Locally based compaction equipment manufacturer Bom-Mach aims to create awareness of locally manufactured Stampede products for the construction industry at bauma Africa.

“Potential buyers can see and use Stampede equipment and compare it with other imported equipment,” Bom-Mach sales manager Leonie Jenkinson tells Engineering News.

Bom-Mach will exhibit its Stampede compaction equipment brand at the first bauma Africa trade show at Gallagher Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, from September 18 to 21.

“The company looks forward to introducing the Stampede range of compaction equipment products to new clients, both local and international. Bom-Mach believes Stampede to be a strong contender against the bigger brand names in the industry,” she says.

The company is researching and developing a 10 t roller – which is generally used to compact large areas and for road construction – and hopes to launch it in 2015. “The current range of small plant compaction equipment has proven itself in the South African market as a quality product and, therefore, Bom-Mach will take the next step to venture into the big plant market,” Jenkinson comments.
The company will exhibit several compaction machines and additional equipment at bauma Africa. These include the 2.5 t ride-on roller, the R39-40, R62-40 and R75-50 pedestrian rollers, a conventional and forward/reversible plate compactor, a petrol and diesel rammer, a concrete saw and a diesel bowser.

“The 2.5 t ride-on roller was developed and tested in South Africa using input from users of compaction equipment, which resulted in the development of a machine that is easy to operate, with vibration on both drums, water-feed and the option of mine-compliance. Few ride-on rollers have the option for dual vibrating drums, which, when engaged, distributes hydraulic oil to both drums, resulting in lower amplitude outputs.

“The machine will, therefore, deliver lowered compaction energy. The water feed on the drums ensures consistent compaction results and also decreases the risk of aggregate clogging up the ride-on roller. The 2.5 t roller is fitted with a diesel Perkins engine which ensures high performance,” explains Jenkinson.

Bom-Mach is one of the few companies that manufactures 390 mm trench rollers and 900 mm drum pedestrian rollers, she notes. “The Stampede range of pedestrian rollers is fully hydrostatic and designed with fewer working parts, rendering it mechanically friendly and durable. It also has an operator-friendly forward and reverse steering-control handle, as well as an automatic safety stop switch.”

The Stampede rammers are engineered for durability in harsh African conditions and are fitted with a self-cleaning cyclonic air filter to ensure continued use and an extended engine life.

The range’s plate compactors are avail- able in conventional and reversible models, weighing from 80 kg to 486 kg, with both models including a standard 10-mm-thick steel base plate.

The Stampede concrete saw is a durable, heavy-duty machine, explains Jenkinson, adding that it has been manufactured with African conditions in mind. It features a built-in water feed and functions as a push unit with a chain drive to allow for the accurate cutting of concrete.

Stampede’s diesel bowser, which holds 1 000 ℓ of diesel, is built onto a single- axle trailer and comes standard with a 12 V battery pump and a 10 m delivery hose, complete with hand valve.

The bauma exhibitions are renowned and recognised worldwide as the most popular equipment exhibition event and it will host an exhibition event in Africa for the first time, she notes, adding that “Bom-Mach jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this historic event and exhibit our Stampede products at what is considered the biggest construction exhibition show in Africa.

“Such a huge exhibition brings Africa’s construction community together, which can potentially boost economic growth in South Africa, especially for local manufacturers. More orders will lead to greater growth and job creation,” Jenkinson points out.

The 70 m2 Bom-Mach stand is located on the outside premises, opposite technology and engineering company Sandvik’s stand. The stand will be identifiable through the bright-orange Stampede machinery on display and a testing area where a technician will demonstrate some of the brand’s machines.

Jenkinson notes that the economic downturn has forced contractors to reassess their capital equipment needs.

“From the perspective of a local manufacturer, the constant economic pressure forces clients to buy cheaper imported brands, but the compromised quality of these imported units makes them inferior to local equipment.

“The downside to buying these cheaper units is the non- availability of spares and constant breakdowns, owing to unforeseen expenses over a long period. In the current economic climate, contractors cannot afford to wait a month for spare parts to be imported, with the additional cost of having to rent another unit.” Also, she says importers underestimate the harshness of the African environment and the influence it has on machines. “Buying local equipment can cost more, but saves the buyer money in the long run, as spares are more cost effective and these stronger units outlast the cheaper imported brands by 90%,” highlights Jenkinson.

To manage this challenge, Bom-Mach aims to create awareness for potential buyers on the pitfalls of buying cheap imported brands through a cost-of-ownership approach, she concludes.