Following a successful on-site demonstration, Salvage Management and Disposals (SMD), one of South Africa’s leading vehicle management and sales companies, has purchased two 3-ton SDLG LG938L wheel loaders from the Babcock International Group, exclusive distributor of SDLG construction machinery in southern Africa.
Wheel loaders replace forklifts in salvage yard
The wheel loaders sold to SMD have been deployed to move accident-damaged vehicles around the company’s yard and incorporate a fork attachment with a customised platform to improve the loading process, rendering it stable and safe. Prior to the purchase of the new units, SMD made use of forklifts for this task, however this often resulted in mobility issues owing to the rough terrain encountered on the site.
Five SMD operators are currently being trained to operate the LG938L wheel loaders and will receive Babcock certificates of competence at the end of their course. “Sales of SDLG equipment in 2014 are following the same upward trajectory as last year,” says Rob Baker of SDLG equipment sales. “We’re introducing these multiple purpose machines across a spectrum of industrial sectors, including materials handling, mining, agriculture, cement, aggregates and tiles. The market is clearly recognising the many advantages associated with the SDLG range — competitive pricing, world class quality, robust durability and reliable aftersales support delivered by a FTSE 100-listed UK company with a comprehensive network of local support centres.
“SDLG equipment is well entrenched internationally in industries where there is a requirement for a value versus a premium brand. Considering that Babcock has only been distributing and supporting this range since February 2012, the uptake of SDLG equipment across southern Africa to date has been substantial. We have units — mostly wheel loaders — operating in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland and Mozambique, and the feedback we’re getting from our customers is unanimously positive.”
Baker adds that Babcock has made a strong commitment to avoiding unnecessary machine downtime and, to this end, is able to offer full parts support to ensure the customer is operating again in the shortest possible time. SDLG support is offered from Babcock branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban and the company is in the process of expanding support with the addition of new facilities in Middelburg, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth.
