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With Legrand – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
15/12/2025

With Legrand – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

Africa Needs Grids to Move Power from Renewable Energy Projects to End UsersAfrica stands at a defining moment in its en...
11/12/2025

Africa Needs Grids to Move Power from Renewable Energy Projects to End Users

Africa stands at a defining moment in its energy transition. With some of the world’s richest solar, wind and hydro resources, the continent is rapidly scaling up renewable energy generation. However, a critical bottleneck threatens to derail this progress: the lack of adequate, modern and interconnected power grid infrastructure to move electricity from generation sites to where it is needed most.

Across the continent, hundreds of renewable energy projects – from utility-scale solar farms in the Sahel to wind parks along Africa’s coastlines – are unable to connect to national or regional grids due to limited transmission capacity, outdated infrastructure and insufficient investment in new power corridors. This growing gap between power production and power delivery is now one of the most urgent challenges facing Africa’s clean energy ambitions.
According to global energy bodies, Africa currently accounts for less than 3% of global electricity grid length, despite being home to nearly 18% of the world’s population. At the same time, the continent will require over USD 200 billion in transmission and distribution investments by 2040 to support projected demand growth, integrate renewables and expand access to underserved regions.

“Renewable energy is only as powerful as the network that delivers it,” says a spokesperson for the Africa Energy Indaba. “We are seeing significant momentum in project development, but without grid expansion and reinforcement, these projects risk becoming stranded assets. This is an infrastructure challenge, but also an economic and social opportunity.”

Africa’s grid challenge goes far beyond technical constraints. It directly impacts:
• Energy access: Over 600 million Africans still lack reliable electricity
• Industrialisation: Manufacturing and beneficiation depend on stable power supply
• Job creation: Grid expansion is a major source of skilled and semi-skilled employment
• Regional trade: Cross-border transmission enables power pooling and energy security
• Climate targets: Grids are essential to integrate intermittent renewables at scale
In markets such as South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and Egypt, grid congestion has already led to project delays and curtailments, despite strong investor appetite for renewables. Meanwhile, several power utilities are struggling with aging infrastructure, technical losses (which can exceed 20% in some countries), and limited capital for upgrades.

The rise of new energy hubs, including green hydrogen valleys, EV manufacturing zones, data centres, battery storage sites and industrial corridors, is further intensifying the need for resilient and intelligent grids – including smart substations, HVDC transmission, microgrids, and digital monitoring systems.
The Africa Energy Indaba 2026, taking place from 3 – 5 March in Cape Town, will place a strong focus on this critical issue.

A dedicated programme will spotlight:

• Transmission and distribution investment pipelines
• Grid financing and de-risking models
• Regional interconnectors and power pools
• Smart grids and digital technologies
• Public-private partnerships for infrastructure rollout
• The role of international partners and DFIs in funding grid expansion

Ministers, utilities, regulators, developers, EPCs, technology providers, financiers and multilateral institutions will converge to shape a coordinated response to Africa’s grid imperative.
“Grids are no longer just wires and substations – they are the backbone of Africa’s new economic future,” adds the spokesperson. “Without them, the energy transition will remain an ambition instead of a reality.”

The time for decisive investment is now. Building modern, flexible and interconnected grids is not just a power-sector priority – it is a foundational requirement for Africa’s industrial growth, climate leadership and inclusive development.

From Flares to Value: NNPC/Heirs Energies Lead Responsible Gas Commercialisation at OML 17The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17...
10/12/2025

From Flares to Value: NNPC/Heirs Energies Lead Responsible Gas Commercialisation at OML 17

The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture today advanced Nigeria’s gas commercialisation and environmental stewardship agenda with the symbolic signing of Gas Flare Commercialisation Agreements under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and approved Non-NGFCP frameworks.
The ceremony marks a significant transition from regulatory approvals to structured commercial ex*****on, enabling flare gas volumes across OML 17 to be captured and deployed for productive use, including power generation, industrial applications, LPG and CNG, in alignment with Nigeria’s gas development priorities and energy-transition objectives.

The agreements bring together Heirs Energies, as operator of the OML 17 Joint Venture, and approved flare gas offtakers - AUT Gas, Twems Energies, Gas & Power Infrastructure Development Limited (GPID), PCCD and Africa Gas & Transport Company Limited (AGTC) - under frameworks designed to eliminate routine flaring while converting previously wasted resources into economic value.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, representing NNPC Limited, described the milestone as a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to gas-based development.

“For us at NNPC Limited and NUIMS, flare gas commercialisation is not a compliance exercise; it is a strategic pathway to improving energy availability, deepening gas-based industrialisation and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a responsible energy producer. OML 17 has become a practical model of this vision, moving decisively from approval to delivery.”

He commended Heirs Energies for disciplined ex*****on and investment, noting that the JV continues to set benchmarks for operational delivery and gas development within Nigeria’s upstream sector.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Ojo Olalekan Ezekiel, Senior Manager, NUPRC, on behalf of the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, FNSE. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the implementation of flare gas commercialisation projects and ensuring that operators and offtakers are enabled to deliver bankable, environmentally responsible gas-to-market solutions in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

“This ceremony demonstrates Heirs Energies’ commitment to eliminating routine gas flaring across OML 17 and aligns fully with the Commission’s Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme and national energy and emission-reduction objectives,” the NUPRC representative said.

Heirs Energies’ Chief Executive Officer, Osa Igiehon, noted that the agreements reflect the company’s broader gas-led strategy and brownfield excellence approach, focused on creating long-term value for Nigeria.

“Gas sits at the heart of Nigeria’s development journey. Through disciplined investment, partnership with regulators and credible offtakers, and a clear ex*****on focus, we are converting waste into value, strengthening domestic energy supply and supporting responsible operations across OML 17,” he said.

The NGFCP and Non-NGFCP flare gas projects build on recent operational progress by the OML 17 Joint Venture, including a significant increase in gas delivery to the domestic market through brownfield interventions and infrastructure optimisation. The JV has also continued to deepen its host-community partnerships through targeted healthcare interventions, education support and skills-development programmes across its areas of operation.

With the symbolic signing completed, the flare gas offtakers are expected to progress into full project implementation, working closely with the JV, regulators and communities to deliver commercial, environmental and social outcomes.
The OML 17 NGFCP initiative reinforces Nigeria’s position as a gas-led economy, supporting domestic power generation, industrial growth and responsible resource development while advancing the country’s energy-transition objectives.

Pop-Up boxes bring modular power and data solutions to modern furnitureLegrand has introduced the latest Incara Pop-Up b...
09/12/2025

Pop-Up boxes bring modular power and data solutions to modern furniture
Legrand has introduced the latest Incara Pop-Up boxes to the Southern African market, providing an integrated, modular, aesthetically-pleasing solution for power and data connections within furniture.

This new range meets a growing need locally for reliable, unobtrusive connection points in modern spaces, particularly where flexible working patterns require accessible power and charging.

The Incara range is designed to blend discreetly into modern interiors, while giving users immediate access to sockets and fast-charging interfaces. The compact design allows installation in spaces where depth is limited, including above drawers, offering greater flexibility for commercial and residential environments.

An important feature is this system is that it can be adapted to the existing furniture configuration and installed close to the user to carry high and low current functions.

These Pop-Up units are available in four- and eight-module formats, supporting a wide selection of Arteor functions for power and data. This configuration enables specifiers to tailor solutions to the requirements of offices, meeting rooms, hospitality facilities and home-working environments.

The mechanism opens smoothly via a wide activation button and a damped cover, which improves ease of use, while helping to prevent accidental damage. An IP44 rating applies when the cover is closed, enhancing protection in the event of accidental spillage of liquids.

The modern finishes – brushed Aluminium, Aluminium, white and black – are designed to coordinate with contemporary furniture surfaces. Impressive features intended to integrate with working surfaces include the sleek, low-profile appearance when closed and the flush aluminium lid. The body of the unit is designed to sit neatly beneath a counter, reducing impact on drawers or internal clearances.

The functional range includes power sockets and data provisions, as well as support for portable device charging. Arteor USB Type-C power delivery chargers are a key optional function within the system, to assist users in maintaining productivity throughout the day.

Legrand is supplying the latest 45 W USB-C Power Delivery charging modules to the local market, in place of the older 20 W version. These modules automatically negotiate the appropriate charging profile with the connected device to optimise charging performance for laptops, tablets and smartphones. Advanced technology ensures these Pop-Up units are suitable for high-demand devices used in professional, commercial and educational environments.

Legrand products conform with stringent local and international quality and safety specifications. The range features innovative designs to meet exact user requirements, also allowing for simple, flexible and efficient installation.

For more information, customers can refer to the full Incara Pop-Up product brochure (incara-pop-up.pdf) or contact Legrand South Africa.
Legrand

Torque limiting solutions protect drive equipment against overloadBMG’s Power Transmission division has extended its ran...
05/12/2025

Torque limiting solutions protect drive equipment against overload

BMG’s Power Transmission division has extended its range of Rexnord products to include Rexnord’s Autoguard torque limiters. These devices have been designed to protect machinery, enhance reliability and minimise downtime in demanding industrial environments.

“In local industries – including wineries and breweries, mining, cement, sugar milling and bulk materials handling – where conveyor blockages, crusher jams and process surges are common, torque limiters play an important role in protecting high-value equipment,” states Carlo Beukes, Business Unit Manager, BMG’s Power Transmission division, BMG. “Rexnord Autoguard torque limiters efficiently protect drive equipment against overload, thus preventing damage and minimising downtime in industries that depend on continuous operation. Unlike conventional mechanical shear pins or friction devices, the Autoguard system offers optimum performance and repeatable accuracy, with minimal maintenance requirements.

“BMG technical experts are able to specify torque-limiting solutions matched precisely to heavy-load operating conditions, through sizing, alignment and commissioning assistance. The team also provides a dependable back-up support service via the company’s extensive branch network.”

“Rexnord Autoguard torque limiters protect drive systems by mechanically disconnecting the drive when the preset torque limit is reached. Once the overload condition clears, the unit resets automatically, allowing operation to resume without manual intervention. These robust devices prevent mechanical damage to motors, gearboxes and couplings and reduce unplanned downtime in continuous process environments.”

The Autoguard range covers torque capacities from approximately 3 Nm to 45 000 Nm, allowing selection for light, medium and heavy-duty applications, including conveyors, mixers, crushers and process machinery.

These torque limiters comprise a mechanism that provides precise, repeatable disengagement and consistent performance over many cycles. Units can be installed in standard shaft and coupling configurations and are suitable for both new assemblies and retrofit projects.

BMG’s Regal Rexnord power transmission components also include industrial gear units, low-speed backstops, idlers, couplings, bearings and shaft locking assemblies. Other important components are Falk True Hold low speed backstops and Rexnord Omega and Viva elastomeric couplings.

As the official Rexnord partner in Southern Africa, BMG offers comprehensive technical support – from product selection and sizing, to installation, commissioning and after-sales service.

This partnership combines Rexnord’s advanced products with BMG’s technical expertise and a wide branch network, ensuring that customers in diverse industries benefit from reliable system protection, optimised uptime and lower total cost of ownership.

BMG

Molefe Copper Mine in Zambia Set for Expansion Through Jubilee-Galileo PartnershipJubilee Metals and Galileo Resources F...
03/12/2025

Molefe Copper Mine in Zambia Set for Expansion Through Jubilee-Galileo Partnership

Jubilee Metals and Galileo Resources Form Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Molefe Copper Mine Development in Zambia

Johannesburg- and London-listed Jubilee Metals Group has signed a cooperation and project development agreement with Galileo Resources to fast-track exploration and development at the Molefe copper mine in Zambia. Under the deal, Galileo can earn up to a 23.75% interest in the project by investing $700,000 in resource development work.

The agreement leverages Jubilee’s operational and processing expertise in Zambia alongside Galileo’s exploration and geological capabilities, allowing each company to focus on core workstreams, including:

Day-to-day operational management

Design and construction of an on-site processing plant

Expanded drilling and exploration at Molefe and surrounding areas

Earn-In Terms and Ownership Structure

Galileo will earn its 23.75% shareholding in the Molefe mine’s holding company by completing the agreed exploration and resource definition program within eight months. Upon completion:

Jubilee will retain a 71.25% interest

A local Zambian company will hold 5%

Jubilee’s existing investment in the mine will be structured as a combination of an interest-bearing capital loan and a non-interest-bearing shareholder loan, with preferential earnings applied to the capital loan until fully repaid.

Current Operations and Expansion Plans

Molefe is currently operational and supplying high-grade ore to Jubilee’s Sable refinery, with production increasing to 4,500 tonnes per month of run-of-mine ore at over 2% copper. Approximately 2.2 million tonnes of lower-grade ore (0.7% copper) have been stockpiled on site since October.

The planned on-site processing facility will treat both new ore and stockpiled material. The expanded exploration and drilling program aims to grow the resource base for mine planning and confirm the potential identified by Jubilee.

Governance and Joint Committees

The agreement establishes executive committees to oversee the project:

Jubilee will nominate two members, including the chairperson

Galileo will nominate one member

After the earn-in, board representation will follow the shareholding structure, with Jubilee appointing two directors and Galileo one director.

Potential for Expansion

The partnership may extend to additional contiguous exploration areas secured by Jubilee around Molefe. These areas are considered highly prospective and could allow the companies to replicate the development model used at Molefe.

CEO Commentary

“We are delighted to have a partner with such an established record in Zambia for the co-development of Molefe. The combined skill set of both teams is seldom available for a single mining project of this size,” said Jubilee CEO Leon Coetzer.

Coetzer emphasized that the agreement allows Jubilee to focus on operations and processing development, while Galileo manages mine planning and resource measurement, leveraging its decades of experience in Zambia and across Africa.

“The joint shareholding ensures a common purpose to develop this opportunity and deliver shareholder returns – potentially one of the most significant copper deposits in Zambia’s Central Province,” he added.

This collaboration positions the Molefe mine as a rapidly advancing project with strong potential to contribute significantly to Zambia’s copper production and mining sector growth.

Five-decade partnership delivers dependable lubrication solutionsFive-decade partnership delivers dependable lubrication...
02/12/2025

Five-decade partnership delivers dependable lubrication solutions

Five-decade partnership delivers dependable lubrication solutions
BMG – an authorised distributor for over 50 years of Bijur Delimon lubrication systems – supplies and supports the full range of manual and fully automated lubrication equipment throughout Southern and Central Africa.

“Through this partnership – which has been in place since1974 – we are able to offer the local market Bijur Delimon’s global lubrication technology, designed for automated and manual delivery of oil and grease in demanding environments. This advanced equipment is enhanced by BMG’s on-site engineering capability and technical support that extends equipment life and improves lubrication reliability in every day plant operation,” explains Taylor Black, Business Development Manager, Fluid Tech Projects BMG’s Fluid Technology division.

“Our Fluid Technology team designs and installs manual and fully automated lubrication systems – with Progressive, Dualine and injector-based configurations – tailored to specific equipment duty cycles and lubrication point counts. This equipment is suitable for use in many industries – from medium-duty manufacturing, to demanding conditions found in cement and mining.”

BMG’s Bijur Delimon product portfolio comprises single-line resistance systems, Dualine systems, progressive divider technologies, gear-spray systems and positive displacement injectors. Every system is designed to enhance reliability, reduce friction and ensure precise lubrication delivery in light, medium and heavy industrial machinery.

The single-line resistance system range, with manual and automatic options, offers compact and economical operation and is recommended for light to medium machinery, requiring up to 100 lubrication points. Dualine lubrication systems, including the Farval Dualine range, are supplied for continuous-duty applications in mining, steel, pulp and paper and machine tools. These systems use paired supply lines to alternately deliver lubricant via Dualine valves, with central stations, reversing valves and controllers forming part of the configuration.

Bijur Delimon’s progressive lubrication systems, which operate through modular divider valves driven by robust pumps, are recommended for medium-duty applications. The divider block design enables proportioned lubricant output to multiple bearing points, with discharge determined by piston diameter selection. These systems allow maintenance teams to easily add or remove divider blocks, without disturbing installed pipework. This is an important feature which enables service continuity in high-utilisation plants.

BMG provides Bijur Delimon gear-spray systems for external gear drives used in cement, mining, iron ore and kiln operations. These installations apply lubricant to pinion and ring gears at controlled intervals, reducing friction and limiting gear wear. In older installations, asphalt-based lubricants were typically used, but in newer systems, the use of synthetic lubricants reduces downtime and extends gear life. Automated control equipment, air-pressure regulation and divider-block manifolds now form part of typical configurations.

Positive displacement injector systems are recommended for low to medium pressure oil or grease circuits requiring precise, adjustable dosing. Injectors operate sequentially once system pressure is achieved, enabling single manifolds to deliver different quantities of lubricant to multiple friction points.

Bijur Delimon lubrication systems are available from BMG in South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Angola, Namibia, the DRC, Tanzania and Ghana.

BMG

ASP Fire stresses fire safety for above-ground petroleum storage facilitiesAbove-ground storage tanks (ASTs) play a crit...
27/11/2025

ASP Fire stresses fire safety for above-ground petroleum storage facilities

Above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) play a critical role in the handling of petroleum products, particularly in refineries, fuel depots, and bulk distribution hubs. However, their very design and function mean that they present some of the highest fire risks in the energy and petrochemical sectors. ASP Fire, a leader in fire-risk management and safety engineering, is emphasising the importance of specialised fire protection strategies to safeguard facilities, communities, and the environment.

“Unlike underground systems, above-ground tanks are directly exposed to environmental conditions, mechanical damage, and operational hazards,” explains ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk. “This exposure, combined with the inherent volatility of fuels, makes them highly vulnerable to ignition sources. Once ignited, petroleum products stored in bulk have the potential to escalate a small incident into a large-scale fire or explosion.”

Effective protection of AST facilities requires a combination of compliant engineering design, specialised suppression systems, and strict operational controls. South African standards such as SANS 10131, together with international codes from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), provide detailed guidelines on tank spacing, bund wall construction, emergency venting, foam application rates, and fixed versus mobile suppression options.

Fire scenarios at AST sites often involve complex interactions between heat, vapour release, and structural integrity. “If the tank shell is exposed to prolonged radiant heat, there is a risk of boil-over or structural collapse, which can spread burning fuel over a wide area. That is why a properly engineered fire protection system must be in place, not only to detect and suppress flames, but also to prevent escalation,” notes van Niekerk.

ASP Fire’s approach integrates risk assessment, hazard modelling, and system design tailored to each site’s configuration. This includes evaluating the placement of tanks, the volume and type of petroleum stored, ignition probability, and the adequacy of firefighting resources. The company also focuses on ensuring emergency response planning is aligned with the technical realities of AST fires, which often require high-capacity foam delivery, cooling water systems, and coordination with local fire authorities.

“Every above-ground storage facility has unique risks depending on its layout and operating conditions,” van Niekerk concludes. “Our role is to combine technical expertise with practical solutions that deliver real protection. Fire safety in petroleum storage is non-negotiable. It is the foundation of operational continuity and community safety.”

Driving renewable energy across AfricaPresident Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the billions newly pledged to expand renewa...
25/11/2025

Driving renewable energy across Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the billions newly pledged to expand renewable energy across Africa, emphasising that the need now is for implementation and ensuring that the funds are spent on the right people.

Driving renewable energy across Africa

At the Global Citizen Scaling Up Renewables in Africa event, investment pledges from Team Europe and private sector players amounted to €15.5 billion.

“The funding pledged today is only the first step. The real test will lie in implementation. That is where we will see whether the pledges made today will indeed be realised. The money must be spent here in Africa to realise the dreams of African people on this continent,” Ramaphosa said.

He was speaking at the Global Citizen Scaling Up Renewables in Africa event in Johannesburg on Friday 21 November, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, on the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

His remarks came after governments, development institutions and private-sector partners confirmed €15.5 billion in commitments to the campaign, with plans expected to generate nearly 27 gigawatts of renewable power and expand electricity access to millions of households across Africa.

The gathering marked the culmination of a year-long drive under South Africa’s G20 Presidency to push Africa’s energy priorities to the centre of global dialogue.

Team Europe pledges €7 billion

Ahead of President Ramaphosa taking the stage, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a landmark €7 billion Team Europe pledge, describing it as symbolic of Europe “standing with Africa now and in future”.

President Ramaphosa said the scale of commitments reflected renewed global confidence in Africa’s energy potential. “The commitments we have witnessed today affirm the relevance of our G20 theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” he said.

South Africa, he noted, has already installed over 17 gigawatts of renewable energy, and aims to raise this to 45 GW by 2035, guided by its Just Energy Transition Investment Plan and the Renewable Energy Masterplan.

He emphasised that the transition must uplift workers, communities and young entrepreneurs, cautioning that pledges alone do not build power plants or expand access.

He added that Africa’s renewable energy transformation must be rooted in community ownership and local benefits, reaching households across the continent.

“This will require discipline, partnership and an unwavering commitment to action. As we scale up renewable energy across the continent, African ownership must be at the heart of this transition.”

The president said further that Africa’s clean energy future will only succeed if investment strengthens local capabilities. “These initiatives will ensure that the next gigawatts of renewable energy are built with local skills, local manufacturing and local innovation. Scaling up renewables across Africa is essential for inclusive economic development,” he said.

Calling on global partners to remain engaged, President Ramaphosa closed with a message of optimism.

“I want to thank everyone who has made a pledge. Indeed, Africa is on the rise, and we call on everyone to join us as we rise on this continent.”

Investment from the private sector

At the Global Citizen Scaling Up Renewables in Africa event, major private sector players also announced their commitments in new investment to accelerate Africa’s clean energy transition.

The pledging session, led by Sabrina Dhowre Elba -- activist, CEO and chair of the Global Citizen Europe Board -- set an energetic tone, as she highlighted the momentum already created by governments in earlier sessions. She underscored the need for private sector leadership to match that ambition.

Elba said the world now needs bold, innovative partnerships that can act with urgency and deliver impact at scale to enable energy access and climate resilience.

She said that many of the global organisations represented at the event remain some of the most powerful multinational actors and when their innovation and financial strength combine with the entrepreneurial dynamism of Africa’s markets, the result is transformative – opening the door to new projects and new possibilities. “We create jobs, we accelerate access to affordable clean electricity for millions of people, powering homes, powering businesses and powering the next generation of African growth,” she said.

Commitments came from:

Harith General Partners: Scaling its energy output from 1.5 GW to 5 GW for 850 000 households
ENERTRAG South Africa: R32 billion for 1.2 GW and green hydrogen
Octopus Energy: $450 million for a Power Africa initiative
Genesis Energy: To develop and deploy up to 10 GW across Africa over the next decade
CrossBoundary Energy: $1 billion target in renewable energy projects for industry.
The pledges mark one of the most substantial showings of private-sector commitment to Africa’s energy transition in recent years, reinforcing calls from African leaders and global partners to accelerate clean energy deployment beyond promises and into implementation.

With billions committed and gigawatts promised, Global Citizen’s campaign signals a new step towards cross-sector collaboration that could reshape energy access, industrial growth and climate resilience across the continent.

For more information visit: www.sanews.gov.za

High performance forklifts combine precision control and integrated safety Forklift trucks are required to efficiently l...
25/11/2025

High performance forklifts combine precision control and integrated safety

Forklift trucks are required to efficiently lift, lower and transport heavy loads in many high-pressure industries and it is critical that materials handling equipment optimises operational efficiencies and complies with stringent safety regulations.

It is common that businesses run many shifts in a 24 hour period, with multiple drivers of varying experience, operating the fleet of forklifts. This is why features like automatic parking brakes and transmission are important.

Criterion Equipment’s new TCM NT-series internal combustion forklift trucks have been engineered with these critical benefits - integrated safety, precision control and automatic transmission.

TCM F(G)(D)M40–55(C) NT-series internal combustion solid-tyre forklift trucks meet local demand for high-capacity forklifts that perform reliably in challenging conditions, while maintaining operator safety.

“The automatic transmission and synchronised steering of these versatile machines simplify handling and help maintain consistent performance, even in challenging applications,” states Brenton Kemp, Managing Director of Criterion Equipment, exclusive distributors of TCM forklift trucks in Southern Africa. “The integrated system of the NT-series locks all hydraulic and travel operations when the operator leaves the seat, automatically engaging the parking brake to prevent unintended movement. This eliminates the rollaway risk common in machines with conventional manual-brake designs. Travel-lock and mast-lock functions work together to ensure stability during operation and parking.”

The NT-series - which covers the 4.0 to 5.5 tonne capacity range, at load centres of 500 mm or 600 mm - combines automatic transmission, with integrated safety and control systems, to ensure consistent performance. Maximum gradeability reaches 45.8 % and loaded travel speed is 22 km/hr.

These robust machines are available from Criterion Equipment in diesel, petrol and LPG engine configurations, allowing users to match fuel type and performance to site requirements. Each model incorporates a torque-converter automatic transmission with two forward speeds and one reverse speed. Gear changes occur automatically while travelling, eliminating manual shifting and allowing operators to focus on load handling, rather than transmission control. This is important in situations where many drivers share equipment throughout shifts.

Full hydraulic power steering with a synchroniser allows precise manoeuvring in confined spaces and reduces operator fatigue during long shifts. The synchroniser keeps the steering wheel aligned with the drive direction, improving control when entering aisles or loading areas. Positive feedback from operators is they are able to reverse safely out of a loading bay, without having to correct the wheel position.

A multi-functional digital display provides real-time monitoring of travel speed, load weight and engine temperature. Operators can identify developing issues, like overheating, overloading and excessive speed, before they cause unplanned downtime.

The solid-tyre configuration provides the traction and ride stability required for outdoor operations on uneven surfaces in timber yards, construction sites and logistics depots. An important feature of these machines is the 2.58 m – 2.94 m turning radius needed for tight areas in yard stacking.

The chassis is engineered for working on sloped terrain and extreme site conditions. The FDM50CNT model copes efficiently with grades up to 45.8 % when loaded, which is critical for timber yards and quarry operations. Drawbar pull power provides the traction needed to move loaded trailers and navigate soft ground.

Diesel units are recommended for heavy outdoor applications requiring sustained drawbar pull and extended runtime. Petrol and LPG versions offer cleaner combustion and smooth throttle response for warehouse and manufacturing environments, where low emissions and reduced noise levels are important.

To ensure Total Cost of Ownership, Criterion Equipment specialists offer fit for purpose, customised forklift trucks, which are enhanced by the team’s technical support. Services include selection of the correct forklift truck for specific requirements, assistance with optimising operator productivity, warehouse efficiency and space utilisation, as well as the implementation of regular forklift maintenance.

Criterion Equipment supplies and supports the full range TCM forklift trucks, covering most forklift classes. Machines include electric counter-balance trucks, reach trucks and powered pallet trucks, as well as Internal Combustion (IC) counter-balance trucks.
The Criterion Collection

Address

Northwold Way
Randburg
2155

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
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