Sandvik unveils its Basic range of products
Sandvik renowned for its state-of-the-art premium products has launched a new series of rock breakers and surface drilling rigs at its International Customer Meet at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over 300 Sandvik customers from over 25 Countries including 40 from India attended this meet, reports S. A. Faridi.

When asked by NBM&CW that why the company has unveiled Basic range when they are renowned for premium quality products, Thomas Schulz, President, Sandvik Mining and Construction said, "As Sandvik known for its premium quality products, launching a 'Basic' range looks strange at first but it is not. These products are as good as our premium quality products but a different technology has enabled us to bring the cost down. These products have been developed specially for Asian and other developing countries and for those who are working on hourly/shift basis and need quality but don't need other features of our premium line such as protection from blank firing, auto lubricating and remote monitoring etc."
Explaining about its feature, Sandvik's Vice President for Business Development Andres Kjellberg informed, "these breakers have been designed to provide simplest and cost-effective solutions to our customers. These products are easy to maintain, utilize fewer working parts for reduced maintenance, fixed-blow energy concept, which maintains high-blow energy regardless of carrier size or oil flow etc. which translates in to lower owning and operating cost."
To the query raised why the products are being highlighted as simplicity range, Raghavan Ramaswamy, Customer Segment Manager, West Asia said "when we say 'simplicity' it does not mean lack of sophistication; the Basic Range contains such advance features as sealed nitrogen accumulator, which protects the carriers hydraulic pump during operation. It incorporates a long and heavy piston designed to align perfectly with a genuine Sandvik tool, this ensures optimum impact energy transfer, with less recoil for reduced carrier wear."
Elaborating the main technological difference between Basic and Premium line he informed that the Basic range of breakers feature a piston type accumulator whereas Premium models have membrane accumulators and advanced automation. But there is no big difference in the productivity.
Beside Basic Breakers models, Sandivk introduced DH150 surface drilling rig takes down-the-hole drilling performance in 4.5" holes to a new level. It is all hydraulic, self propelled crawler drill rig with on board engine for ancillary operation. Though, advance electronic systems are missing on the machine, its compact design and simple operation makes it a versatile product in an affordable package.
Demonstrating the technical attributes of DH150 rig Anil Martyr said, "it can drill hole from 89mm to 127mm in diameter and upto 70 meter depth with its seven 10 feet tubes. The rig is equipped with a hydraulic drill tube changer and a breakout device which enables quick coupling and uncoupling of drill tubes by a single operation. DH150 comes with the latest generation of Sandvik RH1500 DTH hammers, bits and accessories, tailor-made for the rigs.
Sandvik also demonstrated its state-of-the-art mobile crushers and screens, an ultimate solution for a wide array of industries and applications. Sandeep Bhattacharjee, Regional Product Line Manager, Crushing & Screening West Asia said, "Mobile units are on high demand these days as you can move within no time from one location to other and since different units are compatible with each other you can combine them as per your requirements of byproducts.
"Sandvik believes in partnering with customers to improve its machines productivity and develop best solutions to suite the customer’s needs, this Basic series is the need of Asian countries customers and we are committed to deliver cost effective and productive solutions for them. We have recognized the difficulties of servicing products at remote locations, and this Basic series is a better solution," said Thomas Schulz in his concluding press brief remarks.