The mining and quarrying sector accounts for 2.5 per cent of India’s GDP, as estimated by the Central Statistical Organization. Three main demand drivers for mining products have enabled the Indian mining and quarrying sector to grow at a rate of three to four percent since 2001 – growing coal based power generation, resurging industrial production and rapid infrastructure development.
The size of the tip trailer vehicle market has expanded from 2,000 units in 2009-10 to 2,400 units in 2011-2012, which is a 20 per cent growth. This is attributed to the rise in demand for tip trailers from major coal transporters, power generation companies, clinker transporters and construction companies in order to achieve better operational economics. If the trend continues, the market size is expected to reach around 3,200 units by 2014-15.
Over the years, due to overloading practices, transportation of minerals has been predominantly by rigid trucks (25T and 31T), but now the market is gradually moving towards rated-load applications which has made payload a very important factor in mineral transportation. Moreover, as manual labour is required for unloading in rigid trucks, the turnaround time increases, which in turn affects profitability. Also, with efficiency and safety levels steadily rising in these sectors, there is greater demand for faster, safer and more efficient vehicles.
However, buying the vehicle chassis and the tip trailer body from two separate companies and then integrating them at a fabricator workshop is an extremely complex process that delays return on investment for customers. Having said that, with OEMs offering fully-built tip trailers, the fully-built vehicle (FBV) concept is gaining ground and could make a difference in the Indian market. CV market leader Tata Motors has developed a range of ready-to-use tip trailers, a move which would raise the bar in the industry.
Tip trailers offer optimum solutions by providing higher payload carrying capacity and faster turnaround time to customers. Though the concept of fully-built tip trailers is in its nascent stage in the Indian market, it is bound to grow in the coming years. Tata Motors’ fully-built tip trailers provide customers with a complete solution, eliminating the need for customers to look for a third party fabricator. The company designs the chassis and the trailer based on customer inputs and requirements, thus offering tailor-made solutions. Built using high quality materials and manufacturing processes, Tata tip trailers offer excellent quality when it comes to performance and reliability.
Currently the company offers three types of tip trailers in the market. The first offering is a 24 Cum on LPS 4018 which is predominantly used for transport of coal, zinc and aggregates. The second product is a 28 Cum on LPS 4018 which is mainly used by customers for carrying coal and pet coke, while the 32 Cum on Prima 4928.S is specifically made for transporting heavy materials like aggregates, clinkers and manufactured sand (M sand).
Feature-packed
In addition to ensuring a faster return on investment owing to the higher payload-carrying capacity, the robust body of the vehicles helps reduce maintenance time and cost. The proven quality of aggregates such as axles, tyres and suspensions adds to the life cycle of the vehicle and also cuts down maintenance costs and frequent repairs. The multi-stage tipping kits optimize customer operations, aided by the two-speed telescopic type landing leg which reduces the effort and enhances safety during tipping operation. The two-coat painting process, shot blasted and primered body ensures a longer paint life, while the zinc-coated fasteners with anti-rust solution on the fasteners and mating parts further enhance the product’s life.
Since tipping operations demand a high level of stability, especially in the case of a tip trailer, a stabilizer is fitted to ensure optimum stability of the vehicle. The tip trailers are tested for proper stability at each point of the tipping action. Running on the highly fuel efficient and technologically proven models in Tata Motors’ 40T and 49T platforms, the tip trailers offer a cost-effective and complete solution to customers.
In terms of safety, these vehicles come with a host of features specially designed with the driver in mind. They are equipped with safety features such as spray suppressor and rear light protection while the rear under-run protection devices (RUPDs) and side under-run protection devices (SUPDs) further add to vehicle safety.
Tata Motors also ensures that customers’ drivers are thoroughly trained with a set of do’s and don’ts before they use the vehicle. The driver training has significant importance both from a safety perspective and also for the customer to achieve better operating economics.
The Indian market is known for a plethora of unorganized players when it comes to trailer fabrication. However, organized players like Tata Motors bring a set of distinct advantages through superior quality products which are much needed for a dynamic and demanding market such as India. Tata tip trailers come with tested product quality, advanced technology and safety features, backed by a strong aftersales network across the country.
With more products on the anvil, the company is looking to expand the customer base for its range of tip trailers, which is definitely a progressive step in the organized tip trailer segment in the country.
Tata Motors’ current range of ready-to-use tip trailers:
• 24 Cum on LPS 4018
• 28 Cum on LPS 4018
• 32 Cum on Prima 4928