MechChem Africa May-June 2025

⎪ Hydraulic, pneumatic and automation solutions ⎪

PACE Compressors for agriculture Atlas Copco’s rugged, compact and versatile U190 PACE diesel compressor is ideal for optimising cleaning processes for agricultural equipment. Chantal Jonker of JR Compressors & Industrial Supplies and Johnathan Cassell of Atlas Copco Power Technique explain.

to the fields and equipment for cleaning,” notes Jonker, adding that the robustly designed compressor effortlessly negotiates the rough, uneven agricultural terrain. Johnathan Cassell, APE Sales Engineer at Atlas Copco Power Technique, explains how the machine is used to clean farm equipment. “A 30 m ¾-inch hose is connected to the outlet with a locally supplied blower pipe. This enables the operator to get close to the surface to blow out any dust collection and build-up. “Installed with cutting-edge PACE technol ogy that delivers an adjustable pressure band, the compressor also offers great versatility,” emphasis Cassell. “In addition to cleaning their agricultural equipment, farmers to can also conveniently use the machine for tasks such as pumping up tyres, operating pneumatic hand tools and sandblasting.” The Atlas Copco U190 PACE adds significant value for crop farmers by enhanc ing efficiency, prolonging equipment life and safeguarding against costly damage and fire risks. The machine’s ability to streamline a host of tasks makes this reliable and versatile workhorse an indispensable asset on the farm. Atlas Copco Power Technique and JR Compressors & Industrial Supplies are invested in working closely with farmers, pro viding reliable, high-performance machines and exceptional service to improve efficiency, enhance productivity and support the long-term success of farming operations. “This commitment stems from the under standing that agriculture is the lifeblood of the country and the backbone of its economy. Our farmers feed and sustain the nation!” concludes Cassell. www.atlascopcogroup.com

Left: Chantal Jonker, JR Compressors & Industrial Supplies. Right: Johnathan Cassell, Atlas Copco Power Technique.

I n addition to extending the lifespan of tractors, harvesters, balers, rakers, ted ders and other crop machinery, routine cleaning contributes to lowering total operational and ownership costs. Cleaning also prevents fire hazards that can be caused by dust accumulation during harvesting. Farmlands are notoriously tough environ ments, where the ingress of contaminants such as mud, dust, stones and plant material can potentially cause damage to equipment compo nents. Intakes and air coolers in diesel machines clogged with dust accumulation can overheat, creating a fire hazard for both equipment and crops as well as posing a safety risk to workers. Neglecting to clean equipment may also result in insurance companies rejecting claims for fire related damage if it is proven that the equipment was not properly maintained. Atlas Copco’s U190 PACE diesel compressor was the strategic choice for equipment mainte nance on two farms located in the Bethlehem district of the Free State. “Both customers

have praised their machines for exceptional effectiveness, ease of use and manoeuvrability,” says Chantal Jonker, operational manager of JR Compressors & Industrial Supplies, an autho rised dealer for Atlas Copco Power Technique. Jonker explains that owing to the compres sor's compact design and lightweight construc tion, farmers can easily transport the machine to the desired location for equipment cleaning tasks, either by mounting it on a trailer, loading it onto a light delivery vehicle or using a forklift on-site. Equipment is cleaned daily, and depending on the crop being harvested, sometimes twice a day. Maize and sunflower dust for example, is highly flammable and can easily block radiators, coolers and air intakes. With crop fields often spanning over 5 000 hectares and located far from the farmer’s workshop, transporting large equipment for cleaning can be costly in terms of diesel consumption, as well as labour – and time-intensive. “Therefore, it is much more practical to transport the compressor directly

Left: The Atlas Copco U190 PACE optimises the cleaning of agricultural equipment. Right: The U190 PACE is used to blow out dust build-up that clogs radiators, intakes and air coolers of diesel machines.

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