Cone circuit adviser
Mr Pieter Botha
Pieter Botha is the go-to adviser on mantle and concave geometry for secondary cone crusher circuits across Gauteng.
Read Mr Pieter Botha's articles in our wear notes, or email the parts team and mention Pieter in the subject.
Send via our contact formDay-to-day focus on mantle and concave selection
Pieter spends most of his days reviewing secondary cone plant wear profiles, matching mantle and concave sets to suit feed size, closed side setting and target product. He checks for signs of uneven wear, poor nip angles, or poor feed distribution that can cause premature liner failure or risk to rotor balance. Pieter pays particular attention to crushing chamber shape, looking for opportunities to optimise liner life and throughput based on the plant's rock type and feed grading. He inspects liner fitment, making sure lifting lugs are used safely and that liner bolts are torqued according to the OEM's guidelines, always deferring to the manual for torque values. If required, he advises on safe lockout and how to check for signs of work hardening on manganese profiles.
Common issues in Gauteng cone circuits
Most of the plants Pieter supports are stationary or wheeled secondary units working on Highveld granite, dolerite or recycled concrete. Many face challenges with inconsistent feed due to Eskom power cuts or bakkie deliveries interrupting the flow, leading to surges that can cause cavities to run empty. This often results in liner cracking, truncated crushing chambers or excessive wear on the lower mantle. Poor choke feeding and incorrect closed side setting are regular culprits for reduced product quality or throughput. He assists with campaign planning, ensuring customers have the right mantle grade and concave for variable feed, and he often checks screen media downstream for signs of bypass or pegging that could feed oversize back to the cone.
- Troubleshooting cavity shape and wear patterns
- Advising on choke feeding practice
- Assisting with campaign liner changes
- Supporting safe removal and refit of mantles and concaves
Working with pieter and Crusher Consumables
Customers usually get in touch with Pieter via the shared Contact form email, sending through feed gradings, chamber photos or sketches. He works closely with site foremen, plant managers and fitters, often meeting at the Germiston yard for liner handover or briefings on safe changeout routines. When needed, he helps organise sample boxes for wear profiling and can arrange for urgent collections or deliveries to Joburg, Rustenburg or the Vaal. Customers rely on Pieter to supply mantles and concaves in OEM profile or custom geometry, backed by practical support in the yard or on site.