Babcock has just completed the fast track delivery of 20 Volvo G930 graders and 11 Volvo BL61B backhoe loaders to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. This is the biggest order for graders the company has received from the KwaZulu-Natal DOT to date. Regional Sales Manager Juan Frauenstein says Babcock has successfully tendered and supplied construction equipment to the DOT for rural road maintenance over many years. The equipment is deployed throughout the province, from Kokstad to Eshowe, starting at the Department’s central premises in Pietermaritzburg.

“I believe we secured this particular order based on delivery, service and pricing,” he comments. “To meet the DOT’s tight deadline for delivery of all units, we implemented the required modifications and delivered the units within a record 10 weeks, through a staggered programme meeting every delivery date agreed with the DOT. This was a tremendous achievement and Department officials commended Babcock on the professional, fast and hassle-free manner in which the order was expedited.

“Modifications included central lubrication, tyre specifications and a Sentinel engine protection system. The specifications were met to the letter and, in certain areas, even exceeded the requirements on both the graders and the backhoe loaders. “Babcock is  providing operator training via our in-house trainers, which certifies the operators as competent to handle the machines.  In addition, Babcock is providing technical training that allows operators to conduct basic troubleshooting and repairs. Field service technicians based at our Durban and Richards Bay branches conduct most of the major field servicing.”

Field-proven components

Volvo graders are engineered with field-proven components for reliable service life. Top features include a twin-gear, direct-drive circle turn system, for maximum strength to hold or smoothly turn the 3,66 m moldboard  while moving under full load. The moldboard is fitted with replaceable cutting edges and overlays.  A ROPS/FOPS low profile cab has an interior noise of 72dB(A), as well as a deluxe suspension seat, tilt steering and unobstructed views, for less fatigue and more comfort and safety. The graders’ design incorporates a unique, easy-lift rear hood allowing for low maintenance and easy service access to all components. All the graders are equipped with Volvo powershift transmission, featuring eight forward and four reverse gears, as well as rear rippers and scarifiersand Volvo CareTrack state-of-the-art telematics systems that deliver real time operational information to a computer or cell phone.

The Volvo backhoes are equipped with a heavy duty loader styled 1 m3 front bucket and a 720 mm rear bucket, both with replaceable teeth. These machines provide safe, ergonomic operation with plenty of personal storage and very good all-around visibility from a ROPS/FOPS cab with an interior noise of 74dB(A). Separate hydraulic valves for loader and excavator provide a load-sensing, flow-sharing hydraulic performance. These strong and reliable machines deliver powerful lift and breakout forces when loading and digging and the combined breaker and bi-directional hydraulic line allow for maximum versatility with a wide range of attachments. Other features include ease of service, with ground-level access to all maintenance and service points, and a powershuttle with a fully synchronized  mechanical gearbox with four forward and four reverse gears, as well as 4X4 capabilities, with a 100% differential lock on the rear axle for excellent traction.