News

Paterson Simons recently attended the Konecranes Lift Trucks Distributors Conference held in Dubai. This event brought together distributors from the Middle East and Africa region, offering valuable updates from Konecranes and shared insights from fellow distributors.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the Konecranes team, gain insights into upcoming product launches, and learn about technological advancements on the horizon.

Engaging with other dealers allowed us to exchange ideas, address common challenges, and offer assistance where possible, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

We extend our appreciation to Konecranes Lift Trucks for organizing this insightful conference. Here’s to a successful year ahead in 2024!

Imagery: Konecranes Lift Trucks

How would you like to save up to 35% of the fuel cost running your Lifttrucks?
How does a reduction of up to 35% in emissions sound to you?
Would you like to increase productivity, instantly?

Improve your Reach Stackers productivity with Flow Drive – an innovation from Konecranes! Here’s how:

What is flow drive?

Employing a hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT), Flow Drive efficiently controls power at low speeds, resulting in reduced wear, lower fuel consumption, and emissions for a robust engine that sustains optimal performance. The implementation of Flow Drive can lead to extended intervals between refueling and decreased maintenance, ultimately elevating the productivity of your Konecranes Reach Stackers significantly.

The direct benefits of Flow Drive from Konecranes result in fuel savings, increased efficiency & economical operation:

• Fuel Savings: Achieve a reduction of up to a 35% in fuel consumption and up to a 35% decrease in CO2 emissions
• Smooth and Economical Operation: Flow Drive results in lower emissions while improving performance, precision, and safety.
• Experience reduced maintenance costs (fewer gear stages and lower engine RPM)
• Increased Productivity and Efficiency: Faster acceleration compared to standard machines
• Seamless integration of full performance and ease of driving: Dynamic at low speeds, yet powerful at high speeds, with diminished wear and noise.
• Increased productivity with extended intervals between refueling.

How does it work?!

Boost Productivity with Flow Drive: Understanding its Impact on Your Operations

Featuring the HVT technology, Konecranes Lift Trucks’ Flow Drive concept ensures seamless and dynamic operations. Flow Drive not only curtails fuel consumption but also enhances the overall driver experience, extending active operation time. The unique design of the engine compartment is tailored to meet the specific demands of this driveline, presenting tangible benefits in daily operations and contributing to an overall increase in productivity. Konecranes customers like APM Terminals and  Mindener Hafen GmbH have benefited greatly from using Flow drive on their Konecranes Reach stackers.

Advantages for Reach Stacker Operators utilizing Flow Drive:

Low Noise: The machine operates quietly, particularly beneficial for night operators.
Smooth Operation: Functions seamlessly with no transmission issues, minimizing machine vibrations.
Improved Ease of Use: Operators express satisfaction with driving this machine, creating consistent demand.
Operator training is vital:
Proper training for operators is crucial for ensuring a smooth operational experience, resulting in minimal vibration and noise while operating the Konecranes Reach Stacker.

In Conclusion: save fuel, cut costs, increase productivity & enjoy a smooth and economical operation:

• Konecranes Flow Drive stands as a proven technical solution for Konecranes Reach Stackers.
• Konecranes Reach Stackers equipped with Flow Drive exhibit the highest performance within the Reach Stacker range.
• The Flow Drive option leads to reduced downtime and lower servicing costs.
• Boasts the lowest fuel consumption in the market, supported by a fuel consumption guarantee.
• An environmentally conscious choice.
• Demonstrates a proven lower total cost of ownership!

Godwin Awadzi, an esteemed member of the Pasico Ghana team based in Takoradi, has an impressive 29-year tenure with the company.

His journey within Pasico Ghana (a subsidiary to Paterson Simons) showcases his dedication, adaptability, and continuous pursuit of excellence.

Starting as a Light Duty Engineer, Godwin honed his skills while working on various machinery, including forklifts at the Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority and container lifters at the Takoradi Port. His commitment to his work and problem-solving abilities didn’t go unnoticed, leading to progression within the company.

Throughout his career, Godwin has had the opportunity to work closely with different managers and mentors, learning valuable lessons from each experience. He notably collaborated with the late William Kwabena Asiedu on Coles Cranes and Grove machines, specializing in hydraulics and undertaking extensive travel assignments across Ghana. Godwin went on to assuming the role of a Lifting Specialist on Grove Cranes and a Supervisor. His expertise in these areas underscores his passion for his work and commitment to excellence.

Outside of his professional endeavours, Godwin finds joy in farming. His reflections on his career at Pasico Ghana emphasize the company’s supportive environment, opportunities for skill development, and collaborative teamwork.

‘I like working at Pasico and I love my job because it exposes me to new fields of study. What surprises me is when I always meet new challenges I’m able to solve them and have more deep knowledge. The job has equipped me with new skills and the industry has a lot of trainings which equips us. At Pasico there is a good team collaboration, inspiration, good management to help and learn from each other. All in all you just have to tune yourself in the task you’re assigned to! You always have to believe in yourself, be focused and be content.’ – Godwin Awadzi

Godwin’s story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and self-belief in achieving success in one’s career.

His journey at Pasico Ghana reflects the company’s values of excellence, teamwork, and innovation.

Trelleborg and Paterson Simons recently conducted a joint visit to Meridian Port Services, (MPS), Tema and the Harbours Authority (GPHA) ports in Tema and Takoradi.

Trelleborg Marine Systems supply fenders and other products through the Paterson Simons Group into Ghana. Paterson Simons supply ports across Ghana as well as ports throughout the West African regions with Trelleborg’s outstanding fender and rubber products.

The range combines low reaction force and hull pressure with good angular performance and rugged construction. Every type of fixed and floating fender system is available including highly advanced Parallel Motion solutions which can reduce structural berthing loads by 50% or more.

When it comes to the installation of fenders in West Africa our team of specialised fender engineers can deliver and commission Trelleborg fenders no matter where your port is situated in West Africa. We will help you define the ideal fender for the structure of the port and quay, the best materials for the environment and the best design for long service life and low maintenance.

Thank you to the Trelleborg team, GPHA & MPS for your collaboration and support during this successful visit!

Paterson Simons was in attendance at the 2024 Investing in African Mining Indaba held in Cape Town from February 5th to 8th. The Mining Indaba is a premier event dedicated to advancing the capitalization and development of mining ventures across Africa.

We experienced a very positive and optimistic outlook from attendees at the Indaba. The general mood amongst attendees was receptive and forward looking, and we share this sense of optimism in the industry for the upcoming year and beyond!

Therefore, it is no surprise to us that this 30th edition of the Indaba was one of the most successful Mining Indabas to date, boasting a record attendance of 11,000 delegates from 126 countries.

As one of the largest annual gatherings in the mining industry, the event offers a comprehensive view of the African mining landscape, uniting visionaries and innovators from various sectors of the value chain. Moreover, the Mining Indaba remains committed to supporting education, career advancement, sustainable development, and other vital initiatives across the continent.

Paterson Simons partner with some of West Africa’s biggest mining operations, supplying cranes, forklifts and heavy lifting equipment and services across the region – under any circumstances.

Our expertise extends to mine sites in Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritania, Mali, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and Guinea Republic where our responsive sales, spares, and service departments ensure uninterrupted operations under challenging conditions. We deliver, commission, and maintain cranes, forklifts, and heavy lifting equipment to factory standards, regardless of location, earning the trust of mining clients who rely on our services to keep their operations running smoothly.

We are proud to represent leading global brands such as Konecranes, Manitowoc, Manitou, Grove, and Franna in the West African mining sector, further solidifying our commitment to excellence and reliability.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers of the Indaba for orchestrating another successful event, and we look forward to a promising future for mining in Africa!

Enhancing the Safety of Empty Container Handler Operators:

In dynamic operational environments, lift trucks face various potential incidents, including unfortunate accidents.

The Overhead Guard – Safety Cage from Konecranes deals with the significant damage that could be caused by an empty container failing from the above average heights empty containers are stacked at.

When heavy metal items or containers pose a risk of falling from above average heights, the consequences for an unprotected lift truck cabin can be severe.

By equipping your Konecranes empty container handlers with an Overhead Guard – Safety Cage, you can significantly elevate the standard FOPS cabin protection to improve operator safety against falling objects.

Maximize Protection from Aerial Hazards:

Lift trucks are frequently deployed in dynamic settings where accidents are regrettably possible. The aftermath of a high-impact collision with falling heavy metal goods or containers on an unprotected lift truck cabin can be catastrophic. Installing the Overhead Guard – Safety Cage becomes crucial to mitigate such risks and enhance operator safety.

Understanding the Overhead Guard Mechanism:

The Overhead Guard is a robust, cage-like metal structure positioned over the operator’s cabin. It is specifically designed to withstand impacts from falling objects, such as empty containers, while maintaining excellent visibility in all directions for safe vehicle operation.

Introducing the Safety Cage:

Functioning as a vital safeguard in challenging settings, the Safety Cage envelops the cabin in a sturdy, protective structure. Tailored for generation B & C models of Konecranes Empty Container Handlers, this Overhead Guard – Safety Cage ensures a perfect fit.

Don’t wait! Contact us now:

Reach out to the Paterson Simons parts team via the contact form at www.patersonsimons.com/contact/ to explore the comprehensive package offer.

Did you know that in 1962, Alimak revolutionized the approach to rack-and-pinion vertical access solutions by introducing the first rack-and-pinion-driven construction hoist?

And in 2001, Alimak merged its operations with the Dutch company Hek, which has been producing industrial elevators, construction hoists and work platforms since 1961.

Paterson Simons supply, install and maintain Alimak Hek industrial rack and pinion elevators in West Africa where they are used predominantly in ports on STS cranes and in cement plants.

Our on-the-ground crane engineering teams provide sales, service and repair services for STS rack-and-pinion lifts throughout the region.

Alimak Hek are committed to providing rack and pinion and traction elevator solutions to be used in the harshest and most hostile environments, where quality is a necessity.

See more about Alimak’s History here

Paterson Simons recently completed the replacement of a luffing cylinder for a Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbour Crane (MHC) at the West Africa Container Terminal in Onne, Nigeria (WACT).

Luffing, in the context of crane operation, refers to adjusting the crane’s boom movement either inward (luffing in) or outward (luffing out). This action is facilitated by a heavy-duty hydraulic cylinder, which houses a piston or piston rod. Over time, these cylinders might develop hydraulic oil leaks due to factors like worn-out seals or damage to the piston rod impacting the seals. When such leaks occur, the cylinder must be removed from the crane and either replaced with a new one or refurbished with new seals before reinstallation.

While the average service life of a cylinder is approximately 25,000 hours, there are instances where replacement becomes necessary before reaching this threshold. Factors contributing to premature replacement include the quality of cylinder seals, piston rod damage, oil quality, and adverse weather conditions.

Any luffing cylinder replacement should be subject to a rigorous job safety risk assessment but typical steps would include:

• Determining the cylinder’s weight to establish the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the required slings, belts, shackles, or chain blocks.
• Parking the crane in a clear area devoid of obstructions to ensure safety.
• Fully retracting the crane’s boom and securing it on a sturdy platform.
• Safely securing the cylinder using slings, shackles, and chain blocks.
• Removing the upper pin.
• Uninstalling the control clock.
• Adjusting the cylinder to a horizontal position and removing the lower pin.
• Lowering the cylinder to the ground using a supporting crane.
• (The reverse of these steps is followed to install a new cylinder.)
• After completion, performing small up-and-down movements of the boom to circulate hydraulic fluid throughout the system.
• Positioning the boom a measured distance (e.g., 10cm) above its resting point and monitoring it for an hour to detect any internal leakage. Once confirmed, the boom is fully raised, and a load test can be conducted.
• Fine-tuning pressure levels in the program to ensure proper speeds for various hydraulic operations of the crane.

Prioritizing the safety of both personnel and equipment is paramount during luffing cylinder replacement. Utilizing certified equipment and components is crucial. For enhanced safety, additional measures such as securing slings around the cylinder and loosely securing these at specific points on the boom and tower lugs should be considered.

Thank you to Anthony Udo and the Paterson Simons Nigeria team for the successful execution of this project.

It was a pleasure reconnecting with Andrew Partridge from Terberg during a recent visit at our Brighton Head office last month.

Since 2012, Paterson Simons has proudly served as Terberg distributors. The Terberg brand is renowned for its robust industrial automotive equipment, particularly their specialized port and yard tractors.

These reliable machines have been extensively utilized in West and Central Africa, where our customers have put the vehicles to the test in challenging West and Central African conditions.

The widespread adoption of Terberg vehicles in the region attests to their superior build quality and outstanding performance!

In the accompanying photo, from left to right, you can see James Heels from Paterson Simons, Andrew Partridge from Terberg, and Mark Chiocca from Paterson Simons.

In October 2023, the GPHA Tema team, visited Trelleborg’s Qingdao-based manufacturing facility in China.

This visit was part of a sale plus installation of over 100 pieces of fenders, made up of MV300, ANP300, ANP500 and SCN1400 models at the Tema Harbour.

During the visit, Trelleborg provided comprehensive insights into their diverse product range and global operations, with a specific focus on the products manufactured at the Qingdao facility. The delegation had the opportunity to observe various facets of the manufacturing process, including the laboratory, raw materials, extrusion, product testing, final assembly, and packaging. The team also embarked on a three-hour journey to explore the steel factory.

The Top image was taken at the factory where the rubber part of the fenders were produced. From left to right are: Baba Musah Iddrisu – GPHA; Joseph Tetteh Commey – GPHA; Yassin Seker – Trelleborg; Oliver Zhang – Trelleborg, Kowu Devine Kwame – GPHA & Moses Essel Ahun – Pasico Ghana.

The accompanying images showcase the rubber production section and the steel production area within the factory.

For additional information, you can find more details about Trelleborg here.