Capital Equipment News July 2018

AGRICULTURE NEWS

M7 Kubota central to Smith Power’s NAMPO 2018 exhibit

Bobcat Equipment South Africa, part of the Goscor Group, delivered five Bobcat S550 skid-steer loaders (SSLs) to De Heus Animal Nutrition in September 2017, deployed at various sites in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape. De Heus is an international company that produces and markets high-quality animal feeds. The machines were delivered from Bobcat branches in each of the respective provinces. Brian Rachman, GM of Bobcat Equipment South Africa, explains that the skid-steer loaders are used at De Heus’ facilities to load animal feed into warehouses. “They are ideal for this application, as their compactness enables them to operate effectively within restricted areas, in addition to high fuel efficiency,” says Rachman. The S550 has a height-to- bucket hinge pin of 2 908 mm, a 2 841 kg operating weight, and a machine height, including the operator cab, of 1 972 mm. The S550 Kubota V2607 liquid cooled, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine has a maximum power output of 45,5 kW at 2 700 rpm, with 201 Nm torque at 1 425 rpm. The machines have an extended warranty of three years or 4 000 hours, whichever comes first, with a standard service interval plan of 250, 500, and At this year’s NAMPO Harvest Days, Smith Power Equipment marked its 18th exhibit at the premier agricultural show with a host of new solutions that speak directly to the needs of the farming community. However, it was the Technology Showcase of the gigantic Kubota M7-172 tractor that stole the limelight. General Manager Tom Bloom says there were several highlights at the company’s stand this year. However, it was the launch of the new Kubota U15- 3, a 1,5-tonne compact excavator that further highlights Smith Power’s compact approach, as well as the gigantic M7- 172 tractor that will give the company a huge step into the bigger league of the agricultural equipment sector once it is commercially available for the local market. The Technology Showcase allowed Smith Power to give a glimpse of what’s to come, and according to Bloom, it will take two years before the M7 is available for retail in South Africa. “These two new products are very much in line with the current trends in the agricultural sector. The market is going

towards compact equipment, and the U15- 3 is a solution that speaks directly to that need,” says Bloom. “Meanwhile, at a time when the sector is battling so many challenges, such as incessant droughts and resultant poor yields, the term ‘Precision Farming’ came up several times at the show. Farmers are looking at ways to make every part of their farming activities as profitable as possible, and they are starting to question how capital equipment goods can add value to their operations before they make any buying decisions. With the display of the M7 we showed the farming community that we have the technological prowess to help them prevail over some of their challenges.” By far the M7 was the centre of attraction at Smith Power’s NAMPO stand, says Bloom. Understandably, the M7 is “massive”, in every aspect of the word, both its size and feature offering. It comes with several improvements and updates compared with its predecessor. A key talking point is the higher performance with lower fuel consumption,

The M7 was the centre of attraction at Smith Power’s NAMPO stand.

which is music to every farmer’s ears. This is achieved through Kubota’s engine optimisation, with maximum power now available at a lower level of 1 900 rpm. This results in improved performance, particularly during PTO work. “Fuel consumption is significantly lower thanks to the engine update, which makes the M7 more efficient and less thirsty. The maximum torque is reached at 1 500 rpm, resulting in improved fuel efficiency,” explains Bloom. ❂

Five Bobcat skid-steers for De Heus

De Heus has taken delivery of five S550 units from Bobcat.

1 000 hour services to ensure an optimal operational lifespan. Bobcat was required to customise the loaders with high-volume, lightweight buckets that were 800 mm long and with a capacity of 800 l. Pre-cleaners were also fitted to ensure a longer life for the air filters due to the dusty conditions in which the units operate. The large, lightweight buckets allow the skid-steer loaders to collect as much bulk material as possible,

in this case animal feed. This is the first time that Bobcat has collaborated with De Heus. “We are very proud to have won this particular contract. It showcases how we can provide the highest quality, lowest total cost of ownership for our customers,” says Rachman. The contract also saw group company Goscor Lift Trucks supply six Doosan forklifts across De Heus’ main three branches for use in its respective facilities. ❂

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2018 44