The new Mori Seiki computer-controlled cutting machine, which hydraulic tool and bolting equipment manufacturer Hi-Force installed at its UK manufacturing facility in March this year, is expected to significantly reduce the delivery time for high tonnage and special design cylinders, which are key products for the South African market.

With a chuck diameter of 600 mm, the Lathe SL603 has the ability to machine cylinder bodies up to a capacity of 1 000 t, with stroke lengths of more than 760 mm. The machine is to be primarily used for the manufacture of high tonnage cylinders and for all models of Hi-Force ToughLift cylinders.

Established in 1982 and headquartered in the UK, Hi-Force manufactures cylinders, pumps, torque tools, bolt tensioners, hydrotest pumps, toughlifts and crimping tools. The group established Hi-Force South Africa in 2002, to cater to the demands of the mining, construction and engineering industries throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The local office not only supplies hydraulic tools, but also offers after-sales service and repair, tool rental, testing, calibration and on-site services.

The Hi-Force research, development and design team, based at the head office in the UK, is continually expanding and research and development remains a key area of investment for the group. Some of its recently launched products include the Hi-Force HBR spring eye bush replacement kit and the HPR pin and bush replacement toolkits. Both these kits are offered with a choice of manual or air-driven hydraulic pump units, or can be supplied without a pump, should the user already have a suitable 700 bar pump.

“Although relatively new, there has been great demand for the HBR and HPR toolkits in the construction and mining industries in South Africa and in the maintenance and service sectors worldwide, owing to the toolkit’s safe and simple operation and the significantly reduced time that is required in contrast to traditional hammer and heat methods of bush replacement,” states Hi-Force.

Currently, in the manufacturing pipeline are high tonnage industrial cylinders and an improved three-way torque pump.

To ensure the company remains at the leading edge of currently available hydraulic tool technology, Hi-Force is continually investing in facilities, personnel, product design and manufacturing capabilities and anticipates continued growth over the coming years as a result of this investment.

Last year, the UK office took possession of a new 2 000 m2 logistics centre that also houses the 150 m2 Engineering Construction Industry Training Board- (ECITB-) approved training school. This facility has four times more space and racking capacity than the previous one and has allowed for all the different products and components plus raw materials and packaging to be stored at one location. The training school comprises of a fully equipped classroom, product practical and service and repair training areas and has been approved to deliver the ECITB mechanical joint integrity courses that have been added to the existing training package.

Hall 6 Stand A24