Coal supply for a variety of end users remains a hot topic in the South African mining fraternity and process operators are continually looking for cost-effective solutions to provide in spec product against a background of deflated commodity prices.

One such solution is the DoppiaTrac DR400 double roll crusher designed and built by Jet Park crushing and screening specialist Pilot Crushtec International. The product is establishing itself as the coal crusher of choice with coalfield contractors, not only for the efficiencies it offers in a highly competitive business, but for its unique status in the local market as a track-mounted double roll crusher.

The first DoppiaTrac DR400 to be delivered in 2016 was supplied to Witbank plant rental business Spy Imports and Hire in January. The year began with an urgent contract to process run of mine (ROM) thermal coal from >80mm spec to <40mm spec. Pilot Crushtec International was able to respond to the customer’s needs by supplying a brand new product ex-stock and, within a matter of days, the machine had been delivered, commissioned and was producing product in line with, if not better, than customer expectations.

Pilot Crushtec International CEO Sandro Scherf explains that the DoppiaTrac’s acceptance in the marketplace is very much related to the economies and efficiencies it delivers to owners and contractors.

“In thermal coal applications the DoppiaTrac DR400 can crush >80mm ROM coal down to <40mm specification in a single pass. This means that there is no need for additional screening and are turn conveyor to pass oversize material back to the crusher. Apart from removing the capital or hire costs for these pieces of equipment, there are also considerable savings in running costs, especially diesel.”

Another benefit is that the DoppiaTrac is noted for delivering product with a low fines content, a major bonus when processing coal and similar materials.

Spy Imports and Hire owner Martin Brown is well pleased with his company’s new acquisition. “The tonnages are as good as we expected, averaging between 300 and 350 tonnes per hour (tph) and occasionally approaching a rate of 400tph.”

According to Martin Brown, he first made contact with Pilot Crushtec International in 2015 via the company’s website which indicated that it is currently the sole local supplier of a tracked double roll crusher – a product that he identified as being most suited to his needs.

“Our traditional business has basically been plant hire however we began to focus on crushing and screening work midway through 2015, as we believe that this is a field which can offer attractive opportunities,” says Martin Brown.

DoppiaTrac DR400 –features at a glance

• The DoppiaTracDR400 is a double roll crusher featuring a SP09 six-port modular rotor
• Power unit is a CAT C7 Tier3/Acert engine delivering 186kW at 2,200rpm
• Fuel consumption estimated at 19l per hour with a fuel tank capacity of 700l
• Hydraulic tank holds 800l and automatically activates a low level shut down
• Air and oil clogging filters are integrated into the control panel display system
• Every DoppiaTrac DR400 is equipped with an emergency failsafe stop mechanism