A Partnership That is Built to Stand the Test of Time

To provide the much-needed rotation function in this application, JHS looked to Bonfiglioli to deliver two planetary gearboxes per machine.

Founded in 1998, Jacks Hydraulic Services (JHS) is a premier distributor of Parker Hannifin in Australia and incorporates other exclusive bands such as UCC, Commercial Gear Pumps and Motors, VOAC and Denison Hydraulics into their comprehensive offering.

Over the years JHS has become synonymous in the marketplace as a provider of engineering services, design, maintenance, and product support. Their customer base spans industries such as cotton, sugar, grains, transport, mining and more.

General Manager for JHS, Neil Martin says that they were recently tasked with a project for Jaws in Brisbane. “Jaws is a privately-owned company based in Brisbane Southside. They manufacture specialised mining products and heavy machine attachments,”

The Application

An upgrade to existing mining digger buckets was required. “Buckets weigh 80 tons and need to be positioned in all 4-axis capabilities for the welding operators to work safely,” Neil explains. “These are used to lift, tilt and rotate left and right”.

To provide the much-needed rotation function in this application, JHS looked to Bonfiglioli to deliver two planetary gearboxes per machine. “These gearboxes are remote controlled via a JHS designed and manufactured power unit and can rotate at all angles and positions”.

According to Neil, Bonfiglioli ticked all the boxes. “The operation had to be smooth and accurate in terms of movements and positioning. Safety was also of primary concern”.

Neil says that Mel Coleshill, Sales Engineer for Bonfiglioli was their primary contact for this project. “He kept us informed throughout and provided excellent after-sales support,” he adds.

Sales Manager for Bonfiglioli, Alan Young says that we also supplied drive pinions which were manufactured and supplied with the gearboxes. “These pinions were locally manufactured to exact specifications and lined up perfectly with the customer’s end design”.

Alan says: “Using the hydraulic engineering expertise of JHS and the flexibility of Bonfiglioli products proved to be a winning combination. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Neil over the past 10 years and his understanding of our products makes doing business with his company a pleasure”.

Success

Neil says that the gearboxes installation fit like a glove and there were no hold-ups. “This speaks volumes to the relationship between Bonfiglioli and JHS. Our engineering connection is strong and I, myself, have been engineering Bonfiglioli products into various applications for nearly 40 years”.

“Working in conjunction with three existing rotators, the new rotators have increased production by 40%. Based on the success, Jaws is looking to upgrade the older units to the new design too.” Neil concludes.