Quality you can trust

Choosing the right capital equipment supplier is a defining moment in any business. Alastair Currie speaks to Ryan Britain (RB), GM: Aftermarket at Bell Equipment Sales South Africa, and Meltus Badenhorst (MB), GM: Group Technical Services at the OEM’s Richards Bay factory, about new, used and remanufactured options backed by warranties.

Ryan Britain, GM: Aftermarket, Bell Equipment Sales South Africa

Meltus Badenhorst, GM: Group Technical Services, Bell Equipment Sales South Africa

What is Bell Equipment’s overall aftermarket strategy?

RB Bell Equipment Sales South Africa is the customerfacing entity looking after, supporting and maintaining our machines so that customers obtain the best value in terms of utilisation and availability. Our comprehensive aftersales strategy covers key components such as the driveline and hydraulics as part of a potential second- and third-life rebuild programme, depending on the machine and its application. Running in conjunction with this is a parts programme that includes the change-out of remanufactured components at competitive prices. This solution applies to Bell Equipment’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products, which include our world-renowned articulated dump trucks (ADTs), as well as the OEM machines that we sell and support as a specialist dealer, locally and globally. The latter includes the JCB earthmoving range, Kobelco excavators, and the Finlay crushing and screening line.

By listening and adapting to customer requirements, we jointly refine the best aftermarket response.

Is there a growing demand for used equipment?

RB It’s clear that trading conditions within the construction sector are challenging across the board, especially for new SMME entrants. In response, there’s a new, used or rebuilt option that caters for top-tier and entry-level contractors.

The most popular used category comprises lowhour machines (around 6 000 hours) with a full service history. Each machine undergoes a detailed inspection and is then resold with a warranty. Such is the demand for this equipment that we have developed a dedicated preowned equipment website for customers that lists all our used equipment across the globe.

Are Bell remanufactured (ReMan) components interchangeable or can customers have their existing items rebuilt and returned?

MB Both options are available. The key benefit of the remanufactured component exchange programme is that there’s minimal downtime for the customer. For example, an engine can be swopped out and the machine returned to service within a 24- to 48-hour period.

The cost of a Bell ReMan exchange usually works out to be more affordable when a customer takes delivery of a remanufactured unit up front, supplied at a fixed price, and returns the old core/ component, thus eliminating any unknown core surcharges. Some customers, however, still prefer to have their own components remanufactured and returned. Where they’re involved in cross-border work, for example, it’s often simpler if the engine serial number matches the one on the machine’s plate.

What warranties are provided on a used machine?

MB All ReMan components have a standard 12-month, 1 500-hour warranty and for units with a full service history, we offer top-up warranties. Examples include a repower package that incorporates a full driveline component change-out.

Our extended warranty is a peace-of-mind product, which we strongly recommend. The unexpected cost of a major component repair can make a deep dent in a customer’s operating budget and negatively affect their bottom line. This is especially the case if the machine is central to achieving daily production targets.

Are there any operational tax benefits in going the Bell ReMan route?

MB Imported components, e.g. a gearbox, attract a customs duty. That’s a strong motivation for buying a locally rebuilt component. Supporting remanufacturing in South Africa also promotes localisation and job creation.

Does Bell Equipment provide condition monitoring services?

RB Yes, absolutely. Here, we apply a qualitative and a quantitative type approach. From a qualitative perspective, Bell Equipment offers a Machine Condition Assessment (MCA) service, which is carried out by one of our after-sales support technicians. There’s no charge for this.

The more scientific or quantitative approach – which often happens in combination with MCAs – is our oil sampling and laboratory analysis service. This covers all the major components (engine, transmission, differentials, etc.) and hydraulic systems. The oil analysis reports generated prove invaluable in undertaking proactive interventions to maximise machine life. These reports also highlight issues like poor utilisation, e.g. excessive idling, which might indicate the need for corrective operator training.

Oil samples are compulsory for all warranty programmes. In addition, all services must be carried out by Bell Equipment or one of its accredited dealers.

A well-preserved machine is best suited for a downstream rebuild. In addition, a fullservice history demands a much higher trade-in and/ or resale value, especially if there’s an existing warranty in place.

How does the Bell aftermarket Infohub work?

MB The Infohub is a knowledge management portal for Bell Equipment’s local and international dealer network. They can access productspecific technical information, including technical information like service and repair manuals, parts manuals, and product improvement bulletins. This is the backbone of our service network that interfaces with customers.

What technical training is provided for customer personnel?

MB The best executed equipment maintenance programmes require a combined OEM, dealer and customer interface. That’s why we focus a great deal on education and training. That includes Bell Equipmentcertified product training for our customers’ technical personnel. They are our strategic partners in the machine optimisation value chain.

How does Bell assist customers in terms of operator training?

RB Bell Equipment’s operator training initiatives cater for new operators entering the market that require a legal licence to work in the construction and mining sector. In parallel, we offer certified training for experienced operators that need to update their licence.

In terms of legislation, a new operator must spend 40 hours with a certified operator trainer, which entails a combination of classroom and infield training. In turn, a currently certified operator must complete an eight-hour refresher course to renew their licence.

Certified operator trainers based at Bell Equipment’s Richards Bay factory are deployed nationally and internationally to conduct training at customer sites.

These training programmes also familiarise operators with key machine software updates that are designed to improve machine performance and safety. The latter includes updates like Hill Assist, speed control, i-Tip and braketardation on our ADT range.

Professionally trained operators extend machine life. This includes the daily care and maintenance routines that maintain optimum mechanical health, like maintaining correct oil and lubrication levels.

What does the Bell Care Package offer?

MB This is essentially a service plan. It fixes the customer’s cost of scheduled maintenance over an agreedon period, e.g. 6 000 hours. Alternatively, customers can select a ‘service by the hour’ option based on an agreed-on scale that includes the travel time to site for the Bell Equipment technician.

‘Service by the hour’ is the preferred route where customers want to keep overhead costs as low as possible – a prime example being SMME contractors.

There are four Care Package options, namely Basic, Classic, Premium and Supreme. They all include LubeCheck oil analysis and service kits with variable options of travel, labour and lubricants that can be tailored to the customer’s needs.

How old is too old for a machine refurbishment?

MB It’s all relative. With proper maintenance and support, we’ve seen customers obtain exceptional hours. A classic example is a fleet of Bell Equipment B40D ADTs operating in the Middle East, which have each recorded over 60 000 hours.

Any closing thoughts?

RB Whether customers are buying new, used or rebuilt machines, there’s a value proposition. Our aftermarket strategy is focused on end-toend partnerships that drive down the cost per tonne for our customers.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATES