Globally, we have moved from Tier 3 engines to Tier-4 engines and now the aim is to produce more fuel-efficient machines. We are also working upon a dual power system which will have the facility to run on electrical power once it is set up at the site, says Viraj Parthi, Country Manager, Terex Mobile Processing Equipment. Excerpts from the interview.

What are the growth trends for crushers and screen for the aggregate and mining segments?
The growth in the overall market for mobile crushers and screens have been not very encouraging in 2012 due to various issues like ban on mining of iron ore, slowdown in road sector, etc. This year, Terex Finlay had concentrated mainly on the aggregate sector and has been able to achieve some growth over 2011.

What was Terex Finlay's performance like in 2012?
Though the overall market for tracked crushers has not shown any growth, we have been able to make major inroads into aggregate market. In 2012, we are satisfied with our results, considering the challenges in the market.

Given the current scenario, when do you expect a revival in the market?In 2013, we hope that the aggregate market will have more activity for tracked plants. The machines which are mainly in demand are the jaw crusher J 1175, cone crusher C 1540 and 3-deck screen 684.

What is Terex Finlay's strategy in the current scenario where the offtake of crushers has dipped considerably?
We are not affected much as far as the dip in offtake of crushers is concerned. On the contrary, we have been able to get some growth in 2012. Our focus has been to provide right equipment to the customer with strong support back-up through our dealers. We have successfully launched two new products in 2012, the 3-deck screen 684 and cone crusher with on-board screen C 1540 RS.

How is the company addressing issues like devaluation of rupee?
We have been manufacturing our products in Hosur for the last two-and-a-half years, which has helped us in remaining competitive. Still, the imported contents in our product have put our profitability under strain. A lot of fresh initiatives have been launched in the factory to offset these issues.

What are the major technology/ product trends in this sector?
Like the US and Europe, India is following the trend of moving to tracked crushers in place of traditional static and semi-static ones. Globally, we have moved from Tier-3 engines to Tier-4 engines and now the focus is there to produce more fuel-efficient machines. We are also working upon a dual power system which will have the facility to run on electrical power once it is set up at the site.

How do you address the issue of lack of skilled operators?
We are continuously conducting training with the support of our dealers to train operators at site. We also invite operators to our factory to get exposure on machine assembly and small trouble-shooting. The sales team from the dealers are trained on the right application so that they can recommend the correct equipment to our customers. Our service team is trained extensively on troubleshooting and we conduct regular training programmes for them.

Is Terex Finlay geared to meet the fast changing service parameters?
After sales service is the most vital aspect for any crusher customer and our prime focus is on continuous improvement in our support to the customers. Through the wide network of our dealers, we are committed to keep our spares and service team closer to the sites where the machines are working. Apart from regular training, the service team is continuously rotated through different applications so that they have a wide range of experience. We have also focussed a lot on improving the logistics for parts supply at customers' sites.

Tell us about the range of crushers and screen offered by Terex Finlay.
The Terex Finlay C-1540 cone crusher features a number of major benefits including hydrostatic drive, rapid set- up time, high reduction ratio, high output capacity and advanced electronic control system. The unique feature of the C-1540 is the optional integrated pre-screen. By crushing only the products that needs to be crushed, the capacity of the machine is increased and wear costs reduced. This unique feature is very useful in every application where lesser fines production is required. The metal detector on the hopper with self-clearing facility is also another notable feature.

The Terex Finlay J-1175 jaw crusher comes with a unique feature of reversible operation for cleaning blockages. Terex also offers a fully hydraulic adjustable closed side option in addition to the hydrostatic drive and advanced electronic control system.

We have launched a three- deck inclined screen model, the 684, in 2012. The Terex Finlay 684 is a compact easily transportable machine that offers operators rapid set up and tear down times. The new screen box features three large 4.3 m x 1.7 m (14' x 5' 7") inclined screens giving a large screening area of 236 sq ft to provide efficient screening and high capacity. The screen box features quick wedge tensioning, access holes and bottom deck hydraulic tensioning system to reduce time required for mesh changes. All four discharge conveyors are adjustable and hydraulically foldable for transport. The fourth product oversize plus conveyor has a variable tilt and side slew to accurately discharge material for recirculation and stockpiling.

Another key product we have launched in 2012 was a cone crusher with on-board screen model C 1540 RS. The Terex Finlay C-1540RS tracked mobile cone crusher provides the versatility of a crushing and screening plant on one machine in aggregate and ore surface mining applications. Based on the proven and tested Terex Finlay C-1540 cone crusher, this machine variant features an innovative on-board recirculating system and detachable sizing screen. If recirculation and sizing of materials is not required the sizing screen can be quickly detached from the machine without the need for lifting equipment.

How do you differentiate your products?
Terex Finlay products are the most technologically advanced tracked crushers in the market. The hydrostatic drive in crushers and screen, the metal purgation system in cone crushers and the quick wedge tensioning in screens are some of the unique features which not only help in ease of operation but also improve the availability of the plant. The accessibility of the engine and crushing chamber is superb and it gives a lot of comfort to the operating team.