Machinery & Equipment

Technology can sharpen decision-making on farms, but it can’t replace the experience, judgement, and practical knowledge of farmers and their teams, panellists said at the Potatoes SA congress held in Johannesburg, Gauteng, on 22 and 23 July.

With digital transformation on the rise in agriculture, and water resources on the decline, farmers are adopting smarter ways to manage irrigation. However, even the most sophisticated irrigation technology is only as effective as the physical infrastructure beneath it.

Choosing an agricultural drone is about more than buying the fastest machine or the biggest tank. Matching a drone’s specifications to your farming operation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximise returns. AgTech@NWK’s Zane Barnard explains what farmers should consider before buying.

Spray drones offer clear advantages on the farm, but their success depends on how well they are managed. From drift control to logistics, careful planning is key to getting the best results. Anroé Steyn spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this.

Clean agricultural warehouses are essential for protecting stored crops, preventing pest infestations, and avoiding mould formation. Cleanliness also directly affects product quality, worker health, and overall farm efficiency. Using the correct cleaning equipment ensures dust is extracted efficiently.

ElectroMechanica has been appointed as the exclusive Southern African Development Community-wide agent for TechTop, marking the globally recognised brand’s return to the regional market after more than a decade.

Winter is the perfect time for vegetation management in South Africa. With growth slowing, visibility improves and conditions become ideal for tackling overgrown fence lines, clearing around infrastructure, and reducing fuel loads ahead of the peak fire season.

Few names in high-horsepower agriculture carry the legacy of the Case IH Steiger range. From the early 91 and 93 series tractors to today’s advanced four-wheel-drive giants, the Steiger name has become synonymous with traction, brute pulling power, and ongoing engineering refinement.

New Holland launched its T4F S speciality tractor range at Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, introducing a purpose-built solution for orchard, vineyard, and vegetable producers looking for a compact yet versatile machine.

John Deere is positioning its updated 6M tractor range as a versatile, technology-ready workhorse aimed at bridging the gap between basic utility tractors and the company’s premium 6R series.

The new Case IH 475 High-Speed Disc is built around a simple principle: high-speed, heavy-duty construction and efficient field performance that helps farmers save time during critical operations.

Efficient material handling is essential on today’s farms, whether moving feed, stacking hay bales, loading manure, or transporting bulk materials. Magni’s new THA agricultural telehandler range is specifically designed to meet these demands, combining power, versatility, and operator comfort.

Bigger implements, tighter planting windows, and growing efficiency demands are shaping the evolution of high-horsepower tractors. At Nampo 2026, manufacturers displayed more powerful, fuel-efficient machines with smarter technology. Farmer’s Weekly has rounded up 10 standout models from 200kW upwards, in alphabetical order.

As industrial boilers across South Africa age, food manufacturers are racing to modernise their infrastructure and operational expertise, says boiler operations and maintenance specialist Associated Energy Services.

Brazilian agricultural machinery manufacturer Stara is strengthening its direct presence in South Africa, shifting from an importer-led model to local dealer support while introducing precision farming technology and machines tailored specifically to local conditions.

Mechanisation is entering a new phase on farms, defined by smarter, connected systems. From precision planting and targeted spraying to artificial intelligence and autonomous equipment, the tools shaping the sector in 2026 are changing not only how work is done but how decisions are made.

Case IH’s latest Magnum range builds on decades of high-horsepower tractor development, combining increased power outputs with improved fuel efficiency, precision technology, and operator comfort.

John Deere has introduced its new-generation F-Series self-propelled forage harvesters to the global market, with the machines aimed specifically at large dairy operations and silage contractors seeking higher throughput, lower fuel consumption, and improved forage quality.

At the Shell South Africa thought leadership session held during Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, earlier this month, rising fuel costs, equipment efficiency, and machinery reliability were central to discussions on keeping farms productive.

Chinese equipment manufacturer Zoomlion is expanding its South African footprint beyond construction and mining machinery into agricultural equipment, aiming to offer first-world technology at significantly lower prices than those of established brands.