Massive Cat excavators brought in to accelerate port projects

Tuesday, 22 April 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

UTE achieved a significant milestone recently by securing an order for four 390D L Cat hydraulic excavators, which will be used to strengthen the ongoing Hambantota and Colombo South Harbour projects. The machines were handed over on 10 April at a ceremony attended by officials of UTE, Caterpillar and China Harbour Engineering – the main contractor for these projects. UTE has already supplied a large fleet of equipment to these projects last year, which included 6 units of 50 ton excavators, but this is the largest Cat machine which has been brought into the country to date. It is also the largest machine of this class manufactured by Caterpillar. “Cat 390D L surpasses all other excavators in Sri Lanka not only by its gigantic size, but by its exceptional performance capabilities, proven reliability and durability which can increase productivity , while lowering operating costs too,” said Janak Edirisinghe, GM – Construction Machine Sales and Equipment Rental. “This transaction illustrates the fact that many of our key customers entrust UTE and Caterpillar with mission-critical, capital intensive projects, particularly for larger equipment. This is a point of pride for us as we work side by side with our customers ensuring more value,” he added. “UTE is proud to be an integral part of the Colombo Port and Hambantota Port Development Projects, forging Sri Lanka further ahead in its development process.” Three out of the four machines imported are fitted with long reach configuration, allowing the stick to reach up to 20.5 metres in length, an essential requirement in order to place boulders when building breakwater piers at both the Hambantota and the Colombo South Harbour projects, of which China Harbour Engineering is the main contractor. The 390D L is powered by a C18 engine, known for its durability and reliability. The machine also optimises fuel consumption through flexible power settings, managing engine response to load demand electronically. The second phase of the Hambantota Port will include a 2140 metres long quay wall, an oil terminal with a depth of 17 metres and a length of 300 metres, a 50 hectare artificial island, with the top elevation being eight metres, a flyover bridge, and roads and yard facilities. True to UTE’s corporate promise of ‘The journey continues...Long after the sale,’ UTE’s service division will be on hand with dedicated mobile service facilities for Cat equipment. Their parts department offers spare parts across their branch network spanning key geographical locations in the country.