Intermediate Equipment Handbook
Intech Associates
Box 1
PROBLEMS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH SOPHISTICATED IMPORTED HEAVY
EQUIPMENT FOR ROADWORKS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Operational:
Dedicated function (can only be used for one operation)
Inter-dependence (e.g. dozer, loader, trucks, motorgrader, bowser, roller all required
for gravelling – fleet idle when ONE link in the chain breaks down #)
Lack of continuity of workload for plant items of dedicated function
Usually based at locations remote from worksites – plant transporters required and
long mobilization/demobilization distances involved
Technical:
High pressure hydraulic systems
Sophisticated mechanisms and hydraulics
Disposable components; difficult to repair or refurbish
Local Support and Equipment Maintenance:
Limited local market for equipment sales of each model
Specialist repair and maintenance skills, tools and facilities required (often only
available in the capital city or regional centre)
Few dealers able to provide the necessary close support
Long spares supply lines and delivery times
Frequent model ‘improvements’ causing spares stocking and procurement problems
and ‘planned’ obsolescence
Cost:
All equipment and spares imported – consuming scarce foreign exchange
High capital and finance costs
High costs of stocking and provision of spares
RESULT - low availability & high overall costs!
# Breakdowns are usually power unit or transmission related. By comparison, tractor
power units can be reassigned between tasks if a breakdown occurs.
Source: Intech Associates
Preliminary investigations in many countries have identified the potential for
considerable construction and maintenance works cost savings and beneficial
flexibility from the introduction of wheeled tractor based technologies and
Intermediate Equipment approaches. These approaches could be adopted by
both own-force and the contracting sector to achieve the following key benefits:
Substantially reduced capital investment and importation requirements
Substantially reduced unit costs for a range of works items
October 2012
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