Holcim, DIMO procure largest dozer for further development in safety and technology

From left: Holcim Lanka Director Manufacturing Aridavid Lorenzo, DIMO Lanka Construction Division COO Chaminda Ranawana,​ DIMO Lanka Director Channa Weerawardane, DIMO Lanka Group CEO Gahanath Pandithage, DIMO Lanka Chairman/Managing Director Ranjith Pandithage, Holcim Lanka CEO Philippe Richart, Holcim Lanka Puttalam Cement Works Plant Manager Jayantha Rathnayake, Holcim Lanka Quarry Manager Wathsara Wedage, Holcim Lanka Procurement Manager Lakmal Fonseka

Holcim (Lanka) Ltd., a member of the Lafarge Holcim Group, in the pursuit of continued development in safety and technology has provided an astounding investment, partnering with facilitator, Diesel & Motor Engineering Plc (DIMO), who handed over the largest bulldozer to be supplied to Sri Lanka with its main operational functions being ripping and dozing limestone. 

The new D375A-6R is the third generation of large dozers in the island, solely owned and operated by Holcim, following an 11-year full maintenance contract with predecessor Komatsu D375A-5. This mammoth machine is the second dozer to be delivered to Holcim by DIMO. In this strategic move, Holcim opted to be the first in Sri Lanka to source the newer and improved Komatsu D375A-6R signing a 10-year maintenance agreement contract with DIMO, further strengthening the relationship of these two industry giants.

Holcim Lanka CEO Phillipe Richart stated, “Seeing a surge in demand for cement as infrastructure needs increase, this dozer is going to change the face of safety and technology in the construction industry. Holcim has always been at the forefront of innovation and being the sole owner and operator of this dozer in the country means that we are bringing levels of efficiency, productivity and power to new highs.”  

The D375A-6 is a great combination of power and balance; power for digging and pushing, balance for stability on slopes and for ripping. A lock-up torque converter lets the D375A-6 to shift into direct drive when pushing to increase speed and production. It is equipped with advanced safety features such as ROPS Canopy (prevents damages for the operator in the event of an accident), a large multi-function LCD colour monitor with self-diagnostics, reverse cameras to eliminate the problem of blind spots, a larger fuel tank with higher capacity combined with better fuel efficiency enabling longer working hours at lower costs and is said to be 14% more powerful than the older D375A-5 machine by approximately 85 Hp (horsepower).

“We are grateful to DIMO for facilitating the sale of this machine, which will empower us to keep moving forward,” concluded Richart. Through this investment, the innovative and cutting-edge Komatsu vehicle health monitoring system allows for remote health checks and real time operation evaluation, empowering engineers to make quick time and (potentially) lifesaving decisions. Additionally, the D375A-6R provides better operator comfort with heavy duty suspension seats, air conditioned cockpit cabin, ergonomic platforms, toe boards and handrails providing safe and better operator working conditions.

“At DIMO we are proud to power the biggest and the best. Komatsu is renowned for their durable and reliable equipment. It is a pleasure to work with Holcim and empower them in their activities, carrying on this partnership and truly going from strength to strength,” said DIMO Plc Chairman/Managing Director Ranjith Pandithage.

The new machinery ensures the improved operator control of machines combined with high fuel efficient automatic engine lock up torque convertor, ease of maintenance with resulting in less service time and more productivity.

DIMO Lanka is the only authorised distributor for Komatsu Construction and Mining Equipment and Material Handling Equipment in Sri Lanka, for more than 45 years.