PRODUCT FOCUS
56% of the market, with tandem rollers He adds that South Africa is tiny on making up 36%, and pneumatics the the global market and as such, product balance. Within the total market, the development in Europe is done around rental companies
single-drum 10–12 ton market constitutes European/USA statutory requirements as about 40% of all rollers sold and the 2–3 well as operator input. The customers in would be stocking
ton tandem roller market contributes these countries are far more sensitive to and renting out
20%. “The 10–12 ton single-drum operator comfort, ease of operation, using rollers are the most widely used soil specific machines for specific applications, smaller compaction
compactors in the construction and and are also far more e mbracing of equipment, with lower
plant hire industry, with 49% going into technological advances. specs, while the larger
construction and 31% into plant hire. This
Typically, the plant
high-spec heavy-
is indicative of the kind of work that they Conclusion are doing, which is layer-works related to If one’s organisation specialises in compaction equipment
infrastructure development.” concrete, asphalt, or foundation work would be purchased
and the ground conditions tend to
be the same from job site to job site, by end users such
equipment ownership makes the most as construction
sense. However, there is a vast amount
of compaction equipment available on and roadbuilding
the local market, so it really is a case of companies.”
buyer beware. End users should align
themselves with a reputable OEM who
has a track record of durable equipment
Johan Hanekom, Bomag/Bell
Equipment
with an adequate stockholding of
components and a technical aftermarket
support facility.
If compaction equipment use is more
sporadic, then it is probably better to
look at the rental route, as not only does
this remove any concerns around routine
maintenance and repair, but it provides
hirers with access to newer machines,
Colin du Plessis of Talisman Hire says that
rental rates have not been tracking the
increased cost of ownership.
using the latest technology. Again, it is
advised that due diligence is performed
and that hirers seek out a rental company
that can discuss best fit for their
application. ■
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allyson Koekhoven has a 36-year history
as a content creator in the business to
business sector. She started her career
in PR at Grinaker Construction and has 15
years’ experience as an industrial editor.
She is currently a freelance writer, creating
articles for B2B publications and private
clients in various industries.
JUNE 2018
33