In the competitive tractor-mounted forage harvester market, local company Staalmeester is taking the lead with an international standard product, the JF range. Joe Spencer reports.
Competition is keen in the tractor-mounted forage harvester market. Staalmeester, established in 1951 and based in Hartbeesfontein, is thriving. Its JF ranges of single- and double-row machines, imported from Brazil, have particularly impressed three Free State farmers, Tatie Schoeman from Bothaville, Frans Nel from Excelsior and AJ van Rooyen from Clocolan. They also appreciate the back-up service Staalmeester and its countrywide network of 70 agents provide.
All three manage their farms using the latest technology, essential in the business of forage harvesting. Harvesting the crop at the peak of its nutritional potential takes good planning and reliable, productive machinery. Maize and sorghum need to be harvested when the moisture content is just right. JF machines are extremely reliable and wearing parts are affordable and readily available.
Staalmeester claims it’s a market leader in forage harvesters. A range of models is available to suit both large and small farmers. Frans and AJ both use single row JF machines and Tatie has a JF92Z20 double row unit. Tatie’s high-capacity machine is available to suit row widths from 67cm to 77cm, 75cm to 85cm, 85cm and 95cm. It’s capable of 50t/hour throughputs with only a 90kW tractor. Self-unloading forage wagons are fast earning credibility as efficient ways to handle forage crops. The latest JF wagons have capacities from 3m3 up to a massive 15m3 unit with tandem axles for soft and wet terrain.
They deliver the material to the bunker at a very even rate and can discharge the complete load in only two minutes, have large flotation tyres and are rust-resistant with stainless steel sides. The optional weight/mass monitor system is particularly useful for farmers wanting to monitor yields. Staalmeester constantly appraises new technology and is testing extra models to complement the current range.
For more details contact Auriel Mitchley on (011) 889 0796 or e-mail [email protected]. |fw
