox, pulleys, bearings, lubrication system and condition- monitoring technologies operate as an integrated system.
to the overall drive layout. Integrating these systems into the drive package facilitates routine maintenance and ensures that lubrication, cooling and control requirements are considered during application engineering, rather than addressed separately after the principal mechanical equipment has been selected. BMG connects the engineered drive package to a condition-based maintenance strategy by integrating condition-based monitoring through the variable-speed drive or providing shock-pulse monitoring and vibration analysis. This combined capability enables the operating performance of power-transmission components, including applicable bearings, to be tracked and trended. Changes in component condition can therefore be identified at an early stage, giving maintenance teams better information for planning inspections and corrective work. This supports a more informed maintenance strategy and reduces exposure to failures that could result in unplanned conveyor or feeder downtime. For mining operations, this links component- level condition information directly to the broader objective of protecting conveyor availability and production continuity. Although the conveyor structure itself falls outside BMG’s scope, the company works closely with pulley and idler manufacturers by selecting and supplying bearing solutions in accordance with their designs and technical specifications. Bearing selection involves consideration of radial and axial loads, shaft dimensions, operating speed and expected misalignment. Contamination levels, sealing arrangements and lubrication requirements are also assessed to ensure the bearing arrangement is appropriate for the intended pulley or idler duty and its operating environment. BMG’s involvement begins with site assessment and application engineering, followed by component selection, assembly and factory alignment. The company can also provide installation supervision and commissioning support, helping ensure that the assembled package is installed and brought into operation in accordance with specific application requirements. This lifecycle involvement extends the focus on conveyor availability from initial engineering through installation and commissioning. By combining these disciplines within a turnkey drive package, BMG focuses on improving the availability, maintainability, reliability and long-term performance of belt conveyors and feeders used in mining and bulk-materials-handling operations.
B y bringing the mechanical, provides a co-ordinated solution focused on enhancing conveyor availability, reli- able operation, practical maintenance and extended service life. “Conveyor and feeder drive systems should operate as co-ordinated assemblies, particularly where equipment is exposed to demanding loads, difficult environmental conditions and restricted installation electrical, lubrication and con- dition-monitoring elements of the drive system together, BMG space,” explains Rudzani Ramuageli, Head of Projects, BMG. “Our Technical Resources and Projects teams assess the complete drive requirements and bring the relevant technologies together in a package that ensures reliable operation and practical maintenance. The objective is to engineer the drive train as an integrated system, so that the interfaces between components support conveyor availability, rather than become potential points of failure. “Each drive package is configured for the
specific application, taking into account the required material throughput, belt speed, starting and operating torque, duty cycle, environmental conditions and installation constraints. The engineering process starts with the required tonnes per hour and belt speed and works backwards through the pulley torque, gearbox ratio, motor power, starting characteristics and control philosophy. “Depending on the operational requirements, a package may include an electric motor, variable-speed drive, application-specific high-speed or fluid coupling, industrial or planetary gearbox, drive pulley, protective guarding and a purpose-designed base frame.” Gearboxes can be installed using standard torque arms or specially manufactured torque arms. Customised units are designed to accommodate the equipment configuration, space available and site-specific installation requirements, helping ensure that the gearbox mounting arrangement is suited
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026
WEIGHING SYSTEMS
Autotech Weighing Systems weighing in on smarter payload control
Measuring where it matters most Demand for load-weighing systems is being driven by five key applications, with quarrying and aggregates accounting for the largest share of enquiries. “Every bucket is a saleable quantity and a truck that leaves light is revenue you loaded but never invoiced,” says Bundhoo. Bulk earthworks and civil construction are the fastest-growing segments, as contractors are increasingly paid according to measured tonnages and required to provide evidence of those quantities. Mining remains a steady market, where payload per cycle is already an important production metric, although many sites still estimate rather than measure it. Container depots are also adopting weighing technology on reach stackers, driven by both productivity and the requirement for verified gross mass under
Capital Equipment News’ Juanita Pienaar spoke with Nischal Bundhoo, Technical Sales Engineer at Autotech Weighing Systems, about how weighing technology is helping operators improve payload accuracy, productivity, efficiency and cost control across mobile equipment, road transport and rail.
It turns payload from an impression into a number you can manage.
Nischal Bundhoo, Technical Sales Engineer at Autotech Weighing Systems.
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026
On a machine, the scale weighs automatically as the bucket lifts,” says Bundhoo. “The operator sets a target mass and watches the running total, so the last bucket becomes a decision rather than a guess.
SOLAS. Meanwhile, rail loadout represents some of the largest capital enquiries currently being considered. “In-motion rail weighing on the coal, chrome, manganese, and iron ore corridors has changed character entirely since the network opened to private operators,” says Bundhoo. Taking the guesswork out of loading One of the fundamental problems weighing systems address is what Bundhoo describes as “blind loading”. “The operator has no idea what is on the truck until it reaches a weighbridge,” he explains. On many sites, that weighbridge may be several kilometres away or belong to another party. By the time the load is checked, several more trucks may already have been loaded in the same way. Overloading presents another challenge. South Africa limits a vehicle combination to 56 000 kg, while individual axle limits also apply. This means a vehicle can remain within its overall mass limit while exceeding the permissible load on an individual axle. Rail presents a different risk. “The equivalent is eccentric loading, where a wagon sits inside its mass limit but is loaded heavily to one side. That is a derailment risk, not a fine.” Underloading, however, can be just as costly over time. “Nobody is fined for running light. Three per cent under payload is three per cent of your fuel, tyres and driver hours spent moving air.” Weighing where decisions happen Moving measurement to the loading point allows operators to act before a problem becomes a costly correction. “On a machine, the scale weighs automatically as the bucket lifts,” says Bundhoo. “The operator sets a target mass and watches the running total, so the last bucket becomes a decision rather than a guess.” An overload warning can then alert the operator before the truck leaves the loading area. Tamtron publishes accuracy of 0,5 to 2% for its wheel loader scale and
On-board weighing eliminates guesswork, helping operators hit target payloads while avoiding costly overloading and underloading.
Accurate payload data improves fleet utilisation, reducing unnecessary trips, fuel consumption, tyre wear and driver hours.
Connected weighing systems provide actionable information on machines, operators, shifts and materials, revealing opportunities to improve efficiency.
Modern systems integrate with ERP, PLC and SCADA platforms, enabling traceability from mine to port and making weighing part of the wider production process.
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026
WEIGHING SYSTEMS
better than 2% for its excavator scale, according to Bundhoo. Rail weighing takes place while the train is moving. Railweight in-motion systems weigh individual coupled wagons and have OIML and NRCS approval for legal-for- trade applications. “The loadout corrects the next wagon instead of discovering the problem at the port,” he says. “An on-board scale is a loading tool. The in-motion rail weighbridge is an approved record you can invoice from.” Fewer loads, better utilisation Accurate payload information also provides a direct route to improved fleet productivity.
“Close a five per cent payload gap, and you move the same tonnage in fewer loads,” says Bundhoo. Every unnecessary trip carries a cost in fuel, tyres, engine hours and driver time. The effect becomes particularly significant on rail. “A wagon two tonnes light is a rounding error until you multiply it across a hundred wagons, every train, every week.” Because in-motion weighing does not require trains to stop or wagons to be uncoupled, the measurement process can be incorporated into normal operations. Compliance brings additional costs beyond the fine itself. Detention, offloading, and missed delivery slots
can have a greater operational impact. Bundhoo also points to the relationship between axle load and pavement damage, noting that pavement damage rises roughly with the fourth power of axle load. “I will not quote a payback figure,” he says. “Compare a month of weighbridge records to your legal payload. That gap is your answer.” The value of weighing technology increasingly extends beyond the scale itself. Once payload data is recorded, operators can analyse tonnes per machine, operator, shift, and material.
A loader running consistently eight per cent under is rarely a machine fault. It is a bucket, a technique, or a habit, and all three are fixable once you can see them.
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 10
On a machine, the scale weighs automatically as the bucket lifts. The operator sets a target mass and watches the running total, so the last bucket becomes a decision rather than a guess.
performing the lifting operation.
mass to be associated automatically with the wagon number and fed into PLC and SCADA systems. “That is what makes mine-to-port reconciliation possible,” says Bundhoo. “You know which wagon carried what, not simply what the train weighed.” He is cautious about the growing emphasis on artificial intelligence, however. “Clean, calibrated, trusted data is still where the value sits.” Retrofitting for the next cycle Market developments are also being shaped by tighter enforcement, procurement requirements and changes in rail access. With fleets being retained for longer, Bundhoo says demand is increasingly shifting towards retrofitting weighing technology to machines already operating in the yard. For operators, the direction is clear: weighing is moving from a final compliance check towards an active part of the loading and production process, turning payload into usable operational data at the point where decisions are made. . b
Connected and integrated Modern weighing systems are
“It turns payload from an impression into a number you can manage,” says Bundhoo. Consistent underloading can then reveal operational rather than mechanical issues. “A loader running consistently eight per cent under is rarely a machine fault. It is a bucket, a technique, or a habit, and all three are fixable once you can see them.” On rail, weighing both loaded and empty wagons can identify units that are not discharging correctly at the port. Mobile plant can also use overload warnings and protection systems to protect the machine
increasingly connected devices rather than standalone displays. Cloud and REST API integration can transfer weighing information into an ERP system, while over-the-air updates can reduce the need for technicians to travel to remote sites. On rail, identification technology is adding another layer of traceability. The TSR4000 indicator can read RFID tags fitted to Transnet wagons, allowing the
On rail, weighing both loaded and empty wagons can identify units that are not discharging correctly at the port.
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 11
WEIGHING SYSTEMS
Weighing the real cost of every load Accurate load weighing is an important tool for South African mining and construction operations looking to improve productivity and control operating costs. Juanita Pienaar spoke with Ivan van Heerden, owner and Managing Director of Dynamic Weigh Systems, about the applications driving demand, the cost of overloading, and how better load data can support more efficient fleet management.
Heerden is seeing the technology move into other areas of the fleet. “Loaders are still the mainstay, however, we are seeing more ADTs and RDT’s starting to utilise these to drive down costs related to overloading,” he says. The shift towards articulated dump trucks (ADTs) and rigid dump trucks (RDTs) reflects a growing focus on what happens after material is loaded. While loaders need to know how much material they are handling, haul trucks also need accurate information to ensure they are operating within their intended payload limits. Dynamic Weigh Systems’ on-board weighing solutions are intended to provide operators with immediate payload information, helping them avoid both under-loading and overloading. The company’s systems also support production and load monitoring, with options for data connectivity and integration. For operations moving large volumes of material, the difference between an accurately loaded machine and one that is consistently over- or underloaded can translate into significant costs over the life of the equipment. “By knowing exactly what ton of material goes where, machines can be utilised more effectively in terms of allocation and type,” explains van Heerden.
By knowing how much you are moving where, you greatly increase productivity
Ivan van Heerden, owner and Managing Director of Dynamic Weigh Systems.
D
ynamic Weigh Systems supplies on-board weighing technology aimed at helping oper- ators manage payloads, production and material
tions including mining, quarrying, logis- tics and container handling, with load data and cloud connectivity forming part of the offering. From loaders to haul trucks Loaders remain the core application for Dynamic Weigh Systems, but Van
handling more accurately. Its solutions are designed for demanding applica-
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 12
On-board weighing gives operators immediate payload information, helping them maximise capacity while avoiding costly overloading and under-loading.
The cost of carrying too much Payload management is about making sure the available capacity is being used while avoiding an overloaded truck. “By knowing exactly how much has been loaded into a vehicle, you can then utilise it to its peak capacity without incurring additional running costs,” says Van Heerden. This becomes increasingly relevant as mines and other heavy-duty operations contend with rising input costs. Fuel, maintenance and equipment ownership all contribute to the cost of every tonne moved. “For many years overloading has been a key feature of mine production,” Van Heerden says. However, the financial environment has made these costs harder to overlook. “Rising maintenance costs, fuel increases and the devaluation of the rand all contribute to a keen awareness of these ‘hidden’ costs, and our systems can keep those where they should be,” he adds.
Accurate payload data helps reduce unnecessary fuel, maintenance and equipment costs by ensuring machines and trucks are used more efficiently.
Modern weighing systems can connect with production portals and fleet management systems, giving operators a clearer picture of payloads, production and equipment utilisation.
Dedicated aftermarket systems can offer greater functionality and flexibility than basic OEM weighing solutions, supporting the increasingly data-driven needs of heavy-duty operations.
Rising maintenance costs, fuel increases and the devaluation of the rand all contribute to a keen awareness of these ‘hidden’ costs, and our systems can keep those where they should be.
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 13
WEIGHING SYSTEMS
We can provide both a dedicated production portal and output to third-party FMS systems, which we have done successfully with several clients.
Accurate weighing therefore becomes part of a wider effort to understand the true cost of production. Rather than treating payload as a simple measurement, operators can use load data to assess how effectively their machines and trucks are being deployed. Data that supports productivity The value of weighing extends beyond the individual load. According to van Heerden, having reliable information about what is being moved and where it is going can
directly support productivity. “By knowing how much you are moving where, you greatly increase productivity,” he says. Dynamic Weigh Systems offers solutions that go beyond displaying a weight to the operator. Its advanced on-board weighing platform includes load-data management, production monitoring and cloud connectivity, allowing information generated during loading and handling to become part of a broader production picture.
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 14
OEM systems versus flexibility Another development in the market is the growing availability of weighing technology directly from equipment manufacturers. “OEMs are increasingly coming with built- in systems,” says Van Heerden. However, he believes there are limitations to these systems when compared with dedicated aftermarket solutions. “These are expensive when compared to non-OEM,” he says. He also points to concerns around technical support, noting that “very few of the technicians for those have any knowledge of them or how to fix them”. For Dynamic Weigh Systems, the issue is also one of functionality. Van Heerden says OEM systems can be restricted to relatively basic weighing applications. “They are limited to fairly simple weighing, which is not what many of our clients are looking for,” he says. As payload management becomes more closely linked to productivity, cost control and fleet data, the role of weighing technology is consequently expanding. For operators, knowing precisely what each machine is moving is becoming less about simply measuring tonnes and more about taking the “under” and “over” out of every load. b
For operations looking to connect weighing with existing fleet management infrastructure, integration is also becoming increasingly important. Connecting the data Customers are looking for weighing systems that can communicate with other platforms rather than operate in isolation. “We can provide both a dedicated production portal and output to third- party FMS systems, which we have done successfully with several clients,” says van Heerden. This allows weighing information to feed into broader fleet management systems, giving operators greater visibility over payloads, production and equipment utilisation. For Dynamic Weigh Systems, the return on investment is another important consideration. “The ROI on our systems is typically between three and six months depending on the application,” says Van Heerden. The relatively short payback period reflects the potential impact that improved payload management can have on operations where large quantities of material are moved continuously.
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 15
MATERIAL PROCESSING
Processing material at the source Juanita Pienaar spoke with Antti Rautamies, R&D Project Manager at ALLU, and Peter Grönholm, CEO of ALLU Finland, about the company’s latest attachment solutions, the drive towards on-site material processing, and how contractors can extract greater value from the machines already in their fleets.
Processing material on site ALLU’s Concrete Bucket and Asphalt Screening Bucket are among the solutions currently attracting interest, alongside its established range of screening and crushing buckets. “There is a clear demand for solutions that allow contractors to do more with the excavators and loaders they already have on site,” says Rautamies. Rather than transporting material to a separate screening or crushing plant, an ALLU attachment can turn an existing carrier into a mobile material-processing unit. For larger earthmoving, quarrying and mining applications, heavier solutions such as the M-Series are designed to process larger volumes directly at the source. The approach is applicable across construction, road and utility projects, quarrying, mining, soil processing, waste recycling and material handling. ALLU attachments are available for carriers ranging from skid steers and compact track loaders to excavators, wheel loaders and telehandlers. “The applications are very broad, which is one of the main advantages of the ALLU concept,” says Grönholm. Turning waste into usable materials The Concrete Bucket is aimed particularly
For larger earthmoving, quarrying and mining applications, heavier solutions such as the M-Series are designed to process larger volumes directly at the source.
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 16
There is a clear demand for solutions that allow contractors to do more with the excavators and loaders they already have on site.
Antti Rautamies, R&D Project Manager at ALLU.
The underlying principle is to process material where it is, rather than moving it elsewhere for processing.
ALLU attachments enable contractors to screen, crush and process material directly on site using excavators and loaders already in their fleets.
at demolition and recycling applications, processing pulverised concrete, brick, fines and material containing rebar. It can also process larger pieces of reclaimed asphalt. The Asphalt Screening Bucket, meanwhile, has been developed specifically for reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), helping contractors break up clumped material, screen it, and separate oversized particles. The underlying principle is to process material where it is, rather than moving it elsewhere for processing. “In most cases, customers are trying to remove unnecessary steps from their operation,” says Rautamies. Material may otherwise need to be loaded, transported, processed using a separate crusher or screening plant, and then transported again. At the same time, usable material may be removed from site while replacement aggregate or fill is purchased. By processing material with the excavator or loader already working on the site, contractors can potentially reduce transport, disposal and material- purchasing costs while simplifying site logistics. “Customers are ultimately looking
On-site processing can reduce transport, disposal and material-purchasing costs while simplifying site logistics.
ALLU’s attachment solutions add material-processing capability to existing machines, potentially increasing utilisation and reducing the need for additional equipment.
The Concrete Bucket and Asphalt Screening Bucket expand ALLU’s range, helping contractors process demolition material, RAP and other challenging materials where they are generated.
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 17
MATERIALS PROCESSING
for fewer machines, fewer material movements, and better utilisation of the equipment they already own.” Looking beyond purchase price For ALLU, return on investment needs to be considered across the complete material-handling process rather than simply comparing the purchase price of one attachment with another. “If one carrier can excavate material and then screen, crush, mix or load it using an attachment, there may be less need for additional machinery, operators and transport,” says Grönholm. Versatility also affects utilisation. An attachment that can be deployed across different projects and applications has the potential to be used more frequently than equipment designed for a single task. There is a further benefit when material previously regarded as waste can be processed and reused on the same project. This can reduce disposal costs while limiting the need to purchase replacement material. “That combination of productivity, utilisation and fewer processing steps is where the economics of the attachment become particularly interesting,” says Grönholm. Customers are increasingly considering this broader total cost of ownership when evaluating equipment, with payback becoming an important consideration. “With screening buckets, the savings can add up fast,” says Rautamies. “Processing material on site can reduce fuel use, transportation and disposal costs, while also cutting the need to buy new aggregates by allowing existing material to be reused.” New developments for wider use A major recent development is the ALLU Concrete Bucket, which combines crushing and screening in an excavator-mounted attachment for demolition and recycling. Designed for 25–45-tonne excavators, the bucket can accept demolition material up to 300 mm. Under suitable material and operating conditions, processing capacity can reach up to 100 tonnes per hour. Output can be configured for either 0–50 mm or 0–100 mm material, while the bucket is designed to handle demanding feed containing fines, brick, and steel such as rebar. “Contractors don’t need another machine to manage on a crowded jobsite; they need a practical way to turn rubble into usable material with the excavator they already have,” says Rautamies. “This
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 18
bucket is built for the real world: fines-heavy material streams, tight spaces, and reinforced concrete that doesn’t arrive ‘clean’.” ALLU is also continuing to develop its established screening technology. The ALLU Variable Drum makes changing shafts, blades, and output configurations easier, allowing one attachment to adapt to different projects. Its TSR (Top Screen Rapid) blade technology is designed to make individual blade replacement faster and reduce maintenance downtime. Relevance to Africa For the African market, ALLU sees an opportunity to increase the productivity of existing fleets rather than simply adding more equipment. “It is not simply about selling another bucket,” says Grönholm. “It is about giving an excavator or loader additional processing capability and bringing that processing power directly to the material.” That proposition is relevant to construction, road building, quarrying, mining, demolition and recycling operations, where reducing material handling and improving equipment utilisation can have a direct effect on operating costs. Rather than automatically transporting material to a stationary processing plant or adding another machine to the jobsite, contractors can screen, crush or otherwise process material at the source and potentially reuse it immediately. “Forty years of innovation is not about chasing ‘new’. It is about making work simpler and more profitable where the material actually is,” Grönholm says. b
BLC Plant purchases earthmoving equipment for stock, rebuilds it as required in the fully equipped on-site workshops and then sells it to users in various industries. We focus on delivering products which meet customer specifications, offer buyers a viable alternative to new equipment and provide excellent after sales service and support.
AFRICA’S LEADING EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT & PARTS DEALER Please visit our web page or contact us on: www.blcplant.com +27 11 555 2000 info@blcplant.com
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026 19
CRUSHING AND SCREENING
Keestrack focuses on lower cost per tonne in Africa Juanita Pienaar spoke with Deepak Pandit, Keestrack (Country Manager – eTrack, Area Sales Manager for the Middle East, SAARC, South and East Africa, and Head – Global Application Support), about the growing demand for mobile crushing and screening equipment in Africa, the shift towards electrification and the importance of looking beyond purchase price to the real cost of production.
Mobility meets the application Keestrack has built its business around mobile crushing and screening, supplying equipment for quarrying, mining, aggregates, recycling and mineral processing. Founded in Belgium in 1996, the company now has more than 1 100 employees, manufacturing facilities across Europe and Asia, and a distributor network covering almost 100 countries. For Africa, mobility addresses both logistical and operational challenges.
The highest throughput on paper does not always translate into the lowest cost per saleable tonne in actual operation.
Deepak Pandit, Keestrack (Country Manager – eTrack, Area Sales Manager for the Middle East, SAARC, South and East Africa, and Head – Global Application Support).
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Rather than transporting large quantities of material to a static plant, equipment can be taken directly to the job site. “In many applications, it makes more economic sense to take the processing equipment to the material rather than continuously transporting material to a fixed plant.” The flexibility of tracked equipment is also valuable for contractors moving between projects, while mobile plants can reduce permanent infrastructure requirements and allow production to start relatively quickly. Keestrack is seeing strong interest across Africa in heavy-duty scalpers and tracked crushing combinations. The K5 and K8 screens are suited to applications ranging from aggregates and mining to overburden, coal, sand, and gravel. On the crushing side, the B5 jaw crusher, H4e and H6e cone crushers, and R3 impact crusher are among the machines attracting interest. Cost per tonne, not cost of entry Pandit says customers are increasingly looking beyond the initial purchase price. “For each customer, it ultimately
Production, uptime, fuel or electricity, wear, maintenance and support all contribute to the true cost of every saleable tonne.
Mobile crushing and screening can reduce material transport, permanent infrastructure and project start-up time while giving contractors greater flexibility.
Diesel, hybrid and fully electric options allow operators to select the power solution that delivers the most sustainable operating cost for their specific conditions.
Pre-screening, interconnected electric machines and telematics can reduce unnecessary crushing, fuel use, wear and maintenance while improving overall plant uptime.
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CRUSHING AND SCREENING
comes down to cost per tonne and uptime.” Purchase price remains important, but customers also want to understand production, fuel or electricity consumption, wear costs, maintenance requirements and the availability of technical support and spare parts. This focus is influencing how Keestrack approaches equipment selection. Rather than simply recommending the largest machine available, the company assesses the feed material, particle size distribution, abrasiveness, moisture, required finished products, and production target before recommending a crushing and screening combination. Drive options can also be simulated to determine whether an electric solution could provide a better return on investment and lower total cost of ownership. “The highest throughput on paper does not always translate into the lowest cost per saleable tonne in actual operation,” says Pandit. Screening is an important part of this calculation. Pre-screening material that does not need to pass through the crusher can reduce unnecessary crushing, wear, and energy consumption, with a direct impact on operating costs. Flexible power for African conditions Electrification is a major development in mobile crushing and screening, but Keestrack does not view diesel and
For Africa, I don’t see the discussion simply as diesel versus electric. The real question is which energy source gives the customer the lowest sustainable cost per tonne at that particular site.
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electric power as opposing choices. “For Africa, I don’t see the discussion simply as diesel versus electric. The real question is which energy source gives the customer the lowest sustainable cost per ton at that particular site,” says Pandit. “In remote locations, energy independence remains important. Where reliable grid power is available, electric operation can significantly change the operating economics. Having both options gives the customer flexibility.” Keestrack introduced hybrid electric plug-in drives in 2012 and subsequently developed machines with detachable engine and generator units. Its ZERO-drive machines, introduced in 2022, operate without combustion engines on board, using electric motors to drive the crushing and screening equipment. The company reports fuel savings of up to 40% for diesel-electric plants compared with conventional diesel- hydraulic units. In production trains, attributable fuel consumption can decrease by up to 70% when hybrid screens and stackers are powered through the plug-out supply of an upstream or downstream electric crusher.
Treating the plant as a whole Keestrack’s approach extends beyond individual machines. “Our objective is not to put the biggest or a standard machine on every site. It is to understand the material, the required end product and the customer’s operating conditions, and then configure the right solution to produce that product reliably at a sustainable cost per tonne,” says Pandit. The company’s electric machines can be interconnected, allowing power from one machine or an external source to supply downstream equipment. This reduces the number of diesel engines running across the production train and can lower fuel consumption and engine-related maintenance. Keestrack-er telematics provides machine location, operating information, service requirements and diagnostics, while giving access to control software for adjustments and updates. For operators managing multiple machines across remote sites, this provides visibility without requiring every issue to be handled physically at the machine. New equipment for evolving markets Recent developments include the C7 three-deck classifier, offering a 5.45 x 1,8 m screening area and capacity of up to 600 t/h, depending on the material
and application. For South Africa, Pandit highlights the I4e electric plug-in hybrid reversible impact crusher. The machine is designed for secondary and tertiary crushing of rock and recycled building materials, including sand and asphalt, and can produce end products down to 0/2 mm in closed circuit. Maintenance optimisation is another area of development, including maintenance-free return drum bearings on K-series scalpers, efficient pre-screens and designs focused on quick set-up and service access. “Every maintenance intervention takes time and resources, so extending maintenance intervals while protecting the equipment directly contributes to uptime.” For Africa, Pandit sees further opportunity in the move towards processing more minerals closer to where they are mined. This could increase demand not only for primary crushing, but also for accurate screening, classification and specialised processing. Keestrack’s focus remains on
configuring equipment around the application rather than applying a
Keestrack’s load-sensing diesel- hydraulic system, meanwhile, was
standard solution. “The objective is to configure the right equipment to produce the required product reliably and at a sustainable cost per tonne.” b
introduced from the company’s early years and is stated to deliver 25% fuel savings compared with competing systems.
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SCREENING
Smarter screening, less downtime Juanita Pienaar spoke with Denzyl Macauley, Screening Support Manager at Multotec, about the screening challenges facing mineral processors and the growing focus on fit-for-purpose solutions, safer maintenance and total cost of ownership.
Tackling the screening bottlenecks Screening performance can have a significant impact on the efficiency of an entire mineral-processing circuit. Macauley says customers are currently dealing with a range of challenges, including blinding, pegging, excessive wear, poor feed distribution, incorrect screen setup, and reduced screening efficiency. The variability of the material being processed adds another layer of complexity. “Variable ore characteristics, including moisture and clay content and particle shape, can also affect performance,” says Macauley. When screening equipment is not correctly matched to the application,
Variable ore characteristics, including moisture and clay content and particle shape, can also affect performance
Denzyl Macauley, Screening Support Manager at Multotec.
the consequences can extend well beyond the screen itself. Poor performance can reduce plant throughput, increase recirculating loads, accelerate wear, and ultimately raise operating costs.
For this reason, customers are increasingly looking for screening products that balance service life with performance. “Demand is strongest for screening products that balance service
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Matching screen design, media and operating parameters to the material can improve throughput, reduce wear and support consistent screening performance.
Application-specific polyurethane and rubber media can help balance throughput, wear life and maintenance requirements while reducing total cost of ownership.
Modular deck conversions, pinless fastening and hammer- less attachment systems can make media changes quicker and reduce maintenance-related safety risks.
AI and condition monitoring are creating new opportunities to track performance, predict failures and optimise screening media across vibrating and trommel screens.
media with appropriate operating parameters, feed chute arrangements, accessories, condition monitoring, and proactive maintenance can deliver measurable gains in plant performance,” he says. This approach places greater emphasis on how the individual components of a screening circuit work together, rather than treating screening media or equipment as an isolated purchase. Media matters Screening media selection has a direct bearing on total cost of ownership, particularly in abrasive applications where excessive wear and premature failure can result in frequent changeouts and production loss. “Screening media selection is critical to balancing throughput, wear life, maintenance requirements and downtime,” says Macauley. The media therefore needs to be matched to the application, taking into account ore characteristics and operating conditions. Multotec uses application-
A holistic approach combining the correct screen deck design and screening media with appropriate operating parameters, feed chute arrangements, accessories, condition monitoring, and proactive maintenance can deliver measurable gains in plant performance.
Screening as part of the bigger picture Selecting the correct screen is only one part of achieving consistent performance. Effective screening allows accurate material separation ahead of processing, helping operations to improve throughput while protecting downstream equipment and supporting mineral recovery and product quality. Macauley emphasises the importance of taking a holistic view of the screening application. “A holistic approach combining the correct screen deck design and screening
life with metallurgical performance and are, therefore, fit for purpose,” says Macauley. Maintenance requirements and safety are also becoming increasingly important considerations, particularly in operations where frequent intervention can contribute to downtime and expose personnel to unnecessary risks. “Customers are also prioritising solutions that simplify maintenance and reduce safety risks, helping to limit injuries and subsequent unplanned plant downtime,” he adds.
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