The number of earthmoving equipment models at Nampo seems to increase every year and 2009 was no exception. Joe Spencer reports on some of the machines on show, ranging from mini-diggers and compact TLBs to massive haulage tractors.
Bell Equipment haulage tractor
This picture puts into perspective the massive size of the new Bell 4206D hauler. The heavy-duty drivetrain, transmission and axles are designed for 60t+ gross train-mass applications and the torque-converter drive with lock-up clutch provides torque multiplication, direct-drive economy and reduces load shock. The tractor is powered by a Mercedes Benz V6 turbocharged and intercooled engine, rated at 315kW. This unit will be used for major reclamation, land preparation, dam building and construction projects. The price is currently in the region of R2,6 million (excluding VAT).
Andrag Agrico 20M3 scraper
This Agrico scraper is a universal earth-moving machine. A single operator can load the machine, transport the soil to where it’s required and then spread it at a controlled depth. The combination of front gate and ejector-plate discharge systems means the contents don’t spill, even with light, sandy soils. The material can be deposited in an even layer to a specified depth for maximum compaction. This massive 20m3 capacity machine has simpler hydraulics than any of the competition with only two circuits, one for the ejector and the other for the gate. The semi-mounted configuration enables precise control and increased traction. The depth of cut can even be controlled by the tractor’s load-sensing system, considerably improving fuel efficiency. An assembly at the rear allows for pushloading in difficult conditions and narrow frost bits are supplied for harder soils. Current price is R350 000 (excluding VAT).
Tijbros Skid-Steer with backhoe
The back-hoe attachment for the Tijbros Skid-Steer Loader is a very useful tool that extends the use of the COW 6000 skid-steer loader into other fields. It’s just one of a number of implements for these versatile loaders. The 6000 is powered by a 3,3â„“ four-cylinder Perkins engine rated at 47kW. With a bucket it can lift 800kg to a dump height of 2 448mm. The back-hoe has a 3m boom that can dig to a substantial depth. Prices (excluding VAT) are R245 000 for the Skid-Steer unit and R95 000 for the 180° slewing backhoe.
The drive-in loaders fitted to these New Holland tractors are manufactured by the Spanish company Tenias SA. The core activity of the company is to develop and manufacture agricultural front loaders and it has been in the business for 50 years. A range of attachments are available, including different buckets and this silo-grab. These implements will be distributed by New Holland SA. Prices have not yet been announced.
New Holland front-end loaders
Case IH Quadtrac 535: an agricultural and construction powerhouse
What could be more challenging for a small boy than climbing aboard this monster? The Case IH Quadtrac 535 is at the top of the Case IH tractor range. In fact, it probably tops the whole South African tractor market. The Quadtrac is based on the Steiger tradition and the experience gained building more than 50 000 tractors at the Case IH facility in Fargo, North Dakota. It has a 15â„“ Cummins QSX15 engine rated at 399kW and the Quadtrac configuration ensures all this power gets to the ground. This unit is equally at home doing land preparation with super wide disc harrows or earthmoving with big, dam scrapers. The current list price is in the region of R3,4 million (excluding VAT).
MX Silo Grab for tractor front-end loader
Valtrac, based at Parys in the Free State, sells the MX range of tractor mounted front-end loaders. One of the tools for these loaders is the MX silage grab with a mobile rotor. The patented rotor has a unique automatic regulation system that controls the speed of descent in relation to the force necessary to cut into the silage face. This grab has two distinct advantages over normal tine grabs. First, the face of the silage clamp remains sealed, preventing spoilage. Second, the silage material is shredded and separated, which means it can be loaded directly into a feeder wagon. The model BCA 210 is priced at R61 000 (excluding VAT).
All the prices quoted above are subject to confirmation and may be negotiable.
The K9 Mini-Digger
Highly-proficient operator Dean Gurney had the crowd enthralled with the versatility of the K9 Mini-Digger. He was digging holes with the back-hoe or auger, and trenches with the ditch digger, moving materials with the bucket and then swapping to a dozer blade, all without leaving the operator’s platform. More than 45 attachments are available. With an overall width of as little as 760mm and the ability to turn in its own length, the K9 gets power to places only accessible to hand labour. The top-of-the line K9/4 Pro base unit, with a 20,1kW Yanmar diesel engine and four individual hydraulic wheel motors, is priced at R288 245 (excluding VAT). The attachment prices vary according to their complexity. The grader blade costs R14 430 and the back-hoe is priced at R105 000 (excluding VAT).
Erdvark Engineering grader blade
The Erdvark G60A grader with a blade width of 3,8m is ballasted with concrete in the cavity behind the blade to give it a working weight of 4t. Erdvark Engineering has a reputation for strongly-built functional equipment, which means this implement has major road construction capabilities, in addition to its land planing and levelling roles. Depending on soil conditions, it requires a tractor of 80kW to 180kW. The list price is at R97 754 (excluding VAT).
