2nd Edition 2024
Published: 21 November 2024

Inside Track

Dear Customers
These first eight months at the helm of Bell Equipment have been exceptionally busy as I’ve travelled extensively to connect with as many of our various operations as possible, including several Bell South Africa branches and, most importantly, our customers.
These visits have reinforced what I’ve always believed: our strength lies in the relationships we build and the trust we earn from those we serve. With this in mind, there is a focus on building our Bell relationships stronger by re-instilling our core values of honesty, integrity, respect, and unity. I have challenged our Bell Team to step up, contribute to a positive customer experience, and operate with a sense of urgency because you, our customers, are the reason we exist, and we have a collective responsibility to ensure we exceed your expectations.
While the unprecedented demand of the past two years has started to normalise, we are excited by the growth opportunities ahead. The easing of global supply chains has improved product availability, which means we are better positioned to meet customer demands with efficiency and reliability.
Some of the highlights this year have been the launch of new and innovative products. The introduction of the new JCB 3CX Backhoe Loader has been met with enthusiasm, and we’re equally thrilled about the Motor Grader, currently in the pre-production phase at our factory in Richards Bay, which is set to launch in 2025. These developments, alongside our Bell Equipment Trusted Alternative (BETA) Parts offering, underscore our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that cater to every customer need.
In South Africa, we’ve witnessed a significant moment in our nation’s history with the elections and the formation of the Government of National Unity. While cautious to express political views, we are optimistic that these developments will lead to meaningful changes that benefit our country, our economy and our people.
Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism. We are building on a solid foundation laid down over seven decades, and with the continued support of our dedicated team and you, our loyal customers, I am confident that we will continue to grow and thrive.
Here’s to building an even stronger future together.
Yours sincerely
Ashley Bell
Group Chief Executive Officer
Contents

Bell fleet helps new mining contractor find its feet P4
Kobelco Excavator fleet performing well on wind turbine project P10
Second Finlay 683 Screen doubles production for sand mining operation P13
DKL Plant Hire & Civils grow its JCB Backhoe fleet to eight P16
Two 38-ton Kobelco Excavators impress at Raubex P20
Innovative adaption of a JCB Excavator wows W.O. Trackworks P23
Composting is no longer backbreaking work with JCB Backhoe fleet P27
Lucor Construction loads up on JCB and Kobelco machines P30
Umbilo Express upsizes its fleet with JCB large plant P34
Tugela Steel chooses Bell as preferred telehandler supplier P38
New Kobelco SK380XDLC-10s fit seamlessly into West Reef’s operation P42
JCB Wheel Loader keeps production going at Much Asphalt Gqeberha P45
Kobelco Excavators prove their worth at Premium Plant Hire and Civils P48
Gqeberha plant hire company updates fleet with six new JCB 3CX Global Backhoes P51
Jetteson Timbers invests in four new Bell Loggers P54
Kirsten & Tulleken ‘digs’ its SK300LC-10 Kobelco Excavator P59
New JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders range packed with new features P62