2013

, Iss

ue 1 SOLUTIONS

magazine

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smsequip.com

CRT Construction Inc......................... Page 4

Fine Gold Resources .......................... Page 8

Gimlex Gold Mines Ltd. ................ Page 12

Inspek Crushing Ltd. ....................... Page 16

Strilkiwski Contracting Ltd. ................................. Page 20

Wilton Rural Municipality #472 ............................. Page 24

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Bruce Knight

Dear Customers,

At SMS Equipment, we’re dedicated to providing you the best in equipment. That’s why we align ourselves with top manufacturers, such as Komatsu and the Wirtgen Group of products that includes Wirtgen milling machines and soil stabilizers, Vögele pavers, Hamm rollers and Kleemann crushers.

Many of our customers rely on these products because they’re durable, even in the frequently harsh conditions we face in Canada. In this issue of SMS Solutions, we acknowledge some of those customers, including Wilton Rural Municipality #472, which uses Wirtgen soil stabilizers and Hamm soil compactors on road-building projects.

Most road projects require gravel, whether the road is gravel itself or uses gravel as a base material. Two of our featured customers, Inspek Crushing and Strilkiwski Contracting, supply gravel of various specifications. Crushing is all about production, and both companies count on Komatsu’s reliable, efficient and cost-effective equipment to remove overburden and feed crushers.

CRT Construction Inc., a heavy civil contractor, uses Komatsu equipment in a variety of ways on different projects. The company specializes in construction of roads, bridges, viaducts and hydroelectric plants, as well as other jobs.

For placer mining, the Yukon presents many tough challenges to our customers, such as weather, remoteness, a shortened operational season and many others. Harvesting one of the world’s precious metals, gold, in the Yukon requires dedication, commitment, and proven solutions. Both Fine Gold Resources and Gimlex Gold Mines face these challenges steadfastly with some of the largest bulldozers Komatsu manufactures.

The stories featured are meant to be interesting and informative and speak to the exciting opportunities throughout the mining, construction and forestry industries. We additionally highlight some key areas within SMS Equipment, demonstrating why and how we can deliver equipment and support solutions customized to your business requirements.

As we continue to plow through the winter, SMS Equipment continues to support you with optimum equipment and world-class service.

Sincerely, Bruce Knight President and CEO

THE PRODUCTS PLUS THE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

IN THIS ISSUE

Published by Construction Publications, Inc. for

www.smsequip.com

Regional OfficeMontreal (Dorval), QC(514) 636-4950

Baie-Comeau, QC(418) 296-6671

Chibougamau, QC(418) 748-7615

Chicoutimi, QC(418) 549-0022

Dorval, QC(514) 636-4950

Havre-St-Pierre, QC(418) 538-1323

Mirabel, QC(450) 434-1992

Quebec (St-Augustin), QC(418) 870-1502

St-Bruno, QC(450) 441-1201

Trois-Rivières, QC(819) 375-9383

Val-d’Or, QC(819) 874-3733

Fredericton, NB(506) 457-5544

Moncton (Dieppe), NB(506) 857-9513

Goose Bay, NL(709) 896-4904

St. John’s (Paradise), NL(709) 782-2151

Wabush, NL(709) 282-3777

Timmins, ON(705) 264-4300

Acheson (Edmonton), AB (780) 948-2200

Head Office

Western RegionRegional OfficeAcheson, AB (780) 948-2200

Acheson, AB (780) 948-2200

Calgary, AB(403) 569-1109

Edmonton, AB(780) 451-2630

Fort McMurray, AB(780) 791-0616

Fort McMurray, AB(780) 743-2622

Grande Prairie, AB(780) 532-9410

Red Deer , AB (403) 340-8343

Campbell River, BC(250) 286-0694

Chetwynd, BC(250) 788-7920

Elkford, BC(250) 865-4651

Fort St. John, BC(250) 785-8161

Houston, BC(250) 845-7911

Eastern Region

Kamloops, BC (250) 374-6961

Prince George, BC(250) 564-8841

Port Coquitlam, BC(604) 941-6611

Surrey, BC(604) 888-9700

Williams Lake, BC(250) 305-1060

Winnipeg, MB(204) 487-1050

Yellowknife, NT(867) 669-0738

Thunder Bay, ON(807) 939-2262

Regina, SK(306) 359-3121

Saskatoon, SK (306) 931-0044

Whitehorse, YT (867) 335-9742

Printed in Canada © 2012 Construction Publications, Inc.

SOLUTIONSmagazine

CRT CONSTRUCTION INC. Find out how this Quebec-based company is making its mark in British Columbia.

FINE GOLD RESOURCES Learn about a Texas oil engineer who started his own personal Klondike gold rush.

GIMLEX GOLD MINES LTD. Meet the Christie family and read how they continue to find pay dirt at a placer mining operation.

INSPEK CRUSHING LTD. See how a change to supplying aggregate proved to be the right move for this former material hauler.

STRILKIWSKI CONTRACTING LTD. Discover why tough, on-site crushing jobs are a specialty of this Manitoba firm.

WILTON RURAL MUNICIPALITY #472 Read about this western Saskatchewan community that has developed an aggressive road-improvement plan to accommodate growth.

MINEXPO RECAP Here’s a recap of the most recent MINExpo quadrennial event held in Las Vegas.

TECHNOLOGY WITH A FOCUS ON CUSTOMERS Check out the monitoring systems that are available to help reduce costs and downtime.

EXTENDED WARRANTY OPTIONS Learn more about the warranty solutions designed to cover you beyond the standard term.

NEW LIFT-N-LOCK SYSTEM SMS Equipment has the capability to separate even the largest mining shovels efficiently. Read more inside.

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R larger-scale projects and increase its revenues. In a little more than five years, the company was able to multiply its earnings tenfold, with numbers in the $10 million to $15 million range by 1988.

Strategic acquisition The acquisition of Côté Excavations inc. also brought a marked increase in revenue, with earnings reaching $30 million after their 1991 merger. Côté and CRT also increased its payroll to more than 100 employees.

The pulp and paper markets and water-treatment plant programs provided excellent opportunities for Côté and CRT. The company decided to expand its horizons by taking on projects outside the Québec City area. It also saw fit to expand into the industrial sector. Among the first projects undertaken in this new direction in 1991 was the Aluminerie Alouette, an aluminum plant in Sept-Îles. Others projects included an $11 million silo-construction contract and multiple water-treatment projects for paper mills with Domtar in Cornwall, James River in Marathon, Abitibi-Price in Chandler and several more.

Landmark projects In the mid-1990s, the company slowly turned away from infrastructure work (waterworks, sewers, excavation) to focus on more complex projects. The main target areas were hydroelectric plants, dams, transformer substations, specialized installations, locks, overpasses and bridges.

Around 1995, the company started constructing small hydroelectric plants, as well as repairing large ones, for Hydro-Québec. Nearly 20 years later, these activities now account for more than 70 percent of its revenue.

During this same period, the company undertook a project in Ontario – the construction of a 24-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Marathon

CRT CONSTRUCTION INC. A Quebec-based company is making its mark in British Columbia

Roger Turgeon founded his company, CRT Construction inc., in 1966, specializing in residential and commercial construction. The company was based in his own home in Saint-Anselme in Bellechasse County on the south shore near Québec City. Working in the Chaudière-Appalaches area, CRT employed a dozen people. The company’s annual earnings varied widely, ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, and were typical of the large fluctuations in the housing construction market of the 1970s.

Tough economic times The early 1980s were difficult economic times in Quebec. Interest rates were close to 20 percent, the province was in recession and the construction industry was particularly hard-hit.

These were the existing conditions when Denis and Gaétan Turgeon, two of Roger’s sons, took the reins of CRT. They put together a team of highly qualified employees with experience in civil engineering (Denis is an engineer by trade). This enabled CRT to take on and execute

Denis Turgeon, President, CRT

Construction inc.

CRT uses its Komatsu D155 dozer at the Kwoiek Creek project in British Columbia.

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– and opened the door to new working relationships. Innergex Énergie renouvelable inc., the project promoter, is a Quebec-based company working in the development of energy production from renewable resources, such as hydroelectricity and wind turbines. CRT was the general contractor for this $30 million project. The work lasted from 2005 to 2008 and included the construction of 20 kilometres of roads and an 800-metre tunnel.

This project also brought SMS Equipment and CRT together on a higher level, making CRT one of SMS Equipment’s major customers. SMS also supplied parts and maintenance services to support the large-scale equipment purchases for this project: a GD675 grader, PC300 excavator, D41 dozer and a WA380 loader.

The Marathon project allowed CRT to establish a solid relationship with Innergex, and for Denis Turgeon, President, this was the number-one marketing tool for his company. He commented that many of the contracts CRT inc. secured outside of Quebec were done so by invitation.

Since 2002, CRT has been able to work on even bigger projects. The company has developed partnership models and very strong bonds with certain contractors, such as Entreprises Bon Conseil ltée (EBC) and Hamel Construction Inc., allowing it to share part of the risk while benefiting from broader expertise.

Some of the big projects undertaken with these partnership agreements are the $33 million in repairs on the access roads to the Pierre-Laporte bridge in 2002; the $52 million levee construction on the Rupert River from 2007 to 2010; the concrete structure of the La Sarcelle Plant from 2009 to 2011, worth $89 million; the Turcot Continued. . .

Interchange in Montreal for $25.5 million from 2011 to 2012; and a $28 million section of the road on the La Romaine Complex project in 2012.

When Denis Turgeon lists these projects, he also notes the factors in their success — most notably team dynamics and a realistic view of the time needed to execute the work. “We generally maintain a good harmony within the team, and our experience serves us very well in meeting deadlines,” he said.

CRT in British Columbia CRT’s experience working with Innergex is paying off, as the company was recently contracted to work on two projects in British Columbia. These projects will be an interesting challenge for the company as Denis Turgeon states that “adaptability” and “change” take on a whole new meaning in regards to completing this work.

“From the outset, the Kwoiek Creek project, near Lytton, was challenging,” said Turgeon. “We constructed a 50-megawatt hydroelectric plant on the Kwoiek and we had to build a 20-tonne-capacity cableway to bring supplies to the site. And that also holds true for the Northwest Stave River project in the same area. We’re building an 18-megawatt hydroelectric plant there, but instead of using a cableway to transport supplies, we’re using barges on the water.”

Denis Turgeon can’t help but compare these projects with those based in Quebec, from the weather and environmental impact measures to working with the Kanaka Bar Indian Band community and adjusting to local workers’ methods and habits. All of these factors can influence working costs.

CRT operators put two of the company’s Komatsu

HM400 articulated dump trucks to work

at the Northwest Stave River project in British

Columbia. CRT is building an 18-megawatt

hydroelectric plant there.

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“Weather-wise, British Columbia is fairly easy, but when it rains, you see first-hand how continuous and intense rainfall can wreak havoc on a jobsite,” said Denis Turgeon. “The provincial government has environmental standards we must respect to protect animal species we don’t have in Quebec. These and many other factors influence the way we conduct work on a project.

CRT takes on challenging projects. . . continued

Also, CRT is required to hire subcontractors and workers from the local area.” That means CRT must sometimes adapt to different employee mentalities and consider particular aspects of provincial standards regarding working relationships. “All of this is added to the geographical complexity of the projects,” emphasized Turgeon.

Working in favour of CRT are accomplishments that highlight its strengths, such as ISO 9001:2008 certification, a 2010 civil engineering award for sustainable development and first-rate records in health, safety and labour relations, among others.

The contracts for the Kwoiek Creek project and Northwest Stave River are worth $80 million and $40 million, respectively. Both will last two years, from fall 2011 to fall 2013.

If CRT uses “adaptability” and “change” to describe these two projects, the same can be said for Sales Representative Michel Charest of SMS Equipment. He fully intends to support CRT in all areas. He has put all of SMS’ considerable resources at their disposal to meet the demands and challenges of these two particular projects.

The future of CRT Construction inc. For Denis Turgeon, President, and Gaétan Turgeon, Vice-President and Director of Operations, the company has reached a certain level of maturity. They are understandably proud of its achievements. CRT is no longer the small enterprise it was back in 1980. From the 12 employees they had back then, they have now grown to more than 300.

Today, the company has nine associates (six senior, three junior), including Denis’ son. All nine enjoy meeting challenges and help contribute to making CRT Construction inc. capable of executing large-scale projects, many of which are quite complex and often unique.

For Denis Turgeon, the transition from one business generation to the next is of great importance. He would like to work with the future owners of his company for a while to share his experience and help them recover some of their initial investment.

“I like having multiple challenges,” he adds. “The British Columbia projects are outside the mold, and I like talking about them.” One could say that description fits him as well. n

CRT’s Komatsu PC300 long-reach excavator is a common sight at the Northwest Stave River project in British Columbia.

Using a cable crane, a CRT crew transports supplies for the Kwoiek Creek project in British Columbia, where it is constructing a 50-megawatt hydroelectric plant.

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M fair amount of information was available.He settled on a large piece of land near Dawson that was in bankruptcy.

“Many people suspected that there was a significant amount of gold on the property, but they weren’t willing to do what was required to negotiate and solve the bankruptcy issues,” said Heisey. “It cost me a lot in legal bills and aggravation to acquire the initial property. I’ve since acquired a second, adjacent mine for a total of roughly 10,000 acres of land and 336 claims.”

Because of the fine nature of the gold and because fineness is a measure of gold’s purity and quality, Heisey named his company Fine Gold Resources. Since acquiring mining rights to the land, Heisey has spent most of the last decade turning Fine Gold Resources into a successful mining operation. He calls his base of operations Eureka Camp.

A capital-intensive business In the Klondike today, most of the gold lies as much as 100 feet underground, having been deposited there by a creek that’s meandered through the region for thousands of years. Even after finding a property containing gold, starting up a mining operation is no small feat.

“It’s definitely capital-intensive,” Heisey explained. “First off, before digging a 100-foot hole, you want to know with a high degree of certainty that there is enough gold at the bench (alluvial) deposit level. So it all starts with exploratory drilling, then developing a mining and earthmoving plan. And, by the way, you need lots of heavy equipment, a crew and a processing plant. I think being an engineer helped me manage all those issues.”

Earthmoving in the Klondike is a significant part of gold mining. Because of the cold

FINE GOLD RESOURCES How a Texas oil engineer started his own personal Klondike gold rush

Mike Heisey is a licensed professional petroleum engineer, who spent most of his life in his home state of Texas working for major oil conglomerates. But after the right opportunity presented itself at the right time a little more than a decade ago, Heisey became an explorer and entrepreneur, and today finds himself in Canada’s Yukon Territory, mining for gold.

“In 1999, I was tipped off to a gold-mining investment opportunity by a friend of a friend,” Heisey recalled. “I was tired of the corporate world so I came up to the Yukon, took a look around and became intrigued. It started off as a hobby, but soon became more than that. Eventually, I sold many of my possessions, bought a pickup with a camper and basically moved up here to the wilderness. Most of my friends and family thought I was off my rocker, but I’d investigated it thoroughly and felt good about the likelihood of success.”

Heisey spent about three years talking to miners and analysing archival data and production histories to find the property he wanted. Because this region sparked the historic Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s, a

Mike Heisey, Owner

Fine Gold Resources has more than 300 gold-mine claims in the Klondike. Here, an operator uses a Komatsu HM400 to dump “pay gravel” at a claim the company mined last summer.

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weather and frozen ground, the work season typically lasts less than six months, from about April 15 to October 1. And even during the summer months, permafrost conditions are just a few feet down.

“We use dozers to rip the frozen ground, then we have to wait a day or two for it to thaw before hauling it away,” Heisey explained. “Even with that time-consuming process, we moved a million cubic yards of material in 2011 and 2012 we did about 1.2 million yards. We also have to build haul roads everywhere we go.”

After removing up to 100 feet of overburden, Heisey and his crew will reach what is known as “pay gravel,” which is often about a 10-foot layer of dirt, rock and gold mixed together. They bring that pay gravel up from the pit in trucks and stockpile it. A loader then feeds it into a sluice plant that separates the gold from the dirt and gravel.

“At first, it’s a bit shocking how little gold comes out of the pay gravel, but at $1,700 an ounce, it adds up quickly,” said Heisey. “And the creek that runs through this property has proven to be extraordinarily productive through the years. One pit we’ve mined, including what we’ve taken out and what was mined previously, has yielded about 14,000 ounces of gold.”

Loyal mining crew Heisey relies on a loyal crew of about 12 to 15 people to mine his claims.

“I think my team is one of the best in the region. I pay them well and offer an annual bonus that allows them to share in that year’s production. As a result, there’s a lot of loyalty. I get the same guys coming back year after year and many are related — sons, brothers, cousins — so it’s a tight-knit group that’s willing to do what it takes to get the job done.”

Heisey is usually on site during the mining season, but when he’s away, he turns things over to Foreman Wayne Tosczak.

“Wayne’s been with me a number of years and I know he’ll take care of things in my absence. This year we also have two camp cooks, young women from Manitoba who are recent graduates of a culinary school, so in Eureka Camp, we get the best grub in the area.” Continued. . .

Komatsu D475: “It’s awesome” To remove overburden at the mine sites, Fine Gold Resources relies largely on two Komatsu dozers, a D475 and D275, and a Komatsu HM400 articulated haul truck.

“The D475, the second-largest dozer in the world (next to its big brother the D575), is our primary earthmoving machine and it’s the big reason we’re able to move more than a million cubic yards in a summer,” said Heisey. “It’s awesome. We have a 60-yard blade on it that literally rearranges the landscape every shift. At close to 900 horsepower, it’s an amazing machine.

Crews often have to move as much as 100 feet of dirt to reach “pay gravel,” which contains the gold. Fine Gold Resources’ key earthmoving machine is this Komatsu D475. “It’s an amazing dozer,” said Owner Mike Heisey. “We have a 60-yard blade on it that literally rearranges the landscape every shift.”

Go online or scan this QR code using

an app on your smart phone to

watch video of Fine Gold Resources’

machines at work.

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This Fine Gold operator uses a Komatsu WA500 to feed pay gravel into a sluicing plant, which separates the gold from the dirt and gravel.

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“I got the D275 to help the D475, especially in areas where greater agility was needed, and it’s done a good job,” he added. “But I’m so spoiled by how much dirt the D475 moves that I want more out of a second dozer, so next year I plan to upsize to a Komatsu D375. I also hope to get another HM400 truck, which has been very impressive with its ability to haul material through the muck and mud on our sites.”

Heisey has a mechanic and a welder who stay with him throughout the work season to maintain machines and make repairs, but he also relies heavily on SMS Equipment.

“The conditions and application we’re in are tough on equipment, and with such a short work season, we can’t tolerate breakdowns,” said Heisey. “Thankfully, our Komatsus have

Komatsu equipment overcomes tough conditions . . . continued

held up to the rigours very well, and SMS has been an excellent partner for us.

“We’re rather isolated up here in the Yukon Klondike region,” he noted. “To be successful here, we need a good relationship with our equipment dealer, and we have that with SMS. They do a good job of making common replacement parts available to us in Dawson City, and anytime we’ve needed their help on a service issue, they’ve been there for us. I have nothing but good things to say about SMS and how they’ve supported us.”

Generations of gold-mining opportunity In addition to running his business, Heisey serves on the Board of Directors of the Klondike Placer Miners Association, which represents regional mining interests to the provincial and Canadian governments.

“I’ve served two years and recently re-upped for another term because I believe this is an important industry and I want to do my share in representing our interests. I’m also happy to bring officials and others out here to Eureka Camp to get a better idea of who we are and what we do.”

Heisey says when he first considered gold mining in the Klondike, the price of gold was about $300 an ounce. In recent months, the price has been around $1,700 an ounce.

“Today’s price certainly makes gold mining more fun and a better profit proposition. My sense tells me that the price will keep going up for the foreseeable future because of all the uncertainty in the world. How high can it go? That’s anybody’s guess, but my plan is to boost production substantially next year. I expect to have a crew of about 20 and intend to really get after it.”

Heisey, who’s 60, says his long-term goal is to extract as much gold as possible in the next five years and prove the productivity of the ground, then sell it to somebody who’s willing to take it to the next level.

“The future here is almost limitless. I’m mining less than one claim per year. I have more than 300 claims, so this property is large enough, and in my opinion productive enough, to offer not just years, but generations of gold-mining opportunity.” n

Heisey shows the final product that

comes from tons of pay gravel.

Fine Gold Owner Mike Heisey (centre) says he appreciates the support he gets

from SMS Operations Manager Mike

Campbell (left) and PSSR Lance Madore. “I have nothing but good things to say

about SMS and how they support us.”

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W “Weathering has liberated the gold and gravity has transported it downslope. That results in concentrations of heavy minerals, and gold, being the heaviest, concentrates best. So, what we’re mining are naturally formed concentrations of gold that occur on or near the surface as opposed to being locked in bedrock.”

“Our operation involves sluicing, which is running water and pay dirt through a sluice box,” Jim added. “In essence, it’s the same principal as what you see in the old movies with prospectors sluicing and panning for gold, but utilizing modern, heavy equipment to process pay on a much larger scale. At Indian River, we don’t get many nuggets. In fact, much of the gold is very fine-grained and mixed with small particles of other heavy minerals, so it is an intensive process to separate the gold. When all is said and done, we’re producing bars of gold that are usually 82- to 84-percent pure.”

“Initially in 1984, I and a group of other geologists and miners were looking for a placer mine project of our own and found one at Mariposa Creek about 100 miles from Indian River,” said Jim. “We were still based in Vancouver at the time, and the family would come up and visit. They got into it too.

“That year, we purchased a new Komatsu D155 dozer and a second new D155 the following year. These were the first Komatsu machines in the Klondike.

Second mine “In 1993, we found a spot at Dominion Creek, and a year later we were in business as a family with our first placer mine,” Jim continued. “Our equipment included a D155 and two D355 dozers and two WA600 loaders. In 1996, we brought the first D475 dozer to the Yukon. After about 10 years, the mine had run its course, and we moved to our present location.”

GIMLEX GOLD MINES LTD. Christie family continues to find pay dirt at placer mining operation

When Jim Christie was earning a geology degree, he never thought about being in the gold-mining business. After graduating from the University of British Columbia, he became an exploration geologist, working with established mining companies and privately with other geologists.

“I worked all over North America, primarily on the West Coast,” said Christie, patriarch of the Gimlex Gold Mines family business. “Wherever there were items to be prospected for, that’s where I went. I came to the Yukon with my family in the early 1980s because I was consulting for a company that was starting a placer mine. I got hooked.”

So did Christie’s family members, who are involved in all aspects of the business, including his wife, Dagmar, his daughter, Tara, and his son, Sheamus. Tara, who has a master’s degree in geological engineering, is Gimlex’s President. Currently, the family operates a placer mine at Indian River.

“Placer mines differ from conventional mines in that the ore is not in solid rock,” explained Tara.

The Christie family, which operates Gimlex Gold Mines, includes Tara (left) and her brother Sheamus (far right, holding a gold bar) and their parents, Dagmar and Jim. They’re currently working in their second placer mine, located at Indian River.

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Gimlex Gold Mines’s location at Indian River is about 70 kilometres southeast of Dawson City. During peak production season, which generally runs May to October, Gimlex Gold Mines employs about 15 full-time staff, including Foreman Jason Wyatt. It’s a remote location, but the Christies know that goes with operating a placer mine.

“We enjoy the self sufficiency and independence; for example, we generate our own power,” said Dagmar, who was a pharmacist and says the gold-mining operation has few similarities to her previous career and is physically harder and more demanding. “We’re isolated, and we shut down for a significant portion of the year because it’s too cold and the ground is too frozen to work. Jim and I adapted to the lifestyle, and the kids grew up with it. We enjoy it, especially because our entire family is involved and committed to it.”

Ten years ago, Tara served as the youngest and first female president of the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association. At that time, Gimlex operated its mine in the Dominion Creek area — about 20 miles from Indian River — that has since ceased operation.

“Each of us has our particular role to play,” said Sheamus, a certified heavy-duty mechanic, whose main responsibility is maintaining the more than 100 pieces of equipment Gimlex Gold Mines uses. “At the same time, we’re all willing to do whatever is necessary to make the operation work. We can all operate equipment if necessary.”

Komatsu equipment stands out Gimlex Gold Mines’ equipment fleet has nearly 20 pieces of Komatsu equipment. It uses two D475 dozers to remove 10 to 12 feet of organic overburden, which consists of peat and silt, to reach what’s known as the “pay zone” where gold can be found. It also relies heavily on Komatsu WA600-1 and WA600-3 wheel loaders during sluicing.

“We generally buy all our big iron used, and I prefer to go with Komatsu because our experience tells us it’s going to be productive and reliable long term,” said Sheamus. “We purchased our D475-3 a few years ago with 17,000 hours and it now has 30,000 hours. We rebuilt the engine at 22,000 hours. There was only minor wear in the top end, with little wear in the bottom end. We had an exchange power module waiting to go in and decided at 27,000 original hours that we should put it in, Continued. . .

even though the module was still working great. This was the first time we had to work on the power module, other than scheduled services and a new hydraulic pump at 18,000 hours. The Dash-2 model we’ve been running for years has given us similar results. The D475s are basically in production all the time, either stripping, ripping or pushing up pay. They’re the most critical machines we have. They are high-hour machines, and we’ve replaced or rebuilt various components, but they continue to produce and have good reliability.

“During sluicing we’re running water and 200 to 350 yards of pay an hour through the plant for about 40 hours straight before stopping to clean it out,” explained Sheamus. “The WA600s are running flat-out constantly during that time, and we’ve never had a major issue with them, which says a lot about Komatsu’s quality. The Dash-1 has about 70,000 hours on it, and I think that speaks for itself.”

Foreman Jason Wyatt uses a Komatsu D475 dozer to remove organic overburden at Gimlex Gold Mines’ placer mine. “It

has good power, is well-balanced and doesn’t quit, even with about 50,000 hours on it,” said Wyatt of the D475-2.

Go online or scan this QR code

using an app on your smart phone

to watch video of Gimlex Gold

Mines’ machines at work.

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Gimlex Gold Mines uses nearly 20 pieces of Komatsu equipment, including dozers, loaders and excavators. “What really puts Komatsu at the top of the list is its power,” said Sheamus Christie, who oversees the company’s equipment. “It’s a huge difference compared to other brands we’ve run.”

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Additional Gimlex Gold Mines machines include Komatsu PC15, PC60, PC200 and PC400 excavators and D85, D155 and D275 dozers. “I’ve always believed that Komatsu is well ahead of the competition in terms of design and capabilities. For example, in the D475s the blade is farther out in front, which means the operator doesn’t have to get as close to the edge with the tracks when operating off a soft pile. What really puts Komatsu at the top of the list is its power, especially the Komatsu loaders. It’s a huge difference compared to other brands we have tried.”

Because of Gimlex Gold Mines’ remote location, Sheamus and other staff handle nearly all maintenance, including machining and fabricating. “We’re set up to rebuild cylinders and other components, and we also make our own hoses. In fact, others come to us to have hoses made. We also have a large parts inventory, some

Forecast for future is bright . . . continued

of which comes from SMS Equipment, and we occasionally buy reman parts from them. SMS provides help as needed, and we’ve built good relationships with (President) Bruce Knight, (Operations Manager) Mike Campbell and our Product Support and Sales Representative Lance Madore. George Oud at the Surrey branch is a great resource for parts and Gerry Giese in Edmonton provides exceptional technical support.”

Environmentally sound practices Gimlex Gold Mines maintains the access road into the mine, as well as the land within the mine itself. In total, it has 177 placer claims, which are generally 500 feet by 2,000 feet each.

“We take a very environmentally friendly approach,” said Tara. “For example, we have settling ponds that hold sediment, and none of that is released back into the stream or anywhere else. It’s a totally enclosed process. We’re actually operating well above the standards in our licensing.”

Tara helped found the Yukon Environmental Socioeconomic Assessment Board and also works with several associations, including chairing the Lands Committee of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada. She’s been appointed by the federal government to serve as Chair of the Yukon Salmon Committee.

She and the Christies will continue their environmentally sound approach going forward, as the company continues drilling to locate gold sources on its claims.

“It takes a great deal of planning ahead to identify where to move next,” said Jim. “We’ve become very good at that through the years as we’ve gained more and more experience and operations have expanded. We’re always looking to the future.”

“We’re hopeful that includes a third generation in the business,” commented Dagmar. “Tara and Sheamus are doing a terrific job of basically running operations now, and that bodes well for the immediate future. Sheamus’ family is not on-site until school is finished, but they come out for a couple months every summer, and his kids already know how to run equipment, so it’s possible someday they’ll join the family business, too.” n

VIDEOs

Dagmar Christie puts material through a panning wheel, part of an intensive process that separates out gold. Gimlex Gold Mines then melts it into bars that are between 82- and 84-percent pure.

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W company in 2006. Two years later, he teamed up with Mark Spencer, who, as Vice President of Inspek, handles sales and major projects. Geleta is President and oversees day-to-day operations and other aspects of the business.

Geleta started Inspek after several years of contract hauling with his own fleet of dump trucks. One contract brought him to the Fort McMurray area to truck gravel for a local supplier for three days.

“That three turned into six days, and I really never left,” said Geleta, a native of Athabasca who came to Fort McMurray for that original job in 1998. “From the beginning, I had in the back of my mind that I wanted to get into crushing. I researched the equipment, the process and some other elements of the business and decided to go for it. Now, crushing is all Inspek does, and we hire out the trucking.”

Several sources Strictly an aggregate supplier, Inspek gets virgin material from several sources, including its own pits. The company produces about 20 products that are used in the housing market; for infrastructure projects, such as road building and utility installation; and by oil companies on oil sands locations. Ocasionally, the company also contract crushes.

“Most of the products we make are commonly used in the energy and construction markets, such as road base,” said Geleta. “But our customers often ask for very particular specifications too, and we’re always willing to meet them. One of our best attributes is that we can make adjustments very quickly. For instance, we may be making a product based on a customer’s specification, and they need to make a change to the specification. Our

INSPEK CRUSHING LTD. A change to supplying aggregate proves to be the right move for former material hauler

When Mike Geleta founded his crushing business, he thought of several different name possibilities. Geleta finally settled on Inspek Crushing, which his wife, Sara, suggested because it was an apt description for what the company offers.

“When aggregate meets specified criteria, it’s considered ‘in spec,’ ” explained Geleta. “That name describes what we do.”

Inspek Crushing has been meeting specifications since Geleta founded the

Inspek Crushing produces as many as 20 products from its

own pits and a government pit at Susan Lake, which it shares

with other contractors that supply customers in the Fort

McMurray area.

Mike Geleta, President

Mark Spencer,Vice President

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capabilities allow us to do that within minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the need.”

In addition to its own pits, Inspek Crushing mines and crushes material from a government-owned pit at Susan Lake, where other crushing contractors are also set up. It’s one of the largest pits in western Canada, conveniently located close to the massive oil sands operations around Fort McMurray that it primarily serves. Through the years, more than 50 million tonnes of material have been hauled out, with Inspek taking a significant portion.

“From this pit, we produce everything from sand to riprap rock,” said Vice President Mark Spencer. “We are capable of producing about 2 million tonnes per year, and we routinely come close to that figure.”

Spencer said Inspek generally shuts down for a couple months during the winter for maintenance. “Around the first of May, when our heaviest work load begins, we run two shifts a day, generally producing 5,000 to 7,000 tonnes per shift.”

Komatsu equipment minimizes downtime The area of the pit where Inspek Crushing gets materials is approximately four kilometres long and 600 metres wide. At the site, Inspek operators use Komatsu PC350LC-8 and PC800LC-8 excavators to load HM350-2 articulated haul trucks that take the virgin rock to the crusher. Using Komatsu WA500-6 wheel loaders, operators feed the crusher, stockpile product and load trucks.

“Minimizing downtime is critical, because anytime a piece of equipment is not working it’s costing us and our customers,” said Spencer. “Fortunately, that’s not an issue with our Komatsu equipment. We’ve found it to be very reliable and productive, even in the toughest conditions.

“For example, the haul in the government pit is fairly long — between two and four kilometres from the area where we get material to the crusher,” he added. “When it rains, the low-ground-pressure Komatsu HM350 haul trucks handle the muddy conditions very well. Continued. . .

We don’t have to shut down, so our production isn’t affected. In addition, the trucks are very fuel-efficient, and our operators like the comfort and speed.”

Inspek Crushing started adding Komatsu equipment to its fleet about two years ago, when it rented one of the WA500-6 wheel loaders. The company later purchased the loader and has continued buying Komatsu machines through SMS Equipment’s Fort

Operator Stuart McDiarmid loads virgin material into a Komatsu HM350 haul truck with a PC800LC-8 excavator. “I

can fill a truck in three or four scoops, so we can move a large amount of material quickly,” said McDiarmid.

To charge its crusher, stockpile material and load trucks, Inspek Crushing uses Komatsu WA500-6 wheel loaders. “The loaders are productive and reliable, and that’s true of all our Komatsu products,” said President Mike Geleta.

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Productive machines, efficient staff contribute to success . . . continued

McMurray branch with the help of Sales Representative Ivan Magdic.

“It took a while for us to try Komatsu equipment, because we were fairly loyal to another brand,” admitted Geleta. “Ivan kept calling on us, and eventually we decided to try a Komatsu wheel loader, which, in terms of our operations, is the heartbeat. It proved to be productive and reliable, and we’ve found that’s true with all our Komatsu products.

“One of the reasons we tried Komatsu was we heard good things about the service and support SMS Equipment offers,” Geleta continued. “That plays a big role in our equipment-buying decisions. They’ve lived up to that reputation and our expectations, especially Ivan, G.E.T. Specialist Chris Sturge and PSSR Chris Chartier. They have parts when we need them, and they respond quickly to any request we have. We’re very pleased.”

Long-term plans for a dedicated staff In six years, Geleta has added more than 30 people to Inspek Crushing’s team, and he credits them for much of the company’s success. Key staff members include HSE Coordinator/Office Manager Nicole Wintonyk, Accounts Payable Kelly Krawec and Sales Coordinator/Accounts Receivable Debbie Chappell.

“I’m very proud of Inspek’s staff,” Geleta acknowledged. “Crushing is all about production and efficiency, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without people who can make those things a priority and a reality. They’re dedicated and loyal, and those attributes go a long way in my book. That’s why I’m working hard to put long-term plans in place for Inspek.”

With more than 50 million of the estimated 70 million tonnes of reserves at the government pit already gone. Geleta said Inspek is looking for other locations to supplement the pits it currently owns.

“We’ve already tested other places around Fort McMurray, Conklin and the Wabasca area. I’m confident that new aggregate sources will keep us busy and successful for many years,” he concluded.” n

Operator David Ruault uses a Komatsu PC350LC-8 excavator to load one of Inspek Crushing’s four HM350-2 haul trucks. “It’s fast and has really good visibility to the back of the truck,” said Ruault.

(L-R) SMS Equipment Sales Rep Ivan Magdic and PSSR Chris Chartier call on Inspek Crushing President

Mike Geleta. “They respond very quickly to any request we have,”

Geleta said.

Kelly Krawec, Accounts Payable

Nicole Wintonyk, HSE Coordinator/Office Manager

Debbie Chappell, Sales Coordinator/

Accounts Receivable

Inspek Crushing’s Susan Lake team members pause for a photo in front of the company’s fleet of Komatsu HM350-2 haul trucks.

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Y said Gerald. “On-site crushing often includes locating or being able to work a rock source near the job, and that’s where Harvey and his nose for aggregate come into the picture.

“You can send him out into the middle of a field where people swear there’s no rock for 20 miles, and when you come back the next morning, he’ll have a pile of gravel sitting there for you. He can go virtually anywhere and make that happen. He’s well-known in our industry in Manitoba as being the guy you need for the toughest crushing jobs.”

As a company, Strilkiwski Contracting is known for doing the difficult jobs and making them look easy. As an example, Gerald points to the firm’s long association with Mulder Construction, one of Manitoba’s leading paving contractors.

“They routinely put us in the toughest conditions,” said Gerald. “In fact, that’s how we got started with them. They had a job up north and asked me to give them a crushing price. Everything’s tougher up north. The rock itself is hard granite, so it tears up equipment much faster, and it’s difficult to get the mix right. They thought the price was high, so they brought in their own plant and tried to produce it themselves. They made about 7,000 tonnes in six weeks, far short of what they needed. They called back and asked if the price was still good. I said, ‘Sure,’ and they said, ‘Go to work.’ I think we produced 200,000 tonnes without any problem.

“That was 20 years ago and we’ve done jobs for them virtually every year since,” he noted. “They’re one of many repeat customers. We regularly work with other pavers, builders and many R.M.s (Rural Municipalities) throughout the province.”

STRILKIWSKI CONTRACTING LTD. Tough, on-site crushing jobs are a specialty of this Manitoba firm

You’ve maybe heard the phrases, “a nose for news,” “a nose for the ball” or “a nose for the goal.” Having a nose for something is a special, unexplainable ability that allows someone to do certain things better than the rest of us.

He may not be as highly celebrated as an ace reporter or a sports star, but Harvey Strilkiwski has a “nose,” too — for rock. Harvey and his brother Gerald are Managers of Strilkiwski Contracting Ltd., a Dauphin, Manitoba-based company that offers a wide range of construction services throughout the province, but its specialty is rock crushing. Gerald handles office duties while Harvey takes care of field activities, including sourcing aggregate.

“We own a number of quarries and we supply customers with aggregate from those, but we’re probably best-known for on-site crushing for customers, such as road-building contractors,”

Gerald Strilkiwski, Manager

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Strilkiwski Contracting is primarily an aggregate supplier, but also does road work, such as this job where Operator Jerry Hyra

uses a Komatsu D65 dozer to level and widen Highway 68.

Harvey Strilkiwski, Manager

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Steady growth Challenging jobs are not just commonplace for Strilkiwski Contracting; they’re the fun ones, according to Gerald. “When somebody says, ‘You can’t do this;’ we turn around and make it happen — that’s the best feeling in the world.”

For his part, Harvey says he, too, enjoys a challenge, but his greatest satisfaction is the finished product. “When we put down rock on a road and it leads to a great highway, I like to look at it and drive on it and know we did this. It’s a sense of pride that we accomplished something worthwhile.”

And while Gerald credits Harvey’s nose for much of the company’s success, Harvey credits Gerald and their father, John, who started the company. “Gerald keeps the jobs coming in and keeps things rolling along. And we both follow the work ethic established by our dad. He expected and demanded hard work from us and I guess it just became second nature.”

Strilkiwski Contracting got its start back in the early 1960s, when John started doing some trucking, which led to screening, which led to crushing. He turned to implement sales for a time, but resumed the business at the request of customers, and by the time he started back up, Gerald and Harvey were ready to come on board.

“I think we had one little crusher and maybe half a dozen people,” Gerald remembered. “We just kept taking the next step and grew from there. A big growth spurt occurred about 20 years ago when we got involved with Hudson Bay Mining (now Hudbay Minerals) in Snow Lake. And we’re still there, crushing ore and doing site work.”

Today, Strilkiwski Contracting employs about 125 people, has four crushing spreads and access to hundreds of owned and leased pits throughout Manitoba.

Owning multiple pits in the province is one of the keys to Strilkiwski’s success. “My dad had that vision and got it started. Today, we have material from near Winnipeg, right up through Lynn Lake,” said Gerald. “We basically cover the entire province and are able Continued. . .

to work as far north as where the roads end,” added Harvey.

Strilkiwski Contracting does many other things beyond material supply — excavation, road work, pipe — but crushing is definitely the company’s bread and butter. It accounts for about 70 percent of the business (around 3 million tonnes per year and growing).

Komatsu equipment and SMS support To support its pit and crushing operations, as well as do other miscellaneous site work, Strilkiwski Contracting has a large, mobile equipment fleet, much of it Komatsu equipment from SMS. Machines include four Komatsu excavators, five dozers, two articulated haul trucks and 18 wheel loaders.

Strilkiwski Contracting is a multigenerational family business that includes family members (L-R) Gerald, Bonnie, Travis, Anne and John, who founded the company more than 50 years ago.

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Two Komatsu WA500s, one operated by Richard Yakieslashek, take rock to a mobile crusher in one of Strilkiwski’s Manitoba

quarries. “It’s a smooth-riding, well-balanced, powerful machine,” Yakieslashek said of the WA500.

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“We got our first Komatsu, a WA450 wheel loader, in 1986,” Gerald recalled. “Today, it has about 65,000 frame hours on it, and we still use it regularly. It’s because of our experience with that initial machine that Komatsu is our number-one choice for wheel loaders.”

“Today, most of our wheel loaders are Komatsu WA500s,” added Harvey. “They’ve been very reliable, and some of our oldest ones probably have upward of 55,000 frame hours on them. We have some new Dash-6 models with ride control that are very comfortable, so our operators love those and our productivity with them is way up. We’re also very fond of Komatsu excavators, which, like the loaders, are comfortable, productive and last a long time.”

“Relatively low maintenance costs combined with excellent reliability and longevity are the main reasons we have so much Komatsu equipment,” explained Gerald. “We buy new equipment every year, but obviously, we also keep our old machines as long as they run. We joke with SMS that we’d like them to offer a 30,000-hour warranty on the loaders.”

Both brothers agreed that Komatsu equipment is excellent but they say a big reason they buy it is because of the support they get from SMS. “It’s a topnotch company, and our Sales Rep Rod Stacy does an excellent

Strilkiwski Contracting: aggregate specialists. . . continued

job for us,” acknowledged Harvey. “Their parts man in Winnipeg, Ty Barber, does whatever it takes to keep us going, including delivering parts to us on a Sunday morning if needed,” added Gerald. “We count on SMS to back us up and they do a great job of it.”

Providing value to customers Strilkiwski Contracting founder John Strilkiwski is 81 years old, and although he’s not involved in day-to-day operations, he still comes into the office regularly. When John started the business with the help of his wife, Anne, more than 50 years ago, he says he never envisioned it being the size it is today. “Frankly, it’s grown so big, I wouldn’t be comfortable running it today. But Gerald and Harvey do a great job, so I guess they’ve got it figured out.”

As for the future, the next generation is already in place. Gerald’s son, Travis, is a supervisor and Harvey’s son, Dillon, is an operator. “Gerald and I both hope our sons will carry on the family business after us, but we’re not going anywhere for a while,” said Harvey. “The business is still growing and we want to keep it moving forward.”

One challenge, according to Harvey, is that aggregate sources are becoming depleted in many locations, so it takes much more work and much more knowledge to put together a product that makes spec. But Gerald says, “That’s where Harvey’s nose for rock is a difference-maker for us over the competition.

“There are others challenges as well, such as finding work and finding qualified help, but our history of successful projects and satisfied clients helps us get jobs and find employees,” Gerald noted. “Meeting governmental rules and regulations regarding the environment and safety practices can also be challenging, but we don’t have a big problem with those because we all want a clean environment and a safe construction workplace.

“The key for our future success is the same as for every business; we have to provide our customers with real value,” he concluded. “We’ve done a good job of that in the past. As long as we continue to do it, we feel good about where we are and where we’re going.” n

Operator Jack Standrick loads a truck with a WA500-3. “This machine has 38,000 hours and still runs two shifts per day, and we have even

older Komatsus,” said Standrick. “They last a long time.”

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W citizens and industry. The municipality now has three dedicated crews — one for gravel-road maintenance, one for surfaced-road maintenance and one for construction.

The R.M. of Wilton Council also set some defined and aggressive goals for its road crews: No. 1, to supply a dust-free, all-weather, surfaced road within two miles of 90 percent of the residential population by 2020; and No. 2, to supply a surfaced, all-weather, heavy-haul, route within six miles of 80 percent of the oil wells by 2025.

Teamwork matters While Elder has taken a lead role in the Wilton road-building efforts, he says he’s just part of a dedicated team. Other managers include Director of Public Works Mike Williamson, his assistant Barry Rogers, Surface Roads Manager Glen Watt, Gravel Roads Manager Chris Wenger, Safety Manager Dale Trimble and “do-everything” fabricator Murray Martin.

“We don’t want any of our guys out in the field to feel like they’re out on an island by themselves,” said Elder. “They know they can call me, Mike, Barry, or anybody and we’re going to do whatever we can to support them. We all work together as a team. If we fail, we all fail, but when we win, we all win.”

Soil stabilization for road building Wilton R.M. #472 started its major surfacing project this year with 30 kilometres of paving and expects to do that same level for each of the next five years for a total of 150 kilometres of paved roads. But, the Wilton road-improvement program had some challenges to overcome, chief among them, a lack of gravel resources.

“We don’t have our own rock to build a road or a base, so we have to bring it in, which

WILTON RURAL MUNICIPALITY #472 Western Saskatchewan community develops aggressive road-improvement plan to accommodate growth

Wilton Rural Municipality #472 sits on the Saskatchewan side of the border with Alberta, southeast of Lloydminster, midway between Edmonton and Saskatoon. For most of its 100-year history, Wilton has primarily been an agricultural community. However, recent oil-field activity has brought new industry to the municipality, which, although welcome, has put a strain on Wilton’s roads.

“We have a road that two years ago was carrying 200 trucks a day,” said Darren Elder, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Wilton R.M. #472. “When we rebuilt it, we planned for growth, so we designed it to carry 400 trucks daily. Today, that road is carrying 700 trucks, and we have similar road situations throughout our municipality.”

To deal with the need for new roads, as well as maintain, upgrade and rehab Wilton’s existing 700 kilometres of roads, the R.M. has significantly increased its crews and its commitment to both

Wilton R.M. #472 has set an aggressive goal to pave 150 kilometres of roads during the next five years. Here, an operator for the Rural Municipality uses a Hamm 3518 soil compactor at the Wilton Industrial Park.

Darren Elder, CAO

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Mike Williamson, Director of

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substantially increases the cost,” said Elder. “Added to that is the price of land. Buying right-of-way is very expensive here, and building a traditional road with a 10-metre top width requires a 17-metre bottom width — it’s like a pyramid. So, we have to acquire that extra land to accommodate the bottom width, which further raises the cost.”

To overcome the problems, Wilton R.M. #472 has turned to fly ash and cement soil stabilization to replace the traditional road-building process. It will lay down 25 kilometres of fly ash and cement per year for the next five years, and will build 16 to 24 kilometres of new road annually for oil companies in the region.

“Fly ash/cement soil stabilization solves the lack-of-gravel problem. Also, because we can go straight into the road top with it, we don’t have to build a pyramid base, which lowers our land-acquisition cost,” explained Elder. “We’re strengthening (using soil stabilization) about 25 kilometres per year, which we then chip seal. That holds it for a couple of years until we can get at it with hot-mix asphalt.”

Wirtgen WR 2400 “We stuck our toe in the water of soil stabilization by acquiring a stabilizer/reclaimer Continued. . .

a few years ago,” recalled Elder. “At the time, the machine was OK, but we wanted better performance and productivity, so we turned to a different manufacturer’s machine, which we thought would be better, but it wasn’t. We had to weld on it nearly as much as we ran it. So once again, I was back looking for a better alternative.”

Elder said he decided to check out what road builders in Europe were using, and that’s when he came across Wirtgen.

Because gravel resources are scarce in the region, Wilton R.M. #472 uses a fly ash and cement mixture extensively for road building.

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Wilton R.M. #472 Operator Jim Duffy uses a Wirtgen WR 2400 soil stabilizer to mix fly ash and cement with the existing soil to make it strong enough to support a road. “We tried other soil stabilizers, but they didn’t give us the production or reliability we needed,” said Wilton R.M. #472 CAO Darren Elder. “On the other hand, the Wirtgen machine worked so well for us, we purchased a second one the same year.”

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“A large percentage of European road builders use Wirtgen soil stabilizers, so I started doing some homework,” he recounted. “When I checked it out online, the specs looked good and the testimonials I read there were also positive. Then I started calling people, both in Europe and North America, and I talked to folks who were using the product. Every single person I talked to was really happy with Wirtgen stabilizers. So, I contacted Wirtgen, which put me in touch with SMS.”

Elder talked to SMS Saskatoon branch Sales Rep Bob Arsenault, who recommended the mid-size Wirtgen WR 2400 stabilizer/reclaimer (working width is 2,400 mm) for Wilton R.M. #472.

More production, less downtime “We were up against a tight time frame, and I didn’t want to lose any more time,” Elder recalled. “I told Bob to order it, get it on the boat and deliver it here as soon as possible. Bob called Wirtgen America in Nashville, Tennessee, and we were lucky, they had one there so all we

Better roads coming to Wilton R.M. #472. . . continued

had to do was transport it up here and we could put it to work.”

Getting right to work on a project is important in Wilton because the construction season is so short. “Take away the holidays and rainy days and our season is probably only about 80 to 100 working days, and we’ve got a large amount of work to accomplish during that time,” said Elder.

“The important thing for us was to get the machine on the job and have it produce with little to no downtime, and that’s what it has done,” he continued. “We’ve been very pleased with the WR 2400’s performance. In fact, after we saw how well it worked, we purchased a second one the same year. Some people might think that’s overkill, but the way we view it, talk is cheap and we aren’t about talk — we’re about getting the job done.”

Wilton also got a 3518 Hamm single-drum roller to compact the fly ash/cement mixture. “It’s a really good compactor,” stated Elder. “The company that does our paving also uses Hamm rollers and there’s a reason — they work great.”

In addition to the quality of the equipment, Elder says Wilton R.M. #472 has been pleased and impressed with the support Arsenault and SMS provide.

“Uptime is everything to us so we expect and demand good support from the dealer, and SMS has provided it. They respond quickly and they’ve done a good job of stocking the parts we need. Once, they didn’t have something on hand, but they ordered it from Nashville and it was here the next day, so even that was fast. We’ve been impressed with the overall level of support and I believe our relationship with SMS will grow as a result of the support and quality of equipment they provide.”

Looking ahead, Elder projects an aggressive work schedule to meet the municipality’s road-building goals. “The next two years will see the largest expansion of surface roads in Wilton’s history, as we try to catch up with, and get ahead of, the oil-field growth. Overall, I think we all feel good about our road-building program and believe it will positively impact the lives of the citizens, as well as the businesses, in Wilton for the foreseeable future.” n

(L-R) Wilton R.M. #472 Operator Jim Duffy, SMS Sales Rep Bob Arsenault, SMS PSR Larry Kuznitsoff, Wilton Public Works Director Mike Williamson and Wilton Chief Administrative Officer Darren Elder pause for a photo in front of one of the R.M.’s two Wirtgen WR 2400 soil stabilizers. “Uptime is everything to us and we’ve been very pleased with the way SMS has supported us and our Wirtgen units,” said Elder.

A One would expect a leading manufacturer in mining machines to have one of the largest displays at MINExpo, introducing cutting-edge equipment and support capabilities that increase production. Komatsu did just that at the most recent quadrennial event in Las Vegas, showcasing six machines, Modular Mining, KOMTRAX Plus® and KOMVISION™.

Products on display included the new 200-tonne-class 730E (AC) haul truck that’s now AC-driven, as well as a PC4000 excavator with advanced, four-circuit, Hydropilot hydraulics that deliver precision control and extended reliability, which lower overall per-tonne costs. Rounding out the products were a 960E-2K electric truck, an HD785-7 haul truck, a WA900-3 wheel loader and a D375A-6 dozer.

“MINExpo is a good opportunity for anyone in the mining industry to see first-hand the latest in mining products and make comparisons,” said Bob Post, Komatsu Director of Marketing Communications. “But mining is about more than massive pieces of equipment. It’s about productivity and moving materials safely and efficiently. That’s why in addition to products, we offered informative workshops on topics such as estimating production, as well as highlighted ways we can help mines lower owning and operating costs through state-of-the art technology like KOMTRAX Plus.”

KOMTRAX Plus is Komatsu’s remote, machine-monitoring system for mining-size products that provides valuable information to help operations track critical data. “It’s a tool that can aid in lowering operation costs,” said Post. “By tracking data with KOMTRAX Plus, mines can take a proactive approach to maintenance and other operational costs. It allows them to track production, idle time, pressures, temperatures

MINEXPO RECAP Komatsu features machinery and support capabilities at quadrennial mining showcase

and trends. If they see something go out of normal tolerance areas, they can address it before it becomes a major breakdown.”

Introducing KOMVISION Post noted that Komatsu’s exclusive innovations, such as KOMTRAX Plus and KOMVISION have been driven in part by customer input. “KOMVISION is a whole new layer of awareness for haul-truck operators. It uses a combination of radar and cameras to give the operator a virtual 360-degree view all around the machine,” he explained. “It provides a more comprehensive perspective than mirrors alone and signals an alert if an object is in the detection area.

“Komatsu is committed to providing solutions to help mines achieve production goals at lower costs,” Post continued. “We wanted MINExpo visitors to come away with the knowledge that Komatsu takes a comprehensive approach to improving their mining operations through products and technology designed to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability.” n

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Komatsu displayed several machines at MINExpo, including its new AC-drive 730E (AC) electric truck and PC4000 excavator. It also highlighted support capabilities and innovations such as KOMVISION™.

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A SALUTE TO A CUSTOMER

Y You care about the reduction in emissions that Tier 4 Interim regulations mandated, but chances are you’re more concerned that new machines will move the same amount of material as efficiently as your current equipment. Komatsu’s new HM400-3 articulated haul truck does that and more. The new Tier 4 Interim truck actually outproduces the previous Tier 3 model. The HM400-3 has an increased body capacity that yields a 44.1-tonne payload compared to the 40 tonnes of its predecessor. Built of high-strength, wear-resistant steel, the body features a low loading height of 3.2 metres (10 feet, five inches), which allows easy loading by Komatsu wheel loaders and excavators. “A good combination is matching the HM400-3 with a 40- to 60-tonne hydraulic excavator or a 4.2- to 5.7-cubic-metre (5.5-to 7.5-cubic-yard) wheel loader,” said Product Manager Rob Warden. “That’s an efficient, cost-effective way to move massive amounts of dirt on a variety of jobsites. Depending on conditions, operators

NEXT-GENERATION TRUCK Komatsu’s new HM400-3 meets all Tier 4 Interim requirements, plus provides increased capacity

Komatsu’s new HM400-3 features increased payload, output and gross vehicle weight compared to its predecessor, while reducing fuel consumption by as much as 14 percent, depending on job conditions.

Rob Warden, Product Manager

Brief Specs on the Komatsu HM400-3 Artic Truck

can select from two working modes: Economy for lighter work on flat ground or Power for higher-production jobs and uphill-hauling applications.”

A new Komatsu Traction Control System (KTCS) allows for maximum performance in soft ground, allowing operators to continue working in wet, sloppy conditions. If the truck detects a rapid slowdown in movement, it checks to see that the front and middle axle shafts are rotating at the same speed. If not, it automatically engages the inter-axle differential lock. If wheel slippage is then detected, the HM400-3’s KTCS system will automatically brake the slipping wheel. “Job conditions determine fuel consumption, but with improvements in the transmission and advanced electronic engine control, we’re seeing as much as 14-percent better fuel economy compared to the previous model,” said Warden. “Eco Guidance through the monitor panel gives the operator information on ways to improve fuel economy. In addition, there are improvements to make the operator more productive, such as a centre-located seat that provides a wider view, and a larger seat with air suspension that dampens vibration. The cab design offers less vibration and noise, too.” Backed by Komatsu CARE Like other Tier 4 Interim machines, Komatsu backs the HM400-3 with Komatsu CARE. The program provides complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 2,000 hours by factory-certified technicians using genuine Komatsu parts and fluids.

“It’s a value-added service that ensures proper maintenance, done right and on time,” explained Warden. “That lowers owning and operating costs, maintains uptime and reliability and improves resale value.” n

Model Net Output Gross Vehicle Weight Payload

HM400-3 350 kW (469 hp) 73,740 kg (162,569 lbs.) 44.1 tonnes

“The information benefits the customer in a variety of ways,” said Richard Griffiths, Equipment Technologies Coordinator for SMS’ Eastern Region. “A couple of great examples are idle time and modes. Machine owners can see if a machine is idling too much or if an operator is using Power mode when Economy would be better, both of which waste fuel. They can then address those issues and correct them.”

“KOMTRAX Universal Kits are also available for installation on any 12- or 24-volt machine,” Rehn noted. “We have customers installing these units on their non-Komatsu machines because they are able to monitor GPS location, machine hours and engine on/off time, giving our customers a total fleet-monitoring tool.”

Topcon, KTSS available Additional monitoring systems are available through SMS Equipment, including the KOMTRAX Tierra Service Truck Monitoring System (KTSS). It can be added onto any piece of equipment or fleet vehicle. “KTSS is a GPS system that shows basic information such as location, hour and odometer readings, as well as driver behaviour,” explained Rehn. “We use it on our service and lube trucks, and it has increased our efficiency.”

Topcon also produces machine-control systems. “Komatsu manufactures machines, such as crawler dozers and motor graders, that are plug-and-play ready for Topcon systems,” said Rehn. “SMS Equipment is actively working with customers to show them the benefits of Topcon because, like monitoring systems, they have been shown to reduce owning and operating costs.” n

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TKrystle Rehn, Equipment

Technologies Coordinator,

Western Region

Richard Griffiths, Equipment

Technologies Coordinator,

Eastern Region

TECHNOLOGY WITH A FOCUS ON CUSTOMERS Monitoring systems can reduce costs and downtime

Taking a proactive approach to staying on top of your equipment’s “health” is vital to ensuring it remains in top working condition throughout its lifetime. Komatsu’s KOMTRAX and KOMTRAX Plus machine-monitoring technologies, standard features on new Komatsu equipment, help you do that.

“KOMTRAX monitors Komatsu construction equipment, and KOMTRAX Plus does the same for mining machinery,” said Krystle Rehn, Equipment Technologies Coordinator for SMS Equipment’s Western Region. “Both collect and report information such as machine hours, GPS location, fuel consumption, idle time and caution/abnormality codes. KOMTRAX Plus provides additional information, including payloads and a variety of trend graphs containing parameters, such as blowby pressure and engine oil temperature.

“As equipment technology coordinators, we are dedicated to monitoring equipment in our regions and using that information proactively to help customers plan ahead for scheduled service intervals and address issues before they potentially lead to a breakdown,” Rehn added.

SMS Equipment can notify customers via email or text message when cautions or abnormalities occur and also when a scheduled maintenance interval is upcoming. Customers also locate and monitor their machinery through either system by logging onto a secure Web site (www.myKomtrax.com or www.myKomatsu.com) that supplies reports and data to assist customers with planning, scheduling maintenance and improving efficiency. Equipment Technologies Coordinators can help customers set up access to the site; simply contact your SMS representative.

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S Standard warranties on most construction machinery typically cover the first year of life, but as an equipment owner, you expect to keep a machine well beyond that. SMS Equipment offers options to extend coverage of Komatsu construction machinery through its Warranty Solutions program.

EXTENDED WARRANTY OPTIONS Solutions designed to cover you beyond the standard term

“We piggyback on Komatsu’s excellent standard warranty with two programs, Shield and Armour,” said Chessie Clark, Extended Warranty Coordinator. “Owners can add either at the time they purchase a piece of equipment and finance the program cost along with the machine purchase, or they can add the extended warranty anytime within the first year.”

Travel included and zero deductible “Some key features of both programs include zero deductible and coverage for travel, labour and kilometres, up to 800 kilometres or 10 hours of travel time,” Clark added. “We’re one of very few in the industry that offer those benefits.”

The Shield program covers power-train components, such as the engine, torque converter, transmission, drive shaft and hydraulics. The Armour program covers the entire machine, including alternators, starters, air conditioners, heaters and electronic parts (except wear and maintenance items).

“Typical terms are three years, 6,000 hours, but we’ll work with customers to customize a program,” said Julia Slade, Warranty Manager, Western Region. “We go as high as five years and 10,000 hours, so SMS has something available for just about any need.

“We believe we’ve set the industry standard with these programs,” Slade continued. “We encourage all prospective buyers to talk with their SMS equipment sales or product support representative about terms and how we can help.” n

Chessie Clark, Extended Warranty

Coordinator

Julia Slade, Warranty Manager,

Western Region

SMS Equipment’s Warranty Solutions offer options to extend coverage beyond the standard term on Komatsu construction equipment. Its Shield program warranty covers the power train and hydraulics, and Armour program covers the full machine.

Applicable Machines

Type Models Excavators PC09 - PC1250

Wheel Loaders WA50 - WA600

Dozers D31 - D275

Articulated Trucks HM300 - HM400

Mechanical Trucks HD325 - HD605

Motor Graders GD655

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A

NEW LIFT-N-LOCK SYSTEM SMS Equipment adds capability to separate even the largest mining shovels efficiently

Mike Drake, Lift-N-Lock Operations Manager

SMS Equipment’s new Lift-N-Lock system allows its field crew to efficiently separate the house and body from even the largest mining shovels. The team can also make necessary repairs, such as component change-outs, line boring and milling services.

A scheduled shutdown is a good time to assess and make necessary repairs to equipment. In mining operations, that often involves large machines, such as mining shovels that have to be separated to access components that require repair or maintenance. SMS Equipment has the capability to do that work efficiently with its new Lift-N-Lock system that reduces downtime.

When the Lift-N-Lock system is set up and ready, an operator drives the shovel into position, and SMS personnel go to work lifting the house from the body and disconnecting the two. The procedure is reversed when putting the shovel back together.

SMS Equipment’s Lift-N-Lock system was built from a prototype the company put together so it can lift up to 4.8 million pounds. It has a 48-foot inside width, allowing for even the largest mining shovels, including oil-sands, wide-track machines, to move into the system without removing any parts, such as catwalks.

“It’s much more efficient than older methods, and safer too,” stated Mike Drake, SMS Lift-N-Lock Operations Manager, who leads the team. “We can set it up and be ready quickly, and usually do the split within a day. In some cases, the separation is all we do for the customer. They make the necessary repairs, then call us back to put the house and body back together. More often, they have us make the repairs, for example changing out components, milling the ring-gear mounting surface, rebuilding the undercarriage and other necessary services.”

A dedicated crew SMS Equipment has a crew dedicated to field projects involving Lift-N-Lock and shovel separations. In addition to Drake, the team includes Field Projects Supervisor Romeo Kovacevic, Field

Welder/Fitter Fred Thirsk, Machinist Rob Cole, Journeyman Mechanic/Welder Lyle Onischuk, Mechanic Brad Rollier and a couple new openings for a journeyman electrician and field mechanic. Garry Marcinowski provides technical support. SMS also uses service personnel from local branches as needed. Drake said that once a project starts, the team works around the clock until it’s finished.

“With the Lift-N-Lock system and our support equipment, we’re a one-stop shop with the ability to manage a project from start to finish,” said Drake. “We also had the system built for the future, as we anticipate mining machines will continue to get larger. The response has been great, and we continue to be busy, so we expect to expand our staff going forward.” n

Brief Specs on the Lift-N-Lock System

Features: • Single-stage cylinder.

• 15-foot, eight-inch stroke.

• Wireless remote control.

• Heated oil reservoirs.

• Capacity 2,400 tonnes.

• Low hydraulic-system operating pressure.

• Pre-setup reduces downtime by three to four days.

Safety: • Trained technicians to operate system.

• Spill-proof containment.

• Front & rear stabilizing beams.

• Centering struts in 14 locations.

• Spring-applied cam locking system (4/jack).

Campbell River

Surrey

Prince George

HoustonChetwynd

Whitehorse

Ft. St. John

Ft. McMurray (63N)Ft. McMurray (Town)

Grande Prairie

Port Coquitlam

Kamloops

Paradise,St. John’s

Moncton

Goose Bay

Wabush

Havre-St-Pierre

Baie-Comeau

St-Bruno

Timmins

Winnipeg

AchesonEdmonton

Saskatoon

Yellowknife

Thunder Bay

Red Deer

Calgary

Elkford

Williams Lake

Regina

Fredericton

Trois-Rivières

Dorval

Val-d’Or

Mirabel St-Augustin

Chicoutimi

Campbell River

Surrey

Prince George

HoustonChetwynd

Whitehorse

Ft. St. John

Ft. McMurray (63N)Ft. McMurray (Town)

Grande Prairie

Port Coquitlam

Kamloops

Paradise,St. John’s

Moncton

Goose Bay

Wabush

Havre-St-Pierre

Baie-Comeau

St-Bruno

Timmins

Winnipeg

AchesonEdmonton

Saskatoon

Yellowknife

Thunder Bay

Red Deer

Calgary

Elkford

Williams Lake

Regina

Fredericton

Trois-Rivières

Dorval

Val-d’Or

Mirabel St-Augustin

Chicoutimi

Chibougamau

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:

SMS EquipMEntMCCALLUM PRINTING11755 - 108 STREETEDMONTON, AB T5H 1B8 40730068

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1

Western Region:

1.866.458.0101Eastern Region:

1.800.881.9828

smsequip.com