Fuel is a new currency and farmers and truck-fleet owners are losing millions of rand every year to diesel theft.” So says Francois van der Merwe, the developer of a range of anti-siphoning devices (ASD) guaranteed to eliminate fuel theft from the tanks of diesel vehicles.
The locally developed range of ASD is making headlines in agricultural and trucking circles. The product has been approved by the well-known manufacturers Volvo, Scania, Case and John Deere, and it’s manufactured by the Germiston-based manufacturing plant Centerco.
Looks and usefulness
The range is made from mild steel with holes that are cut out with a laser. It looks like an elongated sieve. It’s nickel plated and covered with a sealer coat. The product is installed in the filler neck of the diesel tank and then the usual diesel cap is placed on top. fastened with a unique snap bolt system, which makes it impossible to remove from the filler neck of a tank. It’s impossible to get a pipe into the diesel tank, making siphoning impossible. An added bonus is that this product is everlasting and will outlive any vehicle, according to Francois. The product was originally used in the trucking industry, but it soon became clear that it could also be used just as successfully on agricultural vehicles.
“Our range can be used in any diesel tank,” says Francois. “It is an easy-fit protector against theft and protects both the pick-up and return pipes on the tank.”
An idea in motion
The ASD was first developed and manufactured by Francois some five years ago, but as he says that diesel theft was not as rife then as it is now. Demand for the product has increased dramatically because of the market for stolen diesel. The product range includes 12 sizes which can be fitted to any make of truck, earth-moving equipment, tractors, harvesters and refrigerated trailers.
“We do all the installations ourselves because it’s the only way we can ensure quality control,” says Francois. “go out to the clients and do the installations on the farms or wherever the vehicles are kept. This is not something you can contract out and hope that it will get done properly. It’s of utmost importance to be hands-on at all times”.
Getting better
The latest developments include ASD for the John Deere Six Series, the John Deere Seven Series and Case. The product is also distributed in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Uganda. – Annelie Coleman Contact Auriel Mitchley on (011) 889 0796 or e-mail [email protected]. |fw
