Gangavaram Port is the deepest port in India with a draft of 20.2 m. It is capable of handling fully laden Capesize ships, vessels which are too large to traverse either the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal, which weigh up to 200,000 DWT. The port is equipped with state-of-the-art loading and unloading technology and mainly handles coal, iron ore and other dry bulk. To support its loading and unloading operations, a fleet of 15 SDLG wheel loaders, supplied by Detroit Mining and Construction, SDLG?s dealer for the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states, is in near-constant use. ?Our vision is to become the leading port in Southeast Asia,? said V Janardhana Rao, Director, Operations. ?To do that, we need the support of our contractors - and the best equipment to keep things moving, day and night,? he added.

The nine berths at Gangavaram Port receive around 21 mmt of cargo each year. With expansion plans already underway, the handling capacity is set to double in the near future. Its location in the Bay of Bengal is ideal as it connects Chennai and Howrah by rail, and Kolkata by road. It also links to a number of waterways, so cargo received at the port can be transported inland by train, truck and boat. The SDLG wheel loader fleet at Gangavaram Port is made up of LG958L and LG979 models. According to Rao, fast access to parts was crucial to the ongoing success of port operations. Rao said, ?Timely delivery and efficiency are the main ingredients for success in our field, which is why we decided to purchase SDLG equipment, because the team at SDLG provides us with spare parts and support right when we need it. This is critical to our work. The team?s effort to support us in the best way possible is truly appreciated and the machines are all working well.?

Detroit Mining supplies a wide range of SDLG equipment, including wheel loaders such as the 3T LG936L and LG938L, the 5T LG958L and the 7T LG979. It also stocks and sells the popular G9190 motor grader. In addition to sales, the company also provides service and spare parts support. The 5T LG958L is equipped with a Deutz Tier III BF6M1013C engine that has been certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Its ZF powershift transmission offers higher torque and greater traction. The machines have also been optimised to deliver high breakout force and the sturdy bucket offers durability and excellent loading capacity. The 7T LG979 features a Volvo Penta Tier III D13 low-emission engine that delivers faster cycle times while using less fuel. It also has ZF axles, which are designed for a long lifespan and a dynamic load sensing system that is easily managed by the operator. The machine?s cab is ergonomic and comfortable with built-in climate control and reduced noise, and it features a large windscreen for better visibility. Detroit Mining has its headquarters in Hyderabad and branches throughout the region while SDLG has a large parts warehouse in Bengaluru for faster delivery to customers across India and into neighbouring countries.