South African ports are without question the best equipped in Africa. Local harbours utilise the latest technologies and have invested in state of the art equipment to ensure high efficiencies, reduced maintenance requirements and optimum safety.

It is in this highly competitive sector that Arlona Engineering (Pty) Ltd has earned an enviable reputation for innovation, quality and reliability, competing favourably with the world’s leading manufacturers of bulk handling equipment.

Since its inception in Durban in 1966, Arlona Engineering, specialists in fabrication, machining, proofloading and maintenance of bulk handling and stevedoring equipment, has made a significant contribution to the efficiency of  South African ports.

“The company’s success can be attributed to a thorough understanding of this environment - known for its arduous operating conditions – a close working relationship with South Africa’s leading stevedores, as well as a commitment from the Arlona team to design and manufacture equipment to meet the exact needs of every customer,” says Steve Christy, managing director of Arlona Engineering. “The company’s fully computerised fabrication facility is equipped to design and manufacture grabs, hoppers, container spreaders and lifting equipment, as well as a wide range of cargo handling equipment – all to exact specifications.

“One of Arlona’s latest grabs, with a unique 12 m³ hook-on, remote opening, dumping design, is confirmation of the company’s commitment to keep abreast with leading global trends. This new grab, which has been described by customers as the ‘best grab Arlona has ever built’, is generating quick returns for local stevedores.”

The new generation of grabs, with a unique locking mechanism that is simple and reliable, has advanced design features over conventional units. These include reduced tare mass, superior sealing and enhanced reliability.

By employing the latest design technology, the 12 m³ capacity grab weighs only 7 000 kg. This has been achieved without any reduction in strength or loss of closing forces - a problem generally associated with lightweight grabs.

In addition, the capacity of these buckets can be quickly and easily reduced in 2 m³ increments right down to 6 m³. This means that, depending on the commodity being handled, the grab can be used on cranes with a safe working load as low as 15 T. This flexibility is especially useful in South Africa where ageing bulk vessels call into ports on a regular basis. 

High closing forces generated by robust chains which close and suspend the grab, are complemented by serrated dust seals and an under-hanging lip, making the grab both robust and environmentally-friendly. As a result of these advanced design features, leaking grab buckets are an unusual sight in South African ports.
Building on the success of the company’s 12 m³ grab, Arlona Engineering is completing construction of a 14 m³ capacity grab – a further commitment from the company to maintaining its leading position in South Africa’s shipping sector.

For further information:

Mr Steve Christy, Managing Director
Telephone  (031) 205 5991
Fax:            (031) 2059835
Email:         steve@arlona.co.za
Web:            www.arlona.co.za