Port Shepstone, KZN-based ProTrans Plant & Civils has built its reputation on a reliable quality service so any equipment the company operates needs to display the same characteristics.

“My brother Peter and I started the company in 1995 with a 15-year-old tipper truck and in the intervening period we have grown our fleet to 30 items of plant while building up strong relationships with the KZN Department of Transport, the Hibiscus Coast Municipality, Stefanutti & Stocks and a number of emerging contractors,” co-owner of the company, James Nair told Leading Equipment.

Nair explained that the company’s forté is in mass earthworks for road building and maintenance, specialising in access and rural road construction in KZN and the Eastern Cape.

“It’s very important to us, especially when working on the often-remote rural roads, to have machines that are rugged and do not break down. This is why we now own four Mitsubishi MG460 motor graders from ELB Equipment. Based on a philosophy of “keep it simple”, these 17.5-ton workhorses have shown that they are reliable and easy to maintain. We don’t need a machine that has all the ‘bells and whistles’ that needs a specialist technician to fix it,” Nair said.

HIGH VALUE

Motor grader technology has taken giant strides forward over recent years and following the success of the Mitsubishi smaller 30 series, the range was extended by introducing the more advanced high production 60 series graders for use on large construction sites.

The 60 series is fitted with Mitsubishi’s proven high-capacity 6D24 engine and features variable horsepower (VHP) which provides an overall 11% increase in machine performance. The Mitsubishi 6D24-TUN engine offers excellent fuel efficiency and high torque for powerful lugging performance.

Fitted with the eight-speed F/R direct drive planetary transmission, the 60 series provides gear ratios to suit all grading applications from heavy ripping to light maintenance.

Mitsubishi’s front frame and rear section is specifically designed to provide high strength and durability. Front and rear axle weight distribution is ideal, providing exceptional blade (mouldboard) down pressure. The machine can be set in bank cutting mode from the operator’s cab to cut 90˚ left or right.

Operator Comfort and Visibility:

Operator comfort is at a premium in the cabin. The spacious cabin incorporates automotive styling and features aimed at maximizing the operator’s productivity.

Industry standard levers, gauges and switches are ergonomically located to enhance machine operation. The suspension seat is fully adjustable to accommodate any operator regardless of posture or weight.

Noise levels are below industry standards due to the acoustic design of the cabin. All-round work site vision from the operator platform is unrestricted with blade (mouldboard) and rear implement (ripper/scarifier). Visibility is exceptional due to the large front and rear windscreens. All windows are tinted as standard.

The MG460 series is articulated with a total operating weight of approximately 17,7t and has a Mitsubishi 6D24 TUN with V.H.P. (Variable Horsepower), water-cooled four-cycle, in-line six cylinder direct injection diesel engine with turbocharger developing 138 kW at 2000 rpm and massive 925 Nm torque at a nominal 1200 rpm. Engine displacement is 11946 cc.

Together with the four Mitsubishi graders, ProTrans also owns four Sumitomo excavators and four Sakai rollers, all from ELB Equipment. “We have built up a strong and close relationship with ELB and they have provided us with exemplary advice and after-sales support, Nair concluded.