SDLG fleet goes beyond expectations at Indian seaport

August 12, 2014

Swayam Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd handles over 2 million tons of cargo each year at four ports across the Indian state of Gujarat. At the country’s biggest private docks, Mundra Port, the cargo-handling specialist uses a fleet of 10 SDLG Wheel Loaders to load and unload precious wood shipments.

The western Indian state of Gujarat experiences diverse weather conditions with mild, dry winters, extremely hot summers (reaching over 49°C) and a wet and humid monsoon season. The climate provides the perfect conditions for over 400 species of tree to grow – including the most abundant, Neem. Swayam Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd specializes in handling, storing and transporting Pine, Neem and hardwood timber logs at four ports along the 1,600 km Gujarat coastline using a fleet of five SDLG LG938L and five SDLG LG958 Wheel Loaders to move cargo for 10 hours a day.

Swayam Shipping Services was founded 20 years ago and has since grown to be one of the region’s major players. And, over the years, careful handling of the timber has become more and more important.

“Timber comes in various categories and can be hard or soft,” explains Keyur Thakrar, the company’s director. “Delicate handling is essential to ensure no damage is caused to the logs. Previously we were using big machines that were cumbersome and it took a long time to load and unload a vessel carefully. So when it came to changing our fleet, we took advice from our local dealer – Sarvajit Construction Equipment (CE) Services – to find a solution.”

R Narasimhan, dealer principal at Sarvajit CE Services, advised Thakrar to use a smaller Wheel Loader and introduced him to the 3 ton SDLG LG938L fitted with a locally sourced log grappler attachment. “It’s as though the machine was perfectly engineered for our site,” Thakrar continues. “It’s able to handle both soft and hard timbers delicately – but importantly, the machines are still quick, reliable and efficient.”

Beyond the call of duty

The 3 t LG938L wheel loader is designed to be agile, productive and fuel efficient, featuring the powerful and reliable German-designed Deutz 6.1 l tier IVi certified engine. The air-conditioned cab with AM/FM radio and USB interface is designed for operator comfort, whatever the weather. While the hydraulic quick coupler and in-cab activation switch allows the operator to switch easily and quickly from one attachment to another.

While some customers perceive Chinese-made construction equipment to be lower in quality – because of a lower purchase price – Shandong Lingong Machinery Co., Ltd (the manufacturer of SDLG equipment) is changing these perceptions by ensuring its manufacturing and design processes are benchmarked against the world’s best to eliminate waste, improve efficiency and deliver the best quality. In addition, SDLG has strategically located parts depots – including a parts warehouse in Bangalore, India – to shorten lead times as well as an established global dealer network that offers qualified technical support on site, even in the most remote locations.

“Sarvajit CE Services really does go beyond the call of duty to ensure our machines are kept up and running,” Thakrar explains. “Our first challenge we presented to them was our requirement for a full fuel tank to last 24 hours at a time – but this was no problem as Sarvajit ensured we had a fuel tank extension fitted. The company listen keenly and take the time to understand our business needs. But best of all, they live up to – and even exceed – our expectations in terms of sales and service support.”

The five LG938L wheel loaders have been in operation at the Swayam Shipping Services’ site for 16 months and have racked up over 16,000 operational hours between them. Thakrar confirms that they’ve experienced zero defects – where other brands of equipment have frequent faults. In fact, he has been so impressed with the performance of the SDLG wheel loaders, that he’s taken delivery of five more SDLG 5 ton LG958 wheel loaders.

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