BARLOWORLD EQUIPMENT CSAs KEEPS NADASENS ON THE MOVE
The success of Barloworld Equipment’s Customer Service Agreement (CSA) strategy in maintaining long-term Caterpillar brand loyalty is demonstrated by such customers as Nadasens Transport of Durban, which has a fleet of 20 Cat machines. It acquired its first Cat 920 wheel loader in 1970, and this machine is still in operation.
Morgan, Yogan and Athimulam Nadasen with one of the very first Cat 920 wheel loaders acquired by Nadasens Transport.
Stephen McMaster, customer services representative at Barloworld Equipment’s Durban office, explains that a CSA is a service contract covering Cat filters and oils at a fixed rate for 12 months. The CSA operates from December to December, with McMaster paying a visit to Nadasens at least once a month, or sooner in case of any emergency.
“Customers such as Nadasens understand they can only realise the full potential of their Cat fleet by utilising Barloworld Equipment’s support and service offering. Materials handling is an expensive operation that consumes large volumes of oils and filters. Our responsibility from a customer service point of view is to save our customers money in the long run. Nadasen’s long-term loyalty is a sterling testament in this regard,” says McMaster.
Stephen McMaster, customer services representative at Barloworld Equipment in Durban, with the 85-year-old founder of Nadasens Transport, Anthimulam Nadasen.
Athimulam Nadasen, who established the transportation business in 1946 with a single 1939 Dodge, originally did business with Thomas Barlow & Sons, the company that ultimately became Barloworld Equipment. Athimulan also dealt with Grinaker-LTA in its original form as a reinforcing steel merchant, O Grinaker, as well as Roberts Construction (now Murray & Roberts), Frankipile, Stevenson Construction, Readymix Concrete and industry in general in the Durban area.
Major materials handling contracts for the growing company included housing developments in Chatsworth and Merebank, diversion of the Umlaas Canal for the Durban International Airport for Garrett Construction, work on the Southern Freeway, and a hotel development for Rhodes Construction. “From humble beginnings we established a viable and competitive niche for bulk materials handling and supply chain management,” Athimulam says.
Nadasens’ breakthrough into the mining industry came with it clinching a major municipal contract in 1961 from the Durban municipality to dredge and transport sand for the development of the current Umlazi township.
Up to that point Nadasens had been mining its own sandpit using manual methods, with Athimulam winning the respect of his 12 staff by stepping in with a spade himself. To supplement its single dragline, Nadasens acquired a Hough wheel loader. However, the Hough product experienced continual breakdowns in the harsh and demanding operating environment of sand mining.
Nadasens approached Thomas Barlow & Sons about acquiring one of the very first Cat 920 wheel loaders in South Africa, featuring centre articulation and all-wheel drive. “I paid the princely sum of R16 500 for our first Cat 920 wheel loader, which is still in operation today at a landfill site,” Athimulam says. This Cat 920 still has its original engine and transmission. Athimulam is also the proud owner of its original purchase certificate.
“Nadasens is linked inextricably with the history of Barloworld Equipment and Caterpillar in South Africa. Its decision to opt for Cat equipment, and its subsequent loyal support of Barloworld Equipment’s CSA offering, is a sterling testament to the value that can be added to our customers’ businesses by means of a total package solution,” McMaster explains. “Any equipment is only as good as the support offered along with it, and the extent of the customer’s buy-in into this holistic philosophy.”
One of the original Cat 920 wheel loaders acquired by Nadasens Transport. These tried-and-tested workhorses are still proudly at work, testament to their reliability and durability.
Caterpillar offers a complete range of wheel loaders, including the world’s largest, the 994D. At the smaller scale, the 924G is one of the most versatile wheel loaders in the world. Size, power, performance and inter-changeability of work tools make this the ideal machine for a wide range of jobs. The 924G is designed and built for maximum performance. The powerful Caterpillar power train, new load-sensing hydraulic system and VersaLink loader linkage all combine to give more output than ever before from a machine this size.
The VersaLink loader linkage extends reach even further, and allows dumping over higher targets. Line of sight is also improved because the new linkage and quick coupler are streamlined for exceptional visibility of the bucket or work tool. The cab surrounds the operator with over 30% more glass, while inside advanced ergonomics enhances the operator’s environment.
The latest development in the Caterpillar wheel loader range is the introduction of the new H Series, which is essentially the older GII Series with new-technology ACERT engines. These engines are compliant with Stage 3 emissions regulations without compromising reliability, performance, maintenance costs or durability.
Nadasens has acquired a Cat wheel loader every two years since its first Cat 920. Morgan and Yogan Nadasen, sons of the 85-year-old Athimulan, explain that the company has retained its old Cat 920 wheel loaders because these are reliable and tried-and-tested workhorses. Nadasens Transport’s fleet comprises includes Cat 920, Cat 950 and Cat 966 wheel loaders. It also has a Cat 816 landfill compactor, a Cat dozer and a Cat 428 TLB.
For further information please contact SEAN WALSH on +27 031 569 8500