This case study covers how Qhmach delivered customized 5 ton wheel loader and a 22 ton excavator to a Nigeria-based contractor, and how this construction equipment in Nigeria solved heat, dust, and logistics challenges.
I. Client Background
The customer is an earthmoving contracting company operating in Nigeria. Its business includes municipal road construction, industrial site grading, and river dredging. The company recently won multiple infrastructure project tenders and needs to replace its aging equipment fleet.
II. Previous Challenges
During the dry season, ambient temperatures exceed 40°C, and worksite dust concentrations are high. Existing equipment frequently suffers engine overheating and hydraulic seal aging, with annual cumulative downtime of approximately 600 hours. During the rainy season, wheeled equipment lacks traction in muddy conditions, and tracked undercarriages have experienced structural damage. Critical spare parts rely on imports with 2- to 3-week lead times, delaying maintenance. Operators are also unfamiliar with electronic control systems, contributing to a high fault rate.
III. Solution
Based on on-site assessments, Qhmach delivered three WL942 wheel loaders and one WW220 crawler excavator to the customer, along with customized upgrades and local service support. Key measures include:
| Upgrade Target | Problem Addressed | Measures |
|---|---|---|
| WL942 Wheel Loader (3 units) | Overheating, dust abrasion, poor cab sealing, bucket wear, muddy terrain mobility | Cooling system enhancement; Three-stage air filtration; Fully sealed cab; Structural thickening and bucket wear-resistant treatment; Specialized tires and brake optimization |
| WW220 Crawler Excavator (1 unit) | High hydraulic oil temperature, bucket wear, undercarriage sealing, electrical faults, fuel adaptability | Cooling system upgrade; High-strength wear-resistant materials; Undercarriage sealing improvement; Waterproof/dustproof electrical treatment; Additional fuel/hydraulic filtration |
| Service Support | Parts lead time, training, maintenance response | Local parts inventory; On-site commissioning and training; Monthly scheduled inspections |
To ensure effective customization, Qhmach deployed a team for a two-week site survey across three Lagos project sites, collecting operational data that directly informed cooling, filtration, and sealing solutions for the 5 ton wheel loader and the larger excavator. The entire process was reviewed with the customer’s project managers to ensure full alignment with operational needs.
IV. Performance Results
Within six months, the three wheel loaders and one excavator achieved an average availability rate of 92.7% , a 41% improvement over previous equipment, with no heat-related downtime. A single wheel loader achieved 280 tons/hour loading efficiency; the excavator reached 1,200 cubic meters/day dredging volume, completing the milestone 12 days ahead of schedule. Fuel consumption dropped 18% ; parts costs were 60% of budget; no downtime occurred due to parts shortages. After training, operator error alarms decreased from 7 in the first week to 0 by week four.
The improved availability and efficiency of the construction equipment in nigeria directly enabled the customer to bid for and win additional emergency infrastructure projects during the peak construction season.
V. Client Feedback
Project General Manager Engr. Adebayo Ogunlesi stated: “The equipment and solutions are well-adapted to the local environment. After-sales service remained responsive on-site during the rainy season. The improved availability has enabled us to take on more projects with tight schedules. “
The client also noted that the WL942 maintained stable power output in high temperatures, and the WW220 bucket showed a wear rate of approximately one-third that of the previous equipment in weathered rock. Regarding the excavator export process, the client commended Qhmach’s logistics coordination, noting the WW220 arrived with all necessary documentation, avoiding customs delays. Similarly, the construction equipment export experience was streamlined, with both loaders and the excavator shipped as a consolidated package, reducing freight costs.
VI. The Future
The customer plans to purchase an additional 30-ton excavator for mining overburden and has signed a long-term maintenance agreement with Qhmach. Based on the successful deployment of the 22 ton excavator and the three wheel loaders, Qhmach is now in discussions with two other Lagos-based contractors to replicate this integrated solution. A second service center is planned for Abuja by 2027. Qhmach is also piloting a remote diagnostic system to enable fault prediction and remote parameter adjustments.
