Power equipment and tool supply company Hire It launched its locally assembled range of small plant construction equipment, called Kwagga, following a need for cheaper and more readily available equipment by industry.

Launched in August, Hire It sales director Richard Fraser says stock to the value of about R1-million is available for purchase to clients.

Kwagga is manufactured in China, and then fitted with an engine from Japanese power products manufacturer Honda South Africa at Hire It’s Pinetown factory, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Fraser explains that the main reason for the introduction of the Kwagga range is to leverage the cost competitiveness of local assembly: “We wanted to bring a brand new range to the market that is high quality and cost effective.”

He adds that the sturdy construction of the equipment and the added benefit of a reputed engine make the equipment suitable for South Africa’s tough operating conditions, and that it is sustained by Hire It’s backup and service division offering after-sales support.

“We are extremely excited about its prospects, particularly at a time when many equipment suppliers are rationalising their ranges.” Fraser believes that a totally different approach is required, ensuring that quality affordable products are available to meet client requirements.

Pre-orders have been received for the Kwagga range, which bodes well for its future success. The offering includes compaction equipment, concrete mixers, scarifying machines, drive units, pokers and even submersible pumps. Two of the key products in the Kwagga range are the floor saw and the tamping rammer.

The Kwagga FS400 floor saw, with a 12 hp GX390 Honda engine, is ideal for cutting surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Key features are a maximum cutting depth of 140 mm, and a super-rigid box frame to ensure straight cuts and extend blade life. A height-adjustable handle gives a comfortable grip for users, while an easy-to-use crank raises and lowers the cutting depth efficiently.

The 70 kg Kwagga four-stroke petrol tamping rammer has a GXR 120 Honda engine and float-type carburettor. Key characteristics are its easy-start mechanism, low-noise operations, a rated power output of 2.2 kW and an impact force of 1 300 kg. It is ideal for compacting in confined areas, such as trenches and foundations, and around pipes.

Once the range has settled in the market, Hire It hopes to expand on the Kwagga offering as well as its agency network in South Africa. “We are able to deliver our products nationwide, but to offer a professional service, we need to ensure that we have a distribution network that can support clients locally,” says Fraser.

Meanwhile, Hire It has engaged a number of companies in the hire sector throughout South Africa to resell its products, and is currently in talks with a few resellers in Johannesburg regarding this matter to handle and back up Hire It’s products.

“We now have the opportunity to offer our own products and the new Kwagga range as wholesalers for the first time, and are very excited about our prospects,” concludes Fraser.