In a continued effort to improve the local avail- ability of tractors, combine harvesters, implements and parts, agricultural machinery brands distributor New Holland Agriculture South Africa (SA) is exhibiting a number of new tractor models and specialist equipment at this year’s Grain SA Nampo Harvest Day, says New Holland Agriculture SA MD Peter Askew.

This will include a range of new products from Italian agricultural machinery manu-facturer Gaspardo, after New Holland Agriculture SA was named the official South African supplier for this brand at last year’s Nampo Harvest Day.

“This modern, quality branded equipment enables farmers to benefit from the latest technology and mech-anisation systems used on the most sophisticated farms globally,” says Askew.

He adds that New Holland Agriculture SA is committed to improving the local availability of high-quality agricultural products, which is evident in the investment management company Invicta Holdings’ large investment in the distri-butor’s working capital.

“[Our] commitment to the local farming community encompasses a policy to continually expand the existing product range to keep up with international agricultural trends,” he says.

The company will introduce a variety of other products at Nampo 2012, including a wide range of New Holland tractors that achieve high performance standards in gruelling farming conditions.

It will also showcase combine and forage harvesters, utility and round chamber bales, and disc mowers.

he distributor’s current equipment range includes self-propelled spray application equipment, hay machinery, grape harvesters, planters, discs and Cane Thumpers – double- blade sugar-cane cutters designed for high harvesting speed and improved cutting performance.

Company Progress
New Holland Agriculture SA recently extended its range of agricultural machinery to include Miller self-propelled spray application equipment.

“There is a global trend on larger farms to replace pull-type sprayers towed by tractors, with faster and more versatile self-propelled sprayers,” says Askew.

He adds that, when selecting spray application equipment, it is important to consider how up to date the sprayer is and whether it has the appropriate design features and suitable productive capabilities to meet the operation’s needs for at least five years.
“A common and costly mistake for farmers is to choose a sprayer that suits current requirements, but may not be appropriate for a growing operation,” he says.

Mitigating Industry Challenges
Askew cites low grain prices, surplus grain stock, a regional drought, high fuel costs and tough economic conditions as some of the many challenges facing agricultural equipment suppliers in South Africa today, adding that the company will take on these challenges vigorously.

“New Holland Agriculture SA is committed to offering our distributor network a broad product choice, a comprehensive range of quality branded and competitively priced parts and an efficient after-sales service,” he says.

The company’s distributor network branches throughout South Africa and also extends to dealers in Namibia and Botswana. Every branch is supported by a large parts ware- house and distribution facility, reflecting the company’s high standards, says Askew.

“These values ensure that every customer receives the highest level of after-sales service.”

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.