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Bobcat T870 Compact Track Loader – the perfect compact-power combination that delivers results for Bidfreight Port Operations

2nd July 2014

  

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The Bobcat  (0.43 MB)

The Bobcat T870 compact track loader delivers the perfect combination of compact design and powerful performance making it the unit of choice to perform a variety of functions for South Africa’s leading port logistics providers.

Four Bobcat T870 compact track loaders were recently delivered to Bidfreight Port Operations for trimming of bulk cargo inside ship hatches at Cape Town and Port Elizabeth ports. Bobcat Sales Representative, Hein Dornbrack provides a brief explanation of the different cargo handling applications demanded of the Bobcat loaders: “The eight or twelve cube grabs on the ship which are used to discharge cargo such as soya, wheat or fertilizer from the ships, cause uneven spread of the cargo and in turn affect the ship`s stability. The Bobcat loaders are used to push cargo around, levelling hatches ‘to trim the ship’. Often only part of the cargo is discharged while the remaining cargo continue on with the ship to the next port. However, it is essential from a safety point of view that the cargo is level before the ship sails. We also fitted the machines with Lifting Kits so that they can be easily loaded and discharged from the ships.”

Bidfreight Port Operations, a member of the Bidvest Group, is one of the largest providers of in-port logistics in South Africa, with operations in every commercial cargo port in the country. Their areas of expertise include; warehousing, stevedoring, transportation and terminal operating services. “Once a ship docks, time is of the essence and we simply cannot afford down time,” explains Max Slabbert, Stevedore Manager, Cape Town branch. It is all about time and tonnage. We need reliable equipment to get the job done right the first time. Bobcat was the only company able to supply the type of unit that we required - compact yet still powerful. The Bobcat machines comfortably handle prescribed volumes; a faster discharge of cargo means that ships spend less time in the ports.”
  
Dornbrack confirms that the Bobcat T870 is the largest in the Bobcat compact track loader range and is therefore also heavier. “The larger size allows for the ultimate pushing power in its category. This being said, the T870 has a track width of 450mm which gives it a ground bearing pressure of only 32.4 (kPa) which is particularly impressive if one considers that the average human has a ground bearing pressure of around 55 (kPa). Decreasing the ground pressure increases the flotation, allowing easier passage over soft terrain or cargo. This is an absolute necessity given the type of cargo that our client discharges.” 

Slabbert adds that operator safety and comfort is also a very important consideration, “and here too the Bobcat units come up trumps. The spacious pressurized cab offers first class comfort with panoramic visibility and protects the electronics from dust and water ingress.”
The cabs are equipped with heating, air-conditioning systems, selectable joystick controls and full colour instrumentation panels for easy visibility. As ship trimming is a specialised area of expertise, Dornbrack says that driver and maintenance training will be undertaken in conjunction with our clients.

“Bobcat, part of the Goscor Group of Companies and Imperial, is a world leader in compact equipment and we take pride in our products, service and extensive branch network. We build long term relationships with our customers and are with them for the long haul because we don’t just supply equipment; we look at our customer’s requirements to provide the best service and solutions,” concludes Dornbrack.

The four Bobcat compact track loaders were handed over to Bidfreight Port Operations on Monday 27th January 2014.  

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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