Yanik: What sorts of outputs can the combination you described do?
Burns: That’s a tough question to answer because it depends on your application. But 90 percent of the applications’ output will range from 400 to 600 tph.
A 400-hp cone typically isn’t found on a closed-circuit chassis. Most other competitors have weight restrictions. When you combine heavier cones and try to put a screen onto it, it becomes difficult to be portable, without removing items for transport.
The plant will be launched in Q3, maybe Q4. We’ll have four of these production units out by the end of the year.
Yanik: On that note, how is equipment supply right now?
Burns: It’s been a challenge. It’s now gotten to the point where it’s the little items. Before, it was castings and some bigger items. Now, it’s items like seals and bearings that are more difficult to secure. This has caused us to focus more on orders sold than on machine inventory.
The demand is certainly strong. Everybody is focusing their efforts on suppliers and who can provide what they need. Since equipment supply is low in the market, we are happy to see customers taking a closer look at our portfolio and considering new ideas to help generate production. This show proved people are looking outside the box for solutions, and we were happy to speak with them about our numerous innovative options available.
Yanik: Today, it seems like producers are more accepting of long team times. What do you make of the environment? Break down the good and bad for us.
Burns: It’s a catch-22. You want people to get the repair parts they need to maintain their equipment. There is a fine line in balancing availability on whether you are supplying for production units or for your aftermarket.
When your supply chain slows, it becomes a balancing act of how much you’re sending to the aftermarket side of the business versus the production side, to make sure you’re keeping customers up and running and being fair to those who are expecting new machine deliveries.
Some repairs might be small, but one small thing could hold you for quite some time. Producing high tonnages every day is a big deal for the customer. We are focused on both aspects of our business, and our teams are working hard to deliver in a timely manner.