Construction

With its robust capabilities in the 30 MT category, the MH3032 is set to become a preferred choice in the material handling sector. (Image source: Caterpillar)

In a testament to its ongoing commitment to industrial applications, Caterpillar is expanding its material handler portfolio with the introduction of the Cat Next Generation MH3032 Material Handler

Positioned strategically between the MH3026 and MH3040—both already part of the next-generation platform—the MH3032 is built with performance, durability, and reliability in mind. This 30 MT machine integrates advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency.

Efficiency is key in material handling. The goal is to move and sort materials—whether waste, scrap, or recyclables—as quickly and efficiently as possible while minimizing fuel consumption and optimizing safety and operator comfort.

"That’s the essential principle of our next gen architecture. Keeping control over operating costs, without sacrificing performance, and it’s those parameters that come to the forefront in the MH3032," commented Vincent Migeotte, senior product and sales consultant, Caterpillar.

Versatile material handler

With an impressive near-15m reach, the MH3032 offers both drop-nose and straight-stick configurations for flexibility. Handling scrap is effortless with the standard Cat orange-peel grapple featuring a 1m³ capacity, while an optional 20 kW generator enables magnet attachments for even greater versatility.

The MH3032 is designed for ease of operation, incorporating Cat Payload technology, which allows operators to monitor lifting loads in real-time and track overall tonnage output. Safety is further enhanced with the built-in Cat 2D E-fence, which keeps the arm within a predefined working range, preventing collisions with the elevated cab and improving overall site safety. Additionally, the new Swing Assist feature automatically stops movement at operator-defined points, reducing unnecessary motion.

"Technologies like these not only help reduce the operator fatigue associated with repetitive tasks but also help improve site safety. Optimised movements also mean incremental improvements to time and fuel consumption," stated Migeotte. 

Inside the dedicated Material Handler cab, a built-in monitor displays dual external camera views to enhance visibility and hazard awareness.

Despite being a new model, the MH3032 benefits from proven components used across the MH3000 Next Generation range, ensuring reliability and easy access to parts. This means operators can expect the same high standards without compromising on versatility.

The machine is powered by the compact and modular Cat C7.1 engine, which meets multiple global emissions standards, including U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014, with options for Tier 3 and Stage IIIA compliance in specific regions. The engine is designed for extended maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and operational costs.

With its robust capabilities in the 30 MT category, the MH3032 is set to become a preferred choice in the material handling sector.

"By meeting the demands of the 30 MT size class head-on, the MH3032 should prove a popular selection in the all-important material handling sector. It’s a fine machine, totally at ease with its next gen credentials, and we’re delighted to see it launch in 2025," concluded Migeotte.

Also read: Hitech advances Lagos-Calabar highway

Manitowoc appoints Europa Infrastructure as its official Potain dealer in Kenya. (Image source: Manitowoc)

Manitowoc has strengthened its presence in East Africa by appointing Europa Infrastructure as the official Potain dealer in Kenya

This collaboration enhances crane solutions, aftersales support, and service capabilities for regional customers

The appointment is part of Manitowoc’s strategy to expand in East Africa through partnerships with local industry experts. The agreement was formally recognised during an award ceremony at bauma China 2024, underscoring both companies' commitment to supporting the region’s construction and mining sectors.

Nairobi-based Europa Infrastructure specialises in tower cranes, hoists, access platforms, and concrete batching plants. The company operates with a team of 36 employees, including 14 service specialists, ensuring top-tier support for customers across the region.

To launch the partnership, Europa Infrastructure acquired a pre-owned Potain MC 120 tower crane for delivery to a local client.

Amit Raikundalia, managing director of Europa Infrastructure, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, “Potain offers superior products and unmatched aftersales support, which sets it apart in the market. Our appointment as the dealer is a demonstration of our company’s ability to deliver world-class solutions to customers. This partnership also provides us with a strong global brand to further solidify our presence in the market.”

Also read: Used equipment market thrives

The rise of Africa’s used equipment market is boosting construction. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The growth of Africa’s used equipment market is driving construction activity across the continent, providing affordable and sustainable solutions

Africa knows all about good value, keeping those old Toyotas running for decades despite their rough treatment they receive on the roads. In the construction industry, the longevity and durability of capital machinery is just as important, with the used equipment market offering a second life for pre-loved trucks, cranes, loaders and other items. Not only does it offer good value, providing an affordable alternative to new equipment, but refurbishing and reselling old machinery also ticks the sustainability box; something not to be underestimated as construction firms seek to mitigate their climate footprint. While sales of new machinery dominate the headlines and thrive alongside the used equipment market, there is good reason to suggest that this is an area ripe for growth, given current supply-chain difficulties globally and the escalating cost of materials.

Major players such as Hitachi Construction Machinery routinely bring new products to the Africanmarket at the same time as offering a wide variety of used equipment. Its current worldwide stock includes excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, dump trucks and other machines. These are ever popular as they are used on almost every construction site.

Local dealers typically play a pivotal role in the used machinery market, offering a variety of equipment from international brands and ensuring that machinery is refurbished to meet local standards. Other global brands, such as Hyundai, Komatsu, Volvo, and Caterpillar, can also be purchased in the used equipment space and can be seen working on projects across the region. The export market is thriving too, with used equipment dealers in Africa supplying customers across regional borders.

The export market is thriving too, with used equipment dealers in Africa supplying customers across regional borders. Rentals have likewise become popular, with portals such as My Crane offering a global marketplace for crane rentals. Where budgets are tight, renting costly capital items can make all kinds of construction, transport and mining projects more viable.

For the full story, check out the latest issue of African Review Business and Technology here.

An illustration of an electric application supported by a BESS powered by Volvo Penta’s subsystem. (Image source: Volva Penta)

With emissions regulations tightening and electricity demand exceeding grid capacity, the construction and mining sectors are facing a growing need for energy storage solutions. To address these challenges, Volvo Penta has introduced a compact and energy-dense Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) subsystem

Designed for transportability and fast charging, this solution provides system integrators and BESS manufacturers with a reliable option for deploying energy storage in microgrid applications such as quarries, urban restoration sites, and other demanding environments.

A scalable energy storage solution

Construction and mining sites face diverse energy challenges. While some locations have grid access, they require peak shaving or fast-charging solutions to optimise power use. Others must find alternative power sources due to grid constraints, particularly when energy needs are not factored in from the outset. Additionally, projects in transitional phases may find themselves neither fully off-grid nor securely connected to a stable energy supply. Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem is designed to meet these challenges, supporting industries where energy demands exceed grid capabilities or connectivity is limited. These storage systems integrate seamlessly with renewables and other power sources, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply essential for electrification in large-scale or remote operations.

Optimised for battery-electric vehicle (BEV) charging, Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem offers a high C-rate, ensuring fast charging while maintaining grid stability in high-demand environments. As industries continue their shift toward electrification, the system provides a crucial solution to mitigate capacity and frequency fluctuations, ensuring consistent energy availability.

Beyond BEV charging, the BESS subsystem supports microgrid applications and peak shaving strategies. Its transportable design enables flexible deployment in zero-emission construction zones and remote mining sites. The system powers equipment directly on-site and can be relocated for recharging without disrupting operations. Additionally, it enhances the performance of stationary electric equipment, such as excavators, wheel loaders, and crushers, ensuring continuous uptime in rugged environments.

At its core, Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem features an energy-dense battery pack with a high-performance C-rating for efficient fast charging and discharging. Built on proven battery technology from Volvo Group’s on- and off-highway applications, the system is designed to endure harsh conditions, boasting a high IP rating for corrosion and dust resistance. Additional features include a DC/DC converter for auxiliary power, a telematics gateway for real-time monitoring, and an advanced thermal management system to optimize performance across various environments. The system's CAN and DC interfaces, developed with Volvo Group expertise, ensure secure data transfer, while its robust Battery Management System (BMS) enhances performance, extends battery life, and safeguards cybersecurity.

Each Volvo Penta BESS subsystem delivers essential DC energy supply, while original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) manage AC setup, container integration, and system configuration.This collaborative approach enables tailored energy solutions to meet diverse operational needs.

Following extensive testing and prototyping with customers, Volvo Penta is now bringing its production-ready BESS subsystem to market. The company will showcase these advanced energy storage solutions at bauma 2025. Attendees can visit Volvo Penta’s stand (A4.412) to meet experts and explore how BESS technology can support the transition to electrification in the construction and mining industries.