Come look at NAMPO 2023: BI shows their leading brands and agri expertise

Leading supplier Bearings International (BI) sees Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day from 16 to 19 May as an important platform to interact with customers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users from all over South Africa, and to showcase its comprehensive product range for the farming community, according to Segment Development Leader: Agriculture Mike Groenewald.

Apart from OEMs and resellers, BI focuses on the following specific market segments: storage and processing, beef and poultry, irrigation and crop production, fruit and vegetable farming, fishing, tobacco, and packhouses.

BI supplies bearings for agricultural equipment such as combine harvesters, planters, balers, tractors, spreaders, mixers and hammer mills. Chains and accessories are available for major combineharvester brands such as John Deere, Claas, Case, Clayson, Fahr, Laverda, Massey Ferguson, and Slattery.

A range of sprockets is available for most agricultural implements, in addition to standard V-pulleys with adaptor sleeve bosses and axle couplings. Gearboxes can be supplied for slashers and cutters, production equipment, and other agricultural implements. Oils, hydraulic seals, and hoses are also avail- able, as well as power take-off (PTO) shafts and variable speed drives (VSDs).

Main BI brands on display will include a new range of hub units designed and developed in conjunction with KML.

Adhesives, sealants and surface treatment from Loctite are also represented, as are Alpha single-phase 230 V and three-phase 380 V and ABB motors, Citronol environment-friendly hand cleaners and degreasers, Makita cordless power tools, Rocol lubricants, and Dodge housed bearings and shaftmounted gearboxes.

“We not only have a comprehensive product line-up to meet the requirements of the South African agricultural sector, but also extensive experience and product knowledge to assist farmers to keep their farming equipment fully operational and well maintained. Our leading brands underline our promise of having the right product at the right price for every application in the agricultural industry,” says Mike Groenewald.

“We do not compromise on quality, as downtime due to component failure is costly. Farmers are always under huge time pressure due to the seasonal constraints of the industry. We believe our customers need a service provider that not only has the right spares available whenever necessary, but which can assist with any technical aspects of our products,” says Mike Groenewald.

BI continues to develop new products specifically for the farming community. At NAMPO 2018 it unveiled the latest design of its agricultural hub bearings, and offered a selection of Harden Tools for farmers.

Visit BI at Stands 45 and 46 at NAMPO 2023.

For more information, contact BI on +27-11-899-0000 or send an e-mail to info@bearings.co.za. You may also visit their website at www. bearings.co.za, or reach them on their 24-hour hotline on 083-2509191. Follow them on social media for the latest news and updates.

F&R Farming wins with Agrico: LEPA irrigation reduces costs and performs better

The lush green crops beside the main road to the North in South Africa is a truly a feast for the eye. One of the farms to thank for this lovely sight for passersby is F&R Farming, owned by Frans and Reint Dykema, with its irrigation system designed by market leader, Agrico.

The Dykemas are irrigation farmers alongside the Pienaarsrivier in the Warmbad district. Under the name F&R Farming they produce mostly maize, wheat and soya beans with 1 600 hectares under irrigation.

“Our father began farming here forty years ago with nothing. He had no centre pivots or cultivated fields on the farm. There was only bush. My brother, Reint and I took over the reins in 2007. Today we are known as F&R Farming where we manage the crop production together,” Frans says.

“We recently expanded and diversified with blackberries and gooseberries,” Frans adds.

“Without water and efficient irrigation systems, our farming operation cannot thrive. We harvest two crops a year, and if your fertiliser and water are not applied timely and accurately, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise at the end of the season,” Frans explains.

In 2020 the brothers took hands with Agrico to start a new project on the farm.

“Over the years we have used several pivot companies, but with this project we decided to move to Agrico,” said Frans.

Part of the crops, around 182 hectares, is currently under LEPA irrigation.

“At first, I was sceptical about all these long pipes and innovations, but as the team from Agrico Brits and Nylstroom moved forward with the project, I was pleasantly surprised.

“The first time I entered the new pump station, there was no noise as before. It almost felt unreal.

“The power saving compared to the other pivots is huge. We save 40% power with the LEPA system.”

Frans explains the advantages of LEPA irrigation for their farm:

Most important is lower power consumption. Close on its heels is reduced water consumption due to the large droplets and less evaporation, as well as less maintenance and wear and tear on the pumps due to the low speed and low pressure of the system.

Also, the pivot does not get stuck easily. This means less downtime and more irrigation time. They also apply liquid fertiliser through the new LEPA system.

“Another advantage of Agrico’s irrigation system is the Web Control system connected to the LEPA system,” Frans says.

If one pivot completes its irrigation cycle before another on the same pipeline, then the water is automatically shut off. The speed of the pump motor and pivot can be controlled and regulated from the online control system.

You can also control your water pressure and speed with a simple programme that you write for the pivot.

“From a management perspective, it makes life so much easier. I can manage and monitor everything from anywhere in the world,” says Tyler Hillbrook, Farm Manager of F&R Farming.

“We have no complaints on the service we get from Agrico. It is great to know that what we need is available and that the representatives are always there to help and support wherever they can.

From day one, the Agrico team was dedicated to help us with the planning, design, and after-sales service.

“You never have to wait. They know that an irrigation farmer does not like to wait, neither can he afford it,” Frans adds.

LEPA – low energy precision application.

A LEPA package places the water closer to the soil surface to dramatically reduce evaporation and water loss through wind.

Since LEPA sprinklers work at low pressure, they also save electricity.

Terms and conditions apply standard control system has comprehensive cell/internet communication abilities

No monthly/ yearly subscription costs (zero!)

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