Machinery & Equipment

Case IH introduced its new Axial-Flow 9 (AF9) combine harvester during a media briefing at Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, where the machine attracted considerable attention for its combination of high-capacity harvesting, advanced automation, and redesigned engineering.

John Deere added six new models to its 8 Series in February this year, filling the gap between traditional row crop tractors and articulated four-wheel drive platforms, such as the John Deere 9R.

The new CR10 combine harvester is New Holland’s answer to the harvesting demands of today and tomorrow.

The high-horsepower T9 range of New Holland has been upgraded with six PLM Intelligence models, bringing more power, improved efficiency and smarter precision technology for large-scale farming.

New Holland has given its Genesis T8 series a comprehensive upgrade, boosting power and refining efficiency while placing a stronger emphasis on operator comfort and digital integration.

As the agriculture sector grapples with water scarcity, farmers should be shifting their focus from simple water reduction measures to complex water optimisation strategies. Woolworths South Africa shares some of the irrigation and water management learnings of its 17-year-old Farming for the Future programme.

If machinery sales are a little slower at Nampo Harvest Day this year, some in the industry might jokingly point the finger at Wynand Visser, financial adviser at North Financial Services. Armed with a custom-built model designed to strip away marketing spin and expose the real cost of finance deals, Visser is making it harder for glossy promotions to do all the talking.

Tractor and combine harvester sales recorded year-on-year gains in April, but rising input costs and weaker commodity prices are beginning to weigh on farmer confidence, says Dr Jim Rankin, secretary of the South African Agricultural Machinery Association and CEO of AGFACTS.

Greater reliance on solar energy to power Hannes Schutte’s crop irrigation has meant a change in how he manages his scheduling and the system he employs. By switching to low-pressure sprinklers, this crop farmer has reduced his energy costs and boosted yields.

Proper lubrication is essential for keeping farm machinery in proper condition, reducing wear and preventing costly downtime. With planting and harvesting windows tight, experts advise that farmers looking to invest in machinery or tractors at Nampo should do thorough maintenance and product research to prevent breakdowns when the stakes are high.

Bush encroachment can reduce grazing capacity and water availability, making livestock management difficult. However, clearing invasive species can also become an expensive exercise if it is not done correctly.

As farmers prepare for Nampo Harvest Day, the lure of new machinery may be difficult to ignore. However, the wrong purchase can become a costly mistake. Dr Jim Rankin, secretary of the South African Agricultural Machinery Association, shares key factors to consider before buying.

At STIHL, you’ll find the right tools to take on any challenge in your field. The new agriculture power pack brings together three high-performance tools, built to the premium standards you expect from STIHL.

Farming in South Africa isn’t getting any easier. Implements are getting heavier, seasons are more unpredictable, and every hectare has to work harder to stay profitable. Farmers have been clear about what they need from the John Deere 5090E: more lift capacity to handle today’s equipment with confidence. We’ve listened and we’ve responded.

Over the years, farmers have become accustomed to solutions and innovations from Case IH machinery. They have been prominent over the decades, and remain a strong foundation for the future of harvesting.

Farm machinery is moving into a new era defined by connectivity, efficiency and smarter decision-making on the ground. Lindi Botha looks at how emerging technologies are shaping the next generation of equipment, and what visitors can expect at Nampo.

From higher capacity to precision control, New Holland’s latest machines are built to maximise output while minimising losses.

A Western Cape pilot project by Afriwild could help landowners tackle the removal of invasive plant biomass, with a trailer-mounted incinerator being tested to reduce fire risk, improve soils, and support restoration through carbon finance.

Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) is once again preparing for a strong presence at Nampo Harvest Day 2026, building on more than three decades of consistent participation in South Africa’s flagship agricultural exhibition.

Thorough cleaning, protective wax treatment, and proper winter storage can extend the service life of agricultural machinery, preserve resale value, and reduce the risk of breakdowns in the next season.