Three Atlas Copco H7+ light towers supplied by Atlas Copco dealer, Airlif Compressors and Pumps, to a coal mine in Mpumalanga in early February 2026, perfectly align with the customer’s focus on safety, efficiency, reliability, performance and productivity.
The robust H7+ stands out as a holistic light solution, combining cutting-edge technology with practical design, delivering easy, reliable operation, powerful illumination across wide areas, low fuel consumption, reduced noise, easy operation and hassle-free maintenance.
Riaan Burke, Business Development Manager at Atlas Copco Power Technique, explains that the mine had previously been supplied with the earlier‑generation Atlas Copco H6+ light towers and was now seeking an automated solution. “Their priority was a light tower designed to switch on at dusk, shut down at sunrise and allow easy raising and lowering of the mast. As an upgrade to the H6+, the H7+ unit presented the ideal solution, featuring a photocell for automated power management and hydraulics that provide safe, effortless mast operation thereby minimising human intervention and improving operator safety.”
The Atlas Copco H7+ light towers supplied to the coal mine in early February 2026 are already delivering outstanding results. Equipped with advanced SMD (Surface Mount Device) LED floodlights, the H7+ is delivers bright, energy‑efficient coverage across more than 7,000 m², an increase of 1,000 m² over the earlier H6+ units which used COB (Chip on Board) technology. Fewer towers are needed to cover a given area, streamlining operations and cutting fuel use – a dual saving for the customer. Dimming control added to LED technology and energy‑efficient engines lowers fuel consumption by up to 40%, reduces CO₂ emissions and ultimately long‑term costs.
Servicing intervals on the H7+ of over 600 hours maximise uptime and drive consistent performance, translating into improved total cost of ownership for customers across industries. With noise levels around 55 dBA at 7m, the H7+ runs far quieter than traditional towers, presenting a major advantage for noise sensitive environments such residential areas.
The robust, reliable H7+ is built with a Hard Hat body incorporating a corrosion‑resistant, crack‑resistant polyethylene canopy designed to protect components from impacts and environmental exposure. The light tower thrives in demanding conditions including open‑pit mining, night‑time industrial and construction sites, outdoor events, emergency response zones, maintenance yards and rental fleets.
The H7+ is also easy to use and transport. With its compact, towable design, the light plant can be deployed quickly across multiple sites. An automatic mast‑lowering function triggered by the handbrake release prevents towing with the mast extended.
Kenneth Smit, Sales Manager at Airlif Compressors and Pumps affirms that all these qualities make the H7+ a standout choice for dealers, rental companies, contractors and utilities. “The unit’s suitability for a wide range of operations broaden dealers’ sales and application opportunities.”
The family-run Airlif Compressors and Pumps business has been supporting the Mpumalanga coal mining community from their Witbank premises since 1997, initially supplying an affordable repair alternative for flameproof underground air compressors. In 1999, the company joined the Atlas Copco dealership fold after being approached to market the brand’s Industrial Air range.
In 2021-2022, local mines turned to Airlif Compressors and Pumps for light plant solutions that met mining standards and delivered quality workmanship. “We successfully demonstrated an Atlas Copco light tower, which quickly became the preferred choice thanks to its advanced features, proven reliability and the added assurance of our strong service support,’ affirms Kenneth. “Alongside the H7+ units, our current light tower fleet of approximately 60 units also includes QLT40, H5+, and H6+ models.”
As a Level 2 BBBEE supplier, the company is fully equipped to holistically support customers post product delivery, with after-market service capabilities including routine and warranty work, repairs and spare parts supply. Airlif Compressors and Pumps provides guidance on service intervals and preventive maintenance, often recommending or scheduling regular services based on running hours, and either performing the work directly or coordinating with OEM technicians. “We provide ongoing technical support through dedicated phone and email channels, giving customers direct access to our specialists for queries or assistance. As agents for leading brands such as Atlas Copco, we can escalate issues to the manufacturer when required,” notes Kenneth.
Atlas Copco Power Technique supplies the H7+ as a standard model, with dealers such as Airlif Compressors and Pumps handling modifications to meet mining standards. Modifications call for specialised dealer expertise, a challenge that Airlif Compressors and Pumps continues to meet through their custom engineering capabilities and dedicated workshops equipped to modify bespoke light plants, complete with specific components, controls and installation requirements tailored to unique applications. Redesigning and upgrading services are also available throughout the equipment’s life cycle.
Moving on to training, Kenneth shares that Atlas Copco trained their staff on H7+ features and software, equipping them to relay this knowledge to customers. “Product training, technical assistance and the tools and knowledge shared by Atlas Copco empower the Airlif Compressors and Pumps team to deliver service excellence.”
Riaan underscores the central role that dealerships play in Atlas Copco’s success, stressing the importance of ongoing technical support, training and backup in driving mutual growth. “My role is to assist, educate and train where needed, uplifting and empowering our dealers so they can deliver the best solutions to end customers. Given our geographic distance from customers, we simply cannot match our dealers’ quick response and assistance and subsequently rely on them for day‑to‑day support, machine operation, service requirements and mine safety compliance. Close communication with Airlif Compressors and Pumps is essential, particularly as they hold a Service Level Agreement with the coal mine that would be very difficult for us to manage directly. That is precisely why we depend on strong dealers in strategic regions. Guided by a customer‑centric approach, our strategic dealership network places dealers in key locations, extends our footprint and ensures Atlas Copco is represented on the ground, close to customers, delivering faster, more responsive service.”
Consistently ranked among the top three Atlas Copco distributors in South Africa and recognised with awards such as ‘Distributor of the Year,’ Airlif Compressors and Pumps demonstrates strong customer relationships. Kenneth underscores the pivotal role their partnership with Atlas Copco plays when it comes to customer satisfaction and he outlines several reasons why this collaboration is so impactful. “It gives us access to world‑class equipment and customers benefit from machines designed for real‑world performance. This ongoing support builds customer confidence and ensures end‑users feel supported throughout both the purchase and operational phases.”
“Being part of the Atlas Copco network elevates our credibility, positioning us as more than a local supplier and reinforcing our reputation for reliability and service. We are recognised as a trusted partner within a global brand distribution network. In addition to equipment, the partnership offers shared product intelligence, market insights, after‑sales support tools and streamlined ordering systems that all contribute to a smoother, more transparent customer experience. Our partnership with Atlas Copco ensures that our customers invest in more than machines; they gain end-to-end performance, expertise and a long-term relationship they can depend on for sustainable operations,” concludes Kenneth.
In 2009, following Atlas Copco’s request to expand into the greater Ekurhuleni area, Airlif Compressors and Pumps opened a branch in Wadeville. Although still relatively small, this branch is quickly establishing its presence in the industry. Driven by Airlif Compressor and Pumps’ commitment, strengthened by the Atlas Copco partnership and supported by quality products, it’s on track to become the company’s next success story.
