IFI_PG41_42_CRANES_TRUCKS:proof 01
5/10/09
16:31
Page 41
OPERATION FOCUS – CRANES & TRUCKS Sales have increased globally for the simple Botex design
Simple solution proves popular The basic timber crane under the Botex brand is manufactured in the UK but has found an international market thanks to its simple design and low maintenance requirements
The Botex crane completes a full load
B
otex heavy duty forest loaders and trailers have been built in the UK since 1983. Originally intended as handling systems for the UK market, they can now be found as far afield as New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Africa and South America. Why, you may ask, would a manufacturer like Botex have a constantly full order book when some other manufacturers are struggling to maintain sales figures? According to John Wilson, Partner and Sales Director of manufacturers EFM (a Botex distributor through sister company Jas. P Wilson), there are a number of reasons for their success. Since the beginning, Botex has combined heavy lifting ability (the 500 series crane lifts around 2 t at close quarters) with totally fabricated steel design, which allows major repairs to be carried out easily with the minimum of facilities. Botex does not use cast sections in either its slewing base or grapple manufacture as a failure in these areas usually requires a major rebuild or replacement of the unit. Simplicity of design also allows almost all of the crane sections to be manufactured in house, which therefore avoids the need to stock large volumes at any one time. The only bought-in components are hydraulic control valves, rotator, hydraulic pipes, rams and gears. These are purchased as high quality items from their major suppliers. Botex has almost 100% spare parts stocking at all times. As the majority of export sales are direct to
the end user, this allows the product to be purchased at a price that compares favourably with lighter weight units in the destination country. Trailers can also be supplied in a variety of sizes and designs although some users will occasionally have their trailer manufactured locally (also to a design supplied by Botex) if transport costs on a single unit become prohibitive. They can also purchase the trailer in sections for assembly upon arrival. Many Botex products are however sold through distributors and a number have been sold into Argentina and Uruguay by agents. This is a little more complex as they tend to supply the large processing companies who thereafter distribute to the users. Other agencies are currently being discussed. Most users will combine a Botex crane with a timber trailer either with the crane mounted on the trailer or by mounting the crane on a tractor. The reason
As the majority of export sales are direct to the end user, this allows the product to be purchased at a price that compares favourably with lighter weight units in the destination country
OCTOBER 2009 | International Forest Industries 41