Machinery & Equipment

The combine harvester is a very old invention, first appearing over 180 years ago. Yet more than a century passed before the unwieldy early machines gave way to the self-propelled combines we know today. In this article, we explore the history of one of farming’s greatest labour savers.

Total South Africa provides clean, high-performing petroleum and diesel, liquid petroleum gas, greases and lubricants for any application.

This well-known German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld equipment offers brushcutters, augers, water pumps, cultivators and other essential tools in its new range.

Case IH has launched its Austoft 8010 and 8810 sugar cane harvesters on the Africa and Middle Eastern markets.

Husqvarna is known the world over for the toughness of its zero-turn lawnmowers.

John Deere’s new PIN code locking system helps deter the theft of valuable GreenStar in-cab displays and StarFire satellite receivers.

Kubota South Africa is committed to working with its customers to adapt to industry trends. One market it has specifically focused on is orchards, with a range of open-station and cab narrow tractors.

AGCO has acquired the forage division of the Lely Group, a leading manufacturer of balers and loader wagons in Europe.

The GridCON research project and its electric cable powered tractor are part of John Deere’s continued efforts to electrify agricultural machinery, and offers new opportunities for farms to supply their own energy.

New technological developments have triggered a demand for more sophisticated machine operators as well as improved training.

Agricultural tyres are essential to food and fibre production, yet their importance is often overlooked. Dilip Vaidya, president and director of technology for off-highway tyre manufacturer BKT Tires, speaks to Lloyd Phillips about global trends in the requirements for agricultural tyres.

Total’s TRACTAGRI HDX 15W-40 high-performance motor oil has been specifically designed for turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines, and can be used in tractors and other agricultural machinery.

New Holland recently received an international award for its concept tractor, which offers huge savings in running costs.

This company’s latest development saves time, effort and fuel, and will be welcomed by all farmers who carry out haymaking and silage operations.

Husqvarna leaf blowers are ergonomically designed to provide maximum comfort and ease-of-use over an extended period.

Reduce fuel expenditure and improve productivity by ensuring tractor tyres are inflated to the optimum pressure.

TractAir introduced its central tyre inflation system at the recent LAMMA Show in the UK. The system enables the operator to adjust tyre pressure from the cab.

Firestone has extended its warranty on selected US-made agricultural tyres from five to nine years, a dramatic improvement that could potentially save farmers thousands of rands.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks launched the Unimog U529 in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal. Joe Spencer attended the event and reports that the U529 offers a high degree of versatility.

A combine harvester is a major investment. Keep it in good working order through regular maintenance.