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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