Capital Equipment News August 2016

AGRICULTURE

TYRES DESIGNED FOR HAYMAKING OPERATIONS

T yre manufacturer BKT’s aim to assist modern farmers in improving produc- tivity and comfort has resulted in a number of tyre ranges for haymaking op- erations. From hay harvesting to transpor- tation, these tyres are particularly suitable for equipment like harvesters, balers and telehandlers. Conceived for high-power harvesters and spreaders, the company’s Agrimax Teris tyres have excellent flotation properties that ensure optimal soil protection and top harvesting performance as they are able to withstand even heavy loads. These radial tyres offer traction and stability ensured by an optimised lug design, as well as a re- inforced shoulder. Moreover, Agrimax Teris tyres are resistant to cuts and impacts due to the presence of stubble on the terrain, providing a long product life-cycle and re- ducing machine downtime. Several sizes have been developed for this range: 620/75 R 26, 750/65 R 26, 620/75 R 30, 650/75 R 32, 800/65 R 32, 900/60 R 32, 1050/50 R 32 and 520/85 R 42. Agri- max Teris also includes a version designed I n association with SA Crisis Support, Mer- cedes-Benz Trucks delivered more than 100 bales of cattle feed to a farming com- munity in Winburg, located near Kroonstad in the Free State. The manufacturer provided a truck, trailer, driver and the fuel needed for the two-day operation. In order to move the large quantity of feed donated by a farmer in Bronk- hortspruit, a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2654 was utilised, as well as FleetBoard’s Driver Training tautliner trailer. Rowlands Peters, Head of FleetBoard South Africa (Daimler’s comprehensive telematics system), commented: “This is a manner in which we can give back to a community in need. As Daimler Trucks & Buses (DT&B), we made the decision to assist this worthy cause to ensure that we have sustainable farming in South Africa. We recently participated in this year’s NAMPO Harvest Day, so we were even more convinced of the need to play our part in the agricultural industry.” “We pride ourselves not only for being a leading commercial ve- hicle original equipment manufacturer, but more so for being a mobility solutions provid- er. Cattle were in desperate need of the feed, and we provided the critical link between the farmer who donated it in Bronkhortspruit, to

with IF technology – in the IF 580/80 R 34 size – conceived for transporting heavy loads at low pressure, ensuring the best traction possible in the fields. The Agrimax RT 600 radial tyre is ideal for harvesters and spreaders, and particularly suitable for land that requires great care and attention. Its features have been con- ceived to provide the least possible impact on the soil while not sacrificing other key aspects. This tyre offers a mix of excellent load capacity, optimal stability and excellent traction. The sizes currently available on the market are three: 620/75 R 26, 800/65 R 32 and 1050/50 R 32. Harvesters and bailers require tyres that are delicate on the soil in order to reduce its compaction, but at the same time they need to be resistant to cuts and impacts with stubble. The AW 711 tyre has a unique tread and is made of a special compound, making it extremely durable on soft and hard surfaces. During road transfers, the low roll- ing resistance turns into considerable fuel savings along with a significant increase in productivity. BKT offers AW 711 in five differ- the animals who will be fed in Winburg,” add- ed Peters, who drove the FleetBoard truck on the first leg of the journey. SA Crisis Support is an initiative headed by Karen Schwendtke, a businesswoman who, in her private capacity, chairs a number of charity organisations in order to make a difference in South Africa. “A heartfelt thank you to the entire DT&B. I have to single out the FleetBoard team, who put their resources where their mouths are, and made this initiative a resounding suc- cess. As winter is upon us, the cattle feed will go a long way in ensuring farmers in the Win- burg area can feed their cattle for the foresee- able future,” said Schwendtke. Mercedes-Benz Actros and FleetBoard provide urgent aid Mercedes-Benz relied on its proven Actros 2654 to transport the cattle feed from Mpumalanga’s Bronkhortspruit to Free State’s Winburg.The truck was equipped with Daimler’s telematics system FleetBoard, which enables the driver and operator to stay informed of the vehicle’s mechanical and electronic status. The Actros ensured a high standard of safety and ensured the loads reached their destination through the two-day initiative.

ent versions: 340/60 R 16.5, 380/55 R 16.5, 400/60 R 18, 440/55 R 18 and 15 R 19.5.

Once the harvesting operations are complet- ed, hay and crops need to be handled and transported. Having carefully analysed these operations, BKT has created specific tyres for telehandlers that are able to satisfy vari- ous needs, such as a high loading capacity, but also great stability and high resistance. The extensive tyre lineup takes into account the complex necessities of modern agricul- ture and is a concrete response to the most diverse application needs. BKT’s main goal is to make. b

MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS ASSISTS FARMERS IN NEED

Worst drought in SA in 23 years According to the South African Weather Service, South Africa received the lowest rainfall between January and December 2015 since the recording of rainfall began in 1904. Since 1904, rainfall in all nine provinces has averaged 608 mm per year, while in 2015 South Africa received only an average of 403 mm (66% of the annual average). Regions of South Africa are suffering the worst drought in 23 years, and this has dev- astating consequences for the farming com- munity. Without water, farmers cannot plant produce, nor feed their livestock. This in turn means that the country’s economy is nega- tively affected. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS AUGUST 2016 39