The Bien Donné estate at Simondium provides a typical Western Cape Winelands backdrop for this annual expo, aimed at vineyard and orchard farmers. This year, what appeared to be a record number of exhibitors entertained a smaller than usual crowd of guests. The stand holders, however, were very pleased with the professional approach of the visitors and their keen interest in the products on show.
Many acquired a lot of new prospects and closed a number of actual sales at the show. As one leading exhibitor put it, “One positive prospect is worth 10 tyre kickers!” The number of different tractors on the South African market continues to grow, with some of the established brands launching new models and even more units coming in from India and China. Next week, we’ll see how some of the local implement distributors have made an effort to provide equipment to suit the lower horsepower tractors. – Joe Spencer |fw
Bien Donné is all about the mechanisation of vineyards and orchards. The latest model New Holland Braud VL6060 grape harvester epitomises the extent to which a previously highly labour-intensive operation can now be handled by machines.
Gregoire
Andrag Agrico now markets the popular Gregoire grape harvesters, well established in the Cape. You can get particulars of these tried and tested machines from Andre van Rensburg on 083 414 8961 or e-mail [email protected].
Avant Multi-purpose Machines
Wally Loftie-Eaton, operating in Bellville, imports an impressive range of multi-purpose machines from Avant in Finland. Factory sales rep Olli Kurki made the journey all the way from Ylöjärvi in Finland to demonstrate the versatility of this innovative 600 Series model with articulated steering and telescopic boom. Since production began in 1991, more than 20 000 Avant compact loaders have been manufactured and exported to over 30 countries around the world. Contact Wally on (021) 945 1019 or 076 688 3399, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.avantsa.co.za.
Yet another entrant to the SA market is the Luzhong range of tractors imported from China by VB Agri of Stellenbosch. These budget tractors complement the sophisticated Italian Lamborghini models VB Agri has imported for a number of years. Contact Jan Snyman on (021) 883 9595 or 084 556 6494, or e-mail [email protected].
Kubota Western Cape
Kubota continues to increase its market share, particularly in the Western Cape. This 17kW model BX24 tractor has a detachable front loader and backhoe. It features a mid PTO and brackets for a mower deck, plus rear PTO and linkage. Contact Leonard Engelke on (021) 854 5239 or 083 461 8725, or e-mail [email protected].
Farmers Utilities: Dong Feng
Richard Brummer of Farmers Utilities, based in Steenberg, introduced Dong Feng tractors last year. This year his more sophisticated models included this 354 four-wheel drive rated at 25,8kW. It has dual rear wheels and is fitted with a front-end loader complete with a four-in-one bucket that can act as a dozer, grader or grab. Contact Richard on (021) 789 2647 or
083 375 6093, or e-mail [email protected].
Argo Industrial: Landini
The Landini division of Argo Industrial (Pty) Ltd exhibited the new vineyard- and orchard-model Rex Techno 75F, a 51kW four-wheel drive tractor with a 12-speed forward and reverse transmission including a shuttle gear. The PTO has two speeds, 540 and 540E as well as ground speed. Select 540E for more economical operation with implements requiring low power input. The standard 540rpm is achieved at a slower engine speed. The front axle has a limited slip differential and a maximum steering angle of 50°. Contact Mike Terblanche on (011) 914 1700 or e-mail [email protected].
