Objectives

The primary objective is to sustain continuous 24/7 terminal operations by supplying reliable, additional fleet equipment that meets operational targets, ensures rapid turnaround times for wagon loading and offloading, and controls material handling costs for bulk commodities such as chrome ore and fines.

Scope

This is a two-month short-term contract awarded at a wet rate, covering the full maintenance lease of diesel Front-End Loaders (FELs) on an ad hoc (as-needed) basis. The service provider must supply all equipment, fuel, competent operators, and comprehensive maintenance services. Operations run three 8-hour shifts daily at Pendoring Northwest, with contract administration managed from Richards Bay. The provider must also supply a mobile 2,500-litre diesel bowser, maintain strict health and safety compliance, submit a contingency plan for equipment downtime, and commit to defined lead times and breakdown response windows.

Technical Requirements

• Equipment must be fully automatic, air-conditioned, and feature an enclosed cabin capable of navigating uneven surfaces and speed bumps.
• Must handle high-density cargo (3.0–3.5 t/m³) with a safe working load/payload of 8 tonnes and a straight tipping load of 16 tonnes.
• Minimum dump clearance at maximum height: 3,100 mm; minimum horizontal reach at max dump height: 2 metres.
• Bucket attachment must use a pinned-on method with a bolt-on replaceable straight-edge lip.
• Heavy-duty industrial air conditioning is mandatory.
• Integrated load cells required to automatically record and report tonnage handled.
• Supply of two operational FELs plus three spare buckets sized 2.7–2.9 m³ (SAE heaped) tailored to the specified cargo density.
• Full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Transnet SHEQ specifications, including submission of a site-specific safety file, service logs, and inspection records.
• Breakdown response time capped at 60 minutes; replacement equipment must be deployed within two hours of a breakdown or scheduled maintenance removal.

Skills Requirements

• Operators must hold valid certifications for driving heavy articulated vehicles exceeding 16,000 kg with trailers over 750 kg.
• A dedicated technical support team must remain available throughout the contract, comprising at least one qualified Mechanic/Technician (N1–N3 qualification, minimum three years post-trade test experience) and one assistant.
• All servicing and troubleshooting must be performed by certified personnel.
• The technical team must be equipped with a dedicated vehicle for rapid callout response and possess hands-on expertise with the specific FEL models deployed.

Explanation of Key Terms

Wet Rate: A leasing model where the contractor supplies both the equipment and its operating fuel, along with the driver/operator, rather than charging for bare rental only.

Ad Hoc Basis: Services are requested and deployed on an as-needed basis rather than through a fixed daily schedule, requiring flexible resource allocation.

Load Cells: Precision weighing sensors installed on the machinery to automatically track, register, and report the exact tonnage of material moved for operational accounting.

SHEQ/OHS Act: Refers to Transnet’s Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality management framework, legally aligned with South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993).