Capital Equipment News August 2016

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS

AUGUST 2016

AGRICULTURE

TYRES DESIGNED FOR HAYMAKING OPERATIONS

MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS ASSISTS FARMERS IN NEED

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

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-

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.

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

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.

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.