The 'Bakkie Sakkie' from Husqvarna and ANCO Manufacturing
Uncontrolled blazes can quickly engulf vast stretches of farmland, destroying crops, livestock and essential infrastructure. A pioneering, locally developed firefighting system aims to help farmers prevent and control devastating veld fires.
Husqvarna and ANCO Manufacturing have embarked on a partnership centred around a firefighting product known as the 'Bakkie Sakkie', which includes a multi-purpose engine (MPE) built to withstand harsh conditions and designed to fit snugly on the back of a bakkie, or pickup truck.
"The concept is simple yet remarkably ingenious. ANCO designed a water tank engineered to be mounted at the rear of a bakkie. Powered by a robust Husqvarna MPE and a high-capacity water pump, the result is a mobile firefighting unit that can be rapidly deployed to combat fires, even in the most remote and challenging terrains,” explains Husqvarna area business manager: Limpopo and Mpumalanga Ruan van Schalkwyk.
A key component of the innovation is the Husqvarna HH 163 MP MPE, which features a 163 cc petrol engine that is durable, water-resistant, and rust-resistant. An optimised combustion chamber and air vent ensures lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions during operation.
“The idea for the collaboration originated with Husqvarna South Africa MD Pieter Smuts. When it was presented to us, we recognised the potential of their product powering the Bakkie Sakkie, offering farmers a game-changing, reliable solution to the very real and ongoing threat of veld fires,” says ANCO Manufacturing operations manager Casper Pieterse.