The Royal Show: KZN farmer’s shop window

The annual Pietermaritzburg Royal Show is used by many distributors as an opportunity to introduce new machines and implements. Joe Spencer reports.

The Royal Show: KZN farmer’s shop window
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On display at this year’s Royal Show were a range of Kubota tractors, distributed in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands by Pietermaritzburg-based firm FMS. Kubota was established in Japan in 1890 and has grown into an international brand leader. Its M130X, for example, is not a ‘badge-engineered’ tractor, as so many are today. It is built entirely by Kubota, and features its own engine, transmission, rear axle and other components.

The engine is rated at 97,3kW and Kubota’s well-proven Intelli-shift transmission, with 16 forward and reverse speeds and eight optional creep speeds for special applications. Top speed is 40km/h. The B1820 model, which has a Kubota D782 13,2kW engine and conventional gearbox, is equipped with a selectable four-wheel-drive and a differential lock for maximum traction.

The tractor has a rubber-clad operator deck, power steering, a newly designed backlit instrument panel and conveniently located parking brake. Large, ergonomically designed, colour-coded levers and guides ensure trouble-free shifting. Making its Royal debut was Jumil South Africa, importer of the Brazilian manufacturer’s products. The Jumil 5023PD seed and fertiliser drill has a simple design that ensures a steady flow of seed and fertiliser and accurate placement. At a planting speed of 12km/h, the 23-row model can cover 40ha in 10 hours, depending on soil type, compaction, moisture and working depth.

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Tatu planters
The Tatu Marchesan planter , distributed by Valtrac, is designed for row crops. The rugged construction and coulter/tine option make the planter ideal for farmers wanting to convert to zero-tillage. The planter-fertiliser applicator is mounted on a parallelogram system with individual row depth control. Valtrac is based in Parys but has a branch in Pietermaritzburg.

Making tracks
The go-anywhere capability of the John Deere Gator ATV has been further enhanced with a track conversion offered by Mascor as part of its Soucy Track range. With 37kW available from its 3-cylinder 812cm³ engine, the 825i on tracks can just about climb trees!

Forestry workhorse
To mechanise weed-spraying operations for the forestry industry, Julian Pybus and Leon Martens of Silvix Enviroquip and Colin Scott of Quadmaster have developed the JCB Workmax Forester. The machine combines the versatility of the diesel-powered Workmax ATV with innovative technology to spray weeds between rows with a non-selective herbicide. It can simultaneously apply two selective herbicides over the tree line in newly planted forests. The Forester can also serve as a fire-fighting unit, and comes with a hose reel and foam gun as well as a fire extinguisher, axe, spade and two fire beaters.

The Foton rebranded
Capitalising on its success with the 254 and 454 models in the Foton range, Greenfields Agricultural Holdings has rebranded these models as the ‘Greenfields Series’, with distinctive bright green livery. The small Fotons have enjoyed excellent sales in tractor and implement combinations. Sold with slashers, balers and rakes, the 254 and 454 models provide smallholders with a complete fodder harvesting package.

Polaris Ranger
Polaris claims outstanding performance for the 6×6 Ranger. On-demand six-wheel-drive, with true AWD performance engaging all six wheels when more traction is required, reverts back to the four rear wheels when not required. Towing capacity is 900kg, while the dump box, with a gas-assisted dumping operation, can take 570kg. The Ranger is powered by a big-bore twin-cylinder engine and has six-wheel independent suspension with 305mm ground clearance.