Bulk materials handling specialist Transmin has switched from using Rammer, to using Atlas Copco for the supply of all industrial hammers used in their rockbreaker range. Transmin sources all of its hammers via sister company Breakers & Attachments Equipment Group (BA Equipment). In addition, Transmin has announced the signing of a new Australian distributor agreement with Yoshikawa Corporation, a world leader in ‘circle feeder’ technology used in bulk-materials handling operations across a vast range of industrial sectors, including mining.
On the hammer development, BA Equipment Managing Director Campbell Nunn explains; “The switch to Atlas Copco from Rammer reflects the technical advantages of the new Atlas range over its rivals, as well as the incredible scope of supply and support delivered by Atlas Copco. At BA Equipment we can be confident we’re supplying our clients with the best breaker solution available on the market, for the best price, and with the best support.”
Atlas Copco is one of the world’s largest suppliers of industrial breakers and attachments. The current MB (medium) and HB (heavy) range of hydraulic breakers were introduced in early 2013 and boast a number of key improvements, most notably a significant improvement in power to weight ratio, marketed as ‘less weight, more power.’ The reduced weight therefore requires less input power, resulting in lower operating costs over the lifetime of the equipment.
Transmin is a leading manufacturer of rockbreakers and hydraulic boom systems used in mining operations globally to break down oversize rocks as they pass through the materials handling process. The company manufactured the largest rockbreaker/hydraulic boom system in the southern hemisphere for Rio Tinto’s Mount Tom Price mine in northern Western Australia. Nicknamed ‘Big Bertha’, the machine has a 10 m boom and 7 m jib.
The scope of the Yoshikawa circle feeder agreement covers all states and territories within Australia, and includes Yoshikawa’s full range of circle feeders and associated parts and servicing. Transmin Capital Sales Manager Phil Gilbert stated: “Circle feeders are a highly innovative and effective alternative to traditional belt and screw feeders. Thanks to their circular motion, they guarantee consistent draw-down of materials – ensuring ‘first-in, first-out’, whilst removing the risk of material ‘bridging’ and ‘sludging’. They also allow the potential for multiple material inlet/outlet points.
The result for many clients is a more efficient, more flexible handling operation that experiences reduced material wastage and spoiling, a more reliable flow, and improved space-saving efficiencies. All of which can have a positive impact on the bottom-line.”
Yoshikawa manufactures circle feeders for virtually any commodity or material – including coal and other bulk mined products. Each feeder is engineered to the specific attributes of the material being handled, with feeder diameters ranging from 30 cm through to 4 m. Rob Rhodes, Transmin General Manager comments: “The Yoshikawa range is in perfect alignment with Transmin’s own longstanding specialisation in bulk materials handling equipment manufacturing. For almost 30 years Transmin has developed a world class reputation for engineering and manufacturing innovation. Yoshikawa Corporation is a prime example of precision Japanese manufacturing with innovation at the heart of their business. No other company in the world delivers a comparable feeder alternative. The Yoshikawa range therefore adds an extra level of integration for us as a business; providing our clients with access to top-of-the-range feeder technology. We’re delighted to announce the signing of this agreement, and we look forward to growing the Yoshikawa line here in Australia, alongside Transmin’s traditional feeder lines.”