22 minute read
Growtech
Latest German-engineered Fendt 900 and 1100 Vario multi-tracked tractors available in South Africa
The secret to healthy crops and high yields lies in the soil. Therefore, managing the soil efficiently and with care ensures longterm economic success for farmers. In addition to efficiency and comfort, soil protection is Fendt’s top priority when developing tractors. A global leader in building high horsepower tracked tractors, with over 30 years’ experience, the Fendt 900 Vario and Fendt 1100 Vario are the latest additions to the track tractors range available locally from your nearest Fendt South African Dealer, reports Frans Cronje, Regional Sales Manager for Fendt, AGCO Africa.
Unlike other tracked tractors, the Fendt 900 Vario MT (Multi-Tracked) is not a variation of a wheeled tractor, but instead has been developed as a pure tracked tractor. In terms of the track system, the wheelbase has been extended to 2 565 mm, which is 13 cm longer than previous versions. The total ground contact area is 3.25 m² on 25” wide tracks, 3.90 m² with 30” and a hefty 4.42 m² on 34” tracks. This equates to more traction, less soil pressure and an optimal weight distribution across the entire contact area, even in the case of a heavy load, all combined with optimised driving comfort and reduced ground compaction.
The Fendt 1100 Vario MT is the first tracked tractor in this class to feature a stepless drive. The Vario transmission has been revised and adapted to the special requirements of a tracked tractor. The introduction of the stepless Vario transmission greatly increases overall efficiency.
The newly-developed SmartRide suspension combined with two options of cab suspension provides unprecedented driving comfort for a tracked tractor. With the innovative SmartRide suspension system, the hard bar is mounted on the frame using coil springs, shock absorbers and silent rubber blocks, offering a considerable overall suspension stroke of 217 mm. The central carrier can oscillate by 11° for best groundhugging. A coupling rod (Panhard bar) prevents any movement to the side and stabilises the tracks lengthways. The three rollers of the undercarriage are attached to the chassis frame in a unique bogie-in-bogie system allowing for long travel distances and adaptive ground tracking. The weight is distributed evenly across the track to the ground maximizing traction. A wide range of tracks is available for the Fendt 900 Vario MT, with two designed especially for agricultural use and two enhanced versions for special applications.
The all-new Fendt 900 Vario MT
The Fendt 900 Vario MT has a powerful and highly efficient seven-cylinder AGCO Power engine with a 9,8 litre cubic capacity, generating up to 317 kW/431 hp at a rated speed of just 1 700 rpm. Two in-line turbochargers with fixed geometry provide constant power generation. The maximum torque of 1.921 Nm is reached at just 1 450 rpm thanks to the Fendt iD low-speed concept. The engine speed range is between 1 000 and 1 700 rpm, while the engine idle speed is just 800 rpm.
The Fendt 1100 Vario MT is the most powerful
The Fendt 1100 Vario MT range has four models to choose from, ranging from 511 hp to 618 hp. The MAN six-cylinder in-line engine offers a cubic capacity of 15.2 litres on the Fendt 1151
Vario MT, 1156 Vario MT and 1162 Vario MT models. The high-end Fendt 1167 Vario MT model boasts 16.2 litres, providing an unbeatable 673 hp to the auxiliary power consumers under extremely high-power requirements. A Common Rail system with an injection pressure of up to 2 500 bar and a turbo-supercharger with variable turbine-geometry (VTG) deliver the power evenly and dynamically, even at low engine speeds.
Efficient cooling is ensured by the unique Fendt Fan and Concentric Air System (CAS) cooling concept. Here a forced-draft high-performance fan is positioned in front of the cooler unit where it sucks in cool dense air, accelerates it via the concentric hood and pushes it through the cooler. The CAS has its own hydrostatic drive, so it can always deliver ideal cooling power to each component according to need, independent of the engine speed. The fan is tilted upwards to prevent harvesting residue from being sucked up from the ground.
The revolutionary Fendt VarioDrive drivetrain from the standard tractor Fendt 1000 Vario has been extensively and optimally adapted for the Fendt 900 Vario MT. The result is an innovative and efficient continuously variable drive for tracked tractors that meets all practical requirements. As a result, you can drive without manually changing speed ranges. This allows the tractor to operate at optimal engine speed with, maximising performance and fuel efficiency.
The heart of the VarioDrive drivetrain are large and powerful hydrostatic devices with a capacity of 370 cm3 each. The hydro motors can swivel independently of each other to allow the VarioDrive drivetrain to achieve maximum efficiency. This is amplified when a hydro motor is decoupled at higher speeds (more than about 20 km/h) as soon as it swivels back. The Fendt 900 Vario MT achieves a transport speed of 40 km/h at a very low 1 550 rpm. The renowned Tractor Management System (TMS), along with automatic maximum load control, ensures that the Fendt 900 Vario MT delivers the most efficient results every time, without having to make any elaborate settings. Together with the Fendt iD low engine speed concept, this translates into the lowest possible fuel consumption.
Whether heavy tillage, or higher speed applications, a wide range of ballast options on the Fendt 1100 Vario MT tracked tractor caters for any kind of work. The tracked tractor offers ballasting options on the rear drive wheels, the front guide wheel, with added weights on the sides of the tracked drive and at the front due to a variety of front weights. With light ballasting and higher speeds on the field, Fendt tracked tractors can pull a precision planter, while heavy ballasting and low speeds are ideal for heavyduty soil cultivation.
A special feature of the Fendt 1100 Vario MT is the exclusive pivoting rear power lift. The pivoting rear power lift with three-point suspension has a movement radius of 12° in both directions. This means the pivot point of the attachment moves to the tractor’s natural pivot point and the attachment runs with much more directional stability combined with a tracking system. If there is an obstacle on the field dragging the attachment on the side, the attachment can swerve around it without the tracked tractor leaving the track.
The Fendt 1100 Vario MT also comes into its own when following irregular field boundaries with the pivoting rear power lift. The contour is followed with full care and precision, even with large attachments in tow. The pivoting rear power lift mean less effort is required for steering, with far less wear. Overall fuel consumption is reduced and working speed is improved, further increasing the efficiency of the new Vario MT series.
In order for the driver to obtain the best performance from the machine, it is essential that the workstation is ergonomic, clear and easy-to-use. Therefore, the Fendt 1100 Vario MT is fitted with the trusted cab from the Fendt 900 Vario MT. This spacious Fendt cab offers plenty of room and provides excellent visibility and ease-of-use in classic Fendt fashion. Machine parameters are easy to control and monitor on the Varioterminal 10.4” with large touch screen. Machine operation is quick and ergonomic, with the familiar Fendt multifunction armrest and builtin Fendt multifunction joystick.
In support of the farming community, Fendt has a nationwide dealer network covering the whole of South Africa, offering service, sales and support. For further information, and to get in touch with your closest dealer, visit www.fendt.com/za.
Vriendschap Boerdery standardises on Massey Ferguson tractors from FMS for its sugarcane operations
Vriendschap Boerdery’s most recent purchase was a MF 7726
Such was the support and back-up offered by Farm Maintenance Services (FMS), one of the KwaZulu-Natal dealers for Massey Ferguson tractors, based in Pietermaritzburg, that client Heinrich Harris has switched from a competitor brand for all his new equipment needs. “When we were at the point to start replacing our machinery, FMS was the dealer able to meet our needs and provide us with the technical back-up we needed,” says Heinrich, who is Mechanisation and Maintenance Director at Vriendschap Boerdery in Melmoth.
“All our maintenance is carried out under warranty. Whatever new equipment we may require, we simply approach FMS, which has been really helpful in that regard.”
FMS Sales Manager Cornie Tosen explains that value-for-money was a major consideration in Heinrich switching from a competitor brand that he has been supporting for a long time, in addition to the high standard specification level of the MF machines. “Now it is a combination of aftersales service and support that continues to make this important client feel highly valued and well looked after.”
To date, Vriendschap Boerdery’s fleet consists of two smaller-sized MF 5710 and MF 4708 tractors, both with four-wheel drive. “We currently own ten MF 5710s and five MF 4708s, which have sufficient horsepower for common sugarcane operations. We recently bought two of the slightly bigger MF 6713s, also four-wheel drive, which are mainly used for land preparation,” says Heinrich.
The MF 5700 Series is a workhorse range that has re-engineered the concept of the sub 130 hp tractor from the ground up to meet the needs of present and future farming. “No other range on the market today offers such an array of build specifications, options and accessories, all designed to help tailor the machine exactly for the farming operation on hand,” says Cornie.
The MF 4700 Global Series is a highly modern, high-performance, heavy-duty, straightforward range of tractors that provides exceptional efficiency for every type of farmer. With its entirely new yet simple design, featuring efficient drivelines and a high level of comfort, the series also provides exceptional value for money.
Vriendschap Boerdery’s most recent purchase was a MF 7726. “The client needed a tractor that was both versatile and efficient for planting and large scale mowing work,” says Cornie. The MF 7726 was ideal in this regard, with features such as front linkage, front and cab suspension and full guidance. Paired with a front-end butterfly mower combination, the client can now cut 8 m at a time.
The tractor is also powerful enough for ground preparation and sufficiently fuel-efficient to carry out spreading work. In addition, the MF 7726 offers a low total cost of ownership that makes it a very attractive option for KZN sugarcane farmers.
Heinrich says that the MF 7726 will be deployed at another Vriendschap Boerdery farm. “The tractor is well-adapted for our operation there, especially as the front-lift system means we can deploy three separate mowers for maximum efficiency, two at the back on either side of the tractor and one in
the centre that cuts in front. This is the perfect machine, and I believe in future we will definitely purchase more MF machines from FMS.”
The MF 7700 S Series provides a comprehensive choice of power output, transmission, cab specification, hydraulics and PTO variants. It is guidance ready and available in four models, with power ranging from 200 hp to 255 hp, and Dyna-6 and Dyna-VT transmission.
Commenting on the decision to switch to both a new dealer and brand, Heinrich says the competitor did not have a mechanical, lowerspec machine in its range adequate for rugged sugarcane farming applications. “Newer technology is obviously more expensive and just adds to your cost base at the end of the day.” What tipped the scales in favour of MF was the 25% price difference in its typical basket of spares. “From a maintenance point of view, this alone is a massive saving,” stresses Heinrich.
While a cheaper price can sometimes translate into an inferior quality product, Heinrich says the opposite is true with MF, which prides itself on the quality and reliability of its machines. “We have had no problems with our MF fleet to date. In addition, we are very well taken care of by FMS as the dealer. Minor teething problems do crop up, but the manner in which these are resolved, with the emphasis on ensuring maximum uptime and productivity, speaks volumes about the brand and its representatives. The FMS team is
Paired with a front-end butterfly mower combination, the client can now cut 8 m at a time. always on the ball and ready to assist whenever needed. We have a very good relationship, and I am very happy with the excellent service we have received.”
Cornie concludes that Vriendschap Boerdery is an excellent example of the type of long-standing client that FMS has cultivated over the years that it has been a MF dealer. FMS has a large footprint in the region, and “have four mobile vans for rapid-response on-site servicing and a wellequipped workshop to take care of any major repairs.”
In support of the farming community, Massey Ferguson has an extensive network of over 35 dealers covering the whole of South Africa, catering for parts, service, aftersales and new sales. Potential customers interested in the MF range can obtain a price point with a rapid quote within 30 seconds, in addition to a video, brochure and the details of the nearest dealer, by simply visiting www.masseyferguson.co.za.
The MF 7726 offers a low total cost of ownership that makes it a very attractive option for KZN sugarcane farmers.
Farming is not for the faint hearted
Successfully managing a farm is tough because nature is unpredictable and only resilient and passionate farmers reap the rewards. Two crop farmers in Limpopo are finding ways to work in harmony with nature despite the challenges.
Martin Munzhedzi the founder of Dzudzanani Greenery grows chillies, okra, green beans as well as habanero and green peppers on eight hectares of land. Farming was not his first choice but after studying engineering and not finding a job, he saw an opportunity in farming. “I was tired of being unemployed and decided to take advantage of Limpopo’s good weather by starting a farm” says Martin.
Phillip Kgapane the founder of The Veggie Guy is a specialized farmer that grows tomatoes on 30 hectares of family-owned land. Whilst working in corporate he noticed that food outlets in Burgersfort purchased their vegetable from neighbouring towns and cities. “I saw a gap. I started off by buying and selling vegetables to see if it was a viable business, once I saw it’s growth potential, I decided to become a tomato farmer” says Phillip.
Producing crops that are enjoyed by many South Africa means their harvests are always in demand and they can co-exist peacefully. Martin sells his produce at the Jo’burg Market, a large distribution hub that is a member of the World Union of Wholesale Markets. He sells to traders, chefs and locals who want to stock up on fresh produce. Phillip on the other hand sells his tomatoes to food and grocery retailers in Limpopo like Steers, Pick n Pay, Nandos, Spur and many more.
Even though they are thriving farmers and running profitable businesses, sometimes due to weather conditions they don’t reap what they sow. “Excessive rain and frost damaged all my tomatoes and now I have to start all over again” says Phillip. This experienced farmer is slightly disheartened by the damages, but he is ecstatic to farm his land again because to him, it’s all part of the job. He adds that growing tomatoes is not easy because they are high maintenance crops that need special care and attention.
Challenges come in different forms, for Martin his biggest challenge was caused by COVID19 lockdown restrictions. The demand for his chillies and peppers was low when restaurants were closed, because a lot of his stock is purchased by chefs and restaurateurs. “Those were tough months, I had to sell my crops at a lower price because the demand was low” says Martin. He was also affected by bad weather and he is doing damage control on his farm.
In the first quarter of 2021, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased at a rate of 3,2%. The success of this sector is vital because it creates seasonal jobs, improves the local economy and helps in the development of rural areas.
“I’m in the process of opening a tomato training centre for aspiring farmers to attend for free” says Phillip. The aim of the centre is to share his knowledge, mentor young farmers and grow the farming sector. Developing more land to farm and learning more about scientific and technological advancement in farming is Martin’s focus. “When I got my seedling machine, I was impressed by how helpful it is and I want to learn more about modern farming tools to share with my peers “says Martin.
Working in harmony with nature, embracing challenges and not giving up has helped these farmers remain at the top of the game, no matter the weather.
Danfoss helps dairy producers stay cool under pressure, with accurate, efficient temperature control
By Roy Naidoo, Sales Director: Danfoss Climate Solutions, Danfoss South Africa
“Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers. Everyone has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and healthy. Food safety is everyone’s business.” This statement was made by the World Health Organisation (WHO), talking on this year’s World Food Safety Day (WFSD), celebrated in June with the theme of ‘Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow’.
This year, it was heartening to see several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi and South Africa, commemorate the day, highlighting the fact that food safety awareness across Africa is increasing. This is of particular significance considering that Africa is considered to be the most food-insecure continent globally, a predicament only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) predicts that intra-African food demand is projected to increase by 178% by 2050, adding that “… it is crucial to create and implement effective food safety systems which guarantee that food producers and suppliers along the supply chain work responsibly and ensure the safety of the food.”
The critical role of the African dairy sector
An important link in the food production supply chain is the dairy industry, with millions of people dependent on milk and milk products to supply energy, protein and several vitamins and minerals in a single product.
In addition, many Africans are also employed within the dairy sector. The Kenyan dairy industry, by way of illustration, contributes up to 3.5 percent of the country’s Gross National Product (GNP) and up to 14 percent of the agricultural GDP. According to a paper written by Eliud Abucheli Birachi called ‘Determinants of Coordination and Supply Chain Performance: The Case of Fresh Milk Supplies Chains in Kenya’, the local dairy industry is a source of livelihood for over 660,000 rural households, 365,000 direct farm wage jobs and 40,000 jobs in the processing activities. And as another example, the South African dairy sector is one of the largest agricultural industries in the country, also employing more than 40,000 people.
However, a combination of water, sugars, protein and minerals makes milk at an ambient temperature the perfect medium for bacterial growth. This means that cooling plays a critical element in ensuring sustainability within the dairy supply chain. As a highly perishable food, fresh milk must be refrigerated as soon as the cow is milked in order to adhere to strict processing and handling requirements.
According to Milk South Africa, milk leaves the cow’s udder at approximately 35°C, and if maintained at this temperature, the microbial load would increase rapidly. “Cooling milk rapidly to below 6°C is necessary to avoid multiplication of micro-organisms, especially psychrotrophs, which can grow at refrigeration temperatures, although their optimum (>15oC) and maximum growth (20oC) temperatures are much higher,” states research by the organisation.
Thus, immediate cooling after milking, and storage at refrigeration temperature, are both crucial to reduce bacterial growth. Dairy farms rely on highly efficient cooling of the milk to keep it at a consistent temperature of around 4°C, in either open or closed milk tanks, until it is collected for further processing. The milk tank is typically equipped with a mixer to accelerate the cooling process and homogenise the milk.
In addition, the dairy sector depends on technology that can control temperatures and ensure uncompromising hygiene in every single step of the conversion of fresh milk into finished products. Whether the end product is ice cream, processed milk, cream, or yoghurt, precise temperature management is absolutely vital.
How Danfoss can assist the African dairy value chain
Whatever the technology solutions used by manufacturers of milk tanks, ranging from direct expansion type, instant cooling to a two-stage cooling process, Danfoss offers an optimal selection of scrolls or reciprocating compressors, standard condensing units or packaged condensing units for 800 to 10,000 litre milk cooling tanks with either reduced application, operating or servicing costs.
Compressors
Danfoss MLZ scroll compressors are dedicated to commercial and light commercial refrigeration applications with refrigerants R134a, R404A / R507A, R407A/F. Both brazed and rotolock connections are available for most of the compressors.
Benefits include a compact design, especially for large capacities, which frees up space in the systems, as well as an energy efficient design, up to 30 percent smaller than alternatives, with optimised motor and scroll wrap for refrigeration, which cuts down electricity consumption. The MLZ’s low decibels improve the working environment with the lowest sound level in the industry.
Danfoss Maneurop® MT and MTZ reciprocating compressors are of the hermetic reciprocating type and are designed for medium and high evaporating temperature applications. Available in a large variety of single and tandem models for refrigerants R404A, R134a, R407A / F, the compressors operate under extreme conditions with reliability and a long lifetime expectancy.
Danfoss Maneurop® VTZ and VTZ are reciprocating inverter compressors with cooling capacity from three to 48 kW and with multirefrigerant capability for R404A, R407C and R134a. They prevent the design of oversized and short cycling systems by automatically adapting to the current load in commercial cooling systems. Using an innovative and intelligent compressor package that utilises variable speed technology ensures superior efficiency across the entire operating range.
Condensing units
Reliability, efficiency and compactness will make the Danfoss Optyma™ Slim Pack condensing unit an ideal cooling solution in milk tanks.
The Danfoss Optyma™ Slim Pack condensing unit provides: An energy efficient and cost-effective solution - up to 24 percent energy savings, thanks to smart Danfoss design and components. Up to 35 percent cost savings on refrigerant – Optyma™ Slim Pack units utilise highly efficient micro channel heat exchangers to help reduce refrigerant charge by up to 35 percent compared to standard condensers.
Dimensions - Optyma™ Slim Pack has been designed to perfectly match a milk tank’s size, enabling transportation of the entire system from the factory to the end user without additional cost. High reliability and customer satisfaction - the challenge with milk is to lower its temperature from 35°C to 4°C in just a few hours. Quick pull down is essential to ensure 100 percent quality without product loss. Whether working indoors or outdoors, Danfoss Optyma™ Slim Pack condensing units fulfil the requirements of milk production and collection frequency, with longterm reliability and efficient operations, supported by the inclusion of the tried-and-tested Danfoss scroll compressor technology. All units are 100 percent factory tested to ensure safe factory assembly on to milk tanks, as well as reduced leak risks and down time on site.
The Optyma™ Slim Pack condensing unit is equipped with Danfoss components optimised to work together: compressor, controls, and heat exchanger. Danfoss Micro channel heat exchangers and housing are corrosion resistant; the galvanised and painted housing has passed a 400-hour salt spray test to ensure a long lifetime in harsh environments.
Food safety and system reliability go hand-inhand. If your cooling solution is performing as it should, and with the proper product management being in place, there should be no safety or longevity issues when it comes to milk storage.
Danfoss Climate Solutions in South Africa has a focus on enabling energy-efficient refrigeration systems for the Sub-Saharan African dairy and agricultural sectors, helping to alleviate the pressure that local dairy manufacturers are under to make their systems more efficient, while maintaining and enhancing cooling performance.
Natural ventilation in pig and poultry houses is a good option especially in regions without frost – and available at a reasonable price. To control the air exchange, roller curtains with electric winches are used on both long sides of the building, which is a wellproven concept to open and close the barn. In order to ensure an automatic as well as reliable curtain handling German livestock equipment supplier Big Dutchman has developed a computer which perfectly answers the purpose:
Based on the temperature and additionally supported by data from a weather station, Breezy controls the curtains automatically and independently of the side. The computer was developed specifically for naturally ventilated barns and comes with the following features: • coloured seven-inch display with a clear structure; • with its twelve relays, Breezy controls, among other things, up to two recirculation fans and heating as well as cooling; • available for connection are up to three temperature sensors, one CO2 sensor, one humidity sensor, and one water meter; • integrated weather station to determine wind speed and direction.
www.bigdutchman.com
