Sutha Group selects Terex trucks

Capital equipment company Terex Africa has supplied 12 new articulated trucks to the Sutha Group for use in an open cast coal mining operation in Kendal, Mpumalanga.

Danny du Preez, manager of the company's Middelburg branch, says that the sale of the fleet comprising 10 TA 30s and two TA 27 trucks was worth almost R17 million and was achieved against stiff competition.

"Current economic conditions see us operating in a very tight and price-related market," he says, adding that following a careful study of its options, Sutha opted for Terex on the basis of its competitive pricing and back-up service.

Speaking after taking delivery of the fleet, Sutha managing director Nico Swart described
how he was introduced to the brand.

"I became interested in Terex when I saw its products on several of the sites I visit. I spoke to the operating companies and got very good feedback on product performance and service," says Swart, adding that supplier back up is extremely important to Sutha.

Over the past six years, Sutha has established itself as a successful player in the fields of construction, civil engineering and open cut mining. The company attributes its growth not only to its experienced staff, but to the quality of its equipment and the sound relationships it has forged with suppliers.

Operator training for both machine operators and artisans is an essential part of the Terex Africa service package. According to the company’s
training manager, Peter Finch, the process begins with classroom sessions in which employees
can familiarise themselves with the equipment, its controls and warning systems, before practical training is given on site.

“When we feel that operators are comfortable with the equipment, they are schooled by operator trainers as part of the commissioning process. Hand-over training of this quality and depth is
part of the Terex delivery routine and 40 Sutha employees have been trained so far,” says Finch.  

Terex has been producing rough-terrain articulated trucks for over 60 years and its current range offers five models with payload capacities ranging from 23 to 38 tonnes.   

All vehicles are equipped with high power – high torque stage-three emissions certified diesel engines, offering excellent acceleration, faster cycle times and the ability to operate in the most arduous conditions. Fully automatic transmission with manual override offering six forward speeds and three reverse, is standard on all models.

Stopping power is provided by oil immersed multi-disc brakes on all axles.

A large capacity body provides Terex users with a lower cost per tonne and the truck’s forward
tilting cab offers unrestricted access for engine maintenance and inspection.

For more information please contact:
Lizette Swanepoel
011 966 2000
lizettes@terexafrica.co.za