According to SEW-Eurodrive general manager for sales and engineering, Conrad Pilger, the company’s range of industrial gear units has been well received by the local coal industry, particularly among conveying, stacker reclaimer and cooling tower applications.
“Having achieved substantial success in the platinum industry between 2005 and 2010, we made the decision to move into coal. To date, the SEW-Eurodrive range of XP Series industrial planetary gear units and X Series helical and helical-bevel gear units have proven popular in two of the largest coal mines in South Africa,” he explains.
Pilger highlights the fact that the number of gear stages and individual gear ratios of the planetary gear units can be adapted to specific application flexibly, while a direct connection to a primary gear unit of SEW’s modular system is possible at any time.
With regards to the X Series helical and helical-bevel gear units, Pilger states that the robust range can be adjusted optimally to the task, due to finely stepped torque ratings. The universal modular system concept sets new standards with respect to availability and offers a broad range of options.
“The main area of application for the X Series is conveyor systems,” says Pilger. “In this context, the gear units perform a reliable service in driving conveyor belts and for transportation of the coal. They also run the travel and hoist drive on cranes.” He points out that the South African branch of SEW-Eurodrive boasts a dedicated engineering department that assists customers with the complete drive package and custom designed solutions. “SEW-Eurodrive compiles drive packages for the customer that include components such as; industrial gear units, motor, couplings, brakes and base plates. Customers benefit from the fact that they can obtain the complete and fully assembled drive package from a single source, while a large local stockholding allows for shorter delivery times and increased flexibility.”
Looking ahead, Pilger notes that he is optimistic about the future in the African coal sector. “Although labour unrest has severely impacted some mining sectors in South Africa, coal remains a lucrative market where we are only just beginning to scratch the surface. With this in mind, I am confident that we can expand our reach not only in South Africa, but also in developing markets that include Angola, Mozambique, Ghana, Zambia and the DRC.”
Africa’s industrial future is still being written
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa marks 60 years on the continent, reflecting on the value of local capability, training and partnerships in driving the next phase of African industrial growth.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE brings intelligent energy optimisation to Electra Mining SEW-EURODRIVE
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
At Electra Mining Africa 2026, SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase its DriveRadar IoT platform for predictive maintenance and real-time energy optimisation, alongside plant energy surveys and an 1850 kW medium voltage motor display.
Read more...WearCheck demonstrates advanced condition monitoring at Electra Mining Wearcheck
News
Condition monitoring specialist WearCheck will demonstrate its used-oil analysis, fuel analysis, transformer chemistry and asset reliability services at Electra Mining Africa as the company marks 50 years of predictive maintenance expertise.
Read more...ACTOM invests in South Africa’s industrial future ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
ACTOM has transformed its Pretoria West facility into an integrated manufacturing hub for large power transformers, high-voltage equipment and lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, quadrupling transformer capacity and establishing a complete local energy storage ecosystem.
Read more...SA’s future engineers in action
News
AvenirHoldings sponsors the 2026 SAICE Aqualibrium Schools Competition, supporting young engineering talent across South Africa and Eswatini.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Turning the tide Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Our last few Sustainable Manufacturing guides have tracked the changes in the energy industry in South Africa. This year, I found that the story has moved on still further.
South Africa’s manufacturing ...
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version