Stockyard systems from some of the bulk industry’s big hitters

Phoenix Terminal Solutions: a new level

Founded in 1892, Phoenix Products Company Inc. designs and manufactures lighting fixtures for some of the world’s harshest environments, including bulk handling stockyards. One of its key markets is the bulk handling industry a critical link in the world’s supply chain. How a terminal utilizes the ever-changing technology available in this competitive industry can have a direct effect on the operator’s bottom line. For this reason, having integrated systems and concise information about them is crucial.

FILLING A VOID

For years, Phoenix has been observing the many unique characteristics of the terminal industry from the long buying cycles to the amount of capital investment required to remain competitive. The distribution channels are also unique. In many cases, the manufacturer, OEM and specifier are all located on separate continents, which often complicates the management of these projects.

Phoenix has responded to these distinguishing factors with an innovative new business model — Phoenix Terminal Solutions. It sells Phoenix’s lighting fixtures in addition to other industry- leading manufacturers’ of specialty equipment.

THE FORMATION

Prior to doing anything, Phoenix researched, interviewed and judged key market professionals’ reactions to its concept. The response was positive, and it was convinced it was the right thing to do for two predominant reasons:

 

• Trust: Phoenix is more than 123 years old. With its rich history and the credibility built over the decades, customers were confident they’d be presented with top-quality products from trusted suppliers.
• Efficiency: there was also a consensus that, with PTS bringing more products from more manufacturers, customers would learn more from a single sales call than they would by meeting with four or more separate vendors.

 

Phoenix has aggressively grown its presence in the terminal market for lights installed on equipment worldwide. Scott Fredrick, CEO of PTS and Phoenix explains, “A good deal of our

growth has been in LED technology and was leveraged when we established a specialized port sales team within Phoenix. Until then, we weren’t able to identify an alternate sales channel that would focus exclusively on the port market, be adaptable to the long buying cycle or have a multi-national presence required by the industry.”

FORMING PARTNERSHIPS

In addition to Phoenix, PTS currently represents two premium manufacturers — LASE and Bright Light Systems. But this is only the beginning. Fredrick states that they plan to add
others possibly organizations based overseas that are looking to grow in the North American market. Plans also exists to partner with American companies looking to expand into international markets because its port sales team already has a strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

In reference to LASE’s new partnership with PTS, Lars Ambrosy, CEO of the Germany-based manufacturer says, “LASE strengthens its presence by this partnership. Phoenix stands for quality as well as high-value products and services, which also reflects the philosophy of LASE.”

This increased presence means more information for port operators who may not have the exposure to these manufacturers due to time or geographical constraints.

MAXIMIZING RESOURCES

Fredrick further explains,“PTS’ sales team had proven to be very effective. It includes credible, port industry veterans with a wealth of applicable knowledge.” This brings a wealth of resources and a new level of service to terminals worldwide.

PTS has been fully operational since January 2015. Thus far, the market response and overall performance of the newly formed, specialized company has exceeded expectations. The project opportunities are abundant, and appointments have been incredibly productive.

he 966M, 966M XE, 972M and 972M XE wheel loaders have EU Stage IV C9.3 ACERTTM engines equipped with a combination of proven electronic, fuel, air and aftertreatment components. Applying proven technologies systematically and strategically lets Caterpillar meet its customers’ high expectations for productivity, fuel efficiency, reliability and service life. Deep system integration results in reduced emissions, improved performance and improved fuel economy without interrupting machine performance making it seamless to operators.

PRODUCTIVITY AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

The XE advanced powertrain first introduced with the 966K XE continues with the 966M XE and the 972M XE. The XE technology results in 25% higher fuel efficiency on average compared with machines with traditional torque converters, and simplifies operation with a two pedal design while providing seemingly endless power.

The 966M and 972M powertrains have also been improved with the addition of lock-up clutch torque converters as standard. These new torque converters have also been matched with the engine power and hydraulics to improve performance and fuel efficiency and are another example of deep system integration. These rugged planetary transmissions also have a split-flow oil system and use new multi-viscosity oil which improves fuel economy. The deep system integration of the above features and further axle and hydraulic improvements below result in ten percent lower fuel consumption on average compared to the 966K and 972K. The new 966M and 972M are second only to the 966M XE and 972M XE which are the class leaders in fuel efficiency.

These models are used in dry bulk handling and where poor underfoot conditions make traction difficult slowing production and challenging job deadlines. By their ability to engage on-the-

go and to transfer 100% of the torque to the wheel with traction, the disc-type differential locks improve tractive ability in these applications thereby increasing productivity. All four models come standard with front axle differential locks which are manually activated by a switch on the floor. Optional fully automatic front and rear axle differential locks operate by measuring differences in axle speeds and require no operator intervention to activate. These disc-type differential locks will reduce tyre scuffing compared with other traction aids further reducing operating costs for customers.

The axles contribute to lower fuel consumption due to lower oil levels and bevel gear shrouds which reduce churning losses from rotating components. They also have external caliper disc parking brakes mounted to the input shaft of the front axles. Caliper parking brakes have higher capacity than the drum brakes used on the 966K and 972K. Since they are external, they do not have the inefficiencies of enclosed wet parking brakes due to brake discs running in oil nor is there any oil to change reducing fuel and maintenance costs. External caliper parking brakes are easily accessible for inspection and service.

The main hydraulic valve is a mono-block with an integrated ride control section. The mono-block design reduces weight, has forty percent fewer leak points and is common across all
M Series models. The ride control system now has two accumulators enabling it to be more effective over a greater payload range, increasing productivity and operator efficiency due to a better ride. Auxiliary third and fourth hydraulic functions can be easily added at the factory or in the field with the addition of a second remote valve.

A new ‘aggregate handler’ version of these models allows to increase payload by approximately 700kg in free-flowing material applications.

OPERATOR EFFICIENCY

Improving operator efficiency remains a key design goal for the 966M, 966M XE, 972M and 972M XE. Ensuring operators are safe, confident in the control of their machines, have a clean, comfortable and quiet operating environment with controls that are intuitive and low effort, all contribute to reduced operator fatigue and better performance.

In the cab, the new door securely seals against the new roll formed ROPS posts and the lower glass panel has been extended several centimetres to improve visibility to the left side of the machine. Large convex mirrors improve visibility to the rear and integrated spot mirrors provide visibility close to both sides of the machine.

A new multipurpose colour touch screen display dramatically simplifies the operator interface; with machine controls, rear view camera and new fully integrated Cat Production Measurement

system. Intuitive navigation with in-language text enables operators to modify certain machine operating parameters and monitor machine conditions literally at the touch of their fingers. Some controls have been relocated to this new display eliminating the need for the second membrane switch pad further reducing cab clutter.

Operator sound pressure level & exterior sound power level remain unchanged for the 966M and 972M at respectively 69 dB(A) and 108 dB(A).The 966M XE & 972M XE operating at lower engine speed, benefit from reduced noise levels at respectively 67 dB(A) and 105 dB(A).