S08 AF March April 2014 Equipment_Layout 1 4/16/2014 3:57 PM Page 37
The non-stop power of Case IH Magnum tractors proven in action in South Africa.
Big farms never rest
T
HERE'S NO DOUBT about it: running a large farm is a complex, tough job and it’s a job that must be done right. It requires a 24/7 commitment for maximum productivity and the role of agricultural equipment is consequently of capital importance. Investments in machinery are considerable and never an easy decision, given that they must provide the perfect balance between performance, maximum uptime and reliability, and minimum operating costs. This is nothing new for Dirk Fourie, a third generation grower of maize and owner of DJ Fourie Boerdery, a well-established large-scale farming business based in Schweizer Reneke in the North West Province of South Africa. “Over the years, we have gone from strength to strength and today we plant and harvest more than 18,000ha,” said Fourie. For some time, his equipment of choice has borne the distinctive red livery of Case IH. In 2011, Fourie bought forty Case IH Magnum 340 tractors: “We needed to renew our fleet with high-output tractors to carry out planting and primary tillage operations,” he explained. “We decided to purchase the Magnum tractors based on their productivity and their good value for money. Very importantly, having the service department just 20 km away from us was a remarkable advantage.” The units were delivered by Northmec, Case IH’s distributor in South Africa and a leading supplier of agricultural equipment in the country. Before his purchasing decision, Fourie had heard about the legendary reliability of Case IH tractors. After more than two years of daily operations, this has become a field proven certainty. Massive power in the toughest pulling conditions First launched back in 1987, the Magnum Series has evolved over almost 30 years to become one of the best-known ranges of tractors for the most demanding applications. Today, the Magnum Series comes in a five model line-up with rated power up to 340 hp. Equipped with a 8.7-litre common rail engine developed by sister company FPT Industrial, Magnum tractors deliver groundbreaking pulling power and torque with the highest horsepower in their class. With Engine Power Management, they deliver up to an additional 37 hp, giving more performance for transport, PTO applications and hydraulic demands. According to Arno Du Plessis, national sales manager for Northmec, Magnum tractors are a customer favourite for their power, their reliability and the good value for money. “They always make a great impression on our customers as they can easily get maximum horsepower to pull even the heaviest implement with impressive fuel economy,” said Du Plessis. The hydraulic system delivers outstanding power and precise control, with up to 274 litres per minute flow capacity and 10,200 kg lift capacity, giving the versatility to move large implements, cultivators and seeders. “These tractors work exceptionally well,” added Fourie.
www.africanfarming.net
“They seem to be the only machines with enough oil flow to run our planters’ vacuum motors for 18 hours plus per day.” Magnum tractors put their power to the ground through the full Powershift transmission with integrated automatic shift which allows seamless smooth shifting from start to 40 kph. “Magnum tractors are well suited for the needs of our farmers and for the climate here,” commented Du Plessis. “With an average rainfall of 300mm per year we have a more sandy, dry soil than other parts in the world. That’s why we usually deliver Magnum tractors with larger tyres. They also come with the best specifications and looks, so they can run bigger tillage equipment and help farmers out to the field, working early and staying later to get the job done in a short window of time.” Taking the strain out of the job Daily maintenance of Magnum Series tractors is as quick and effortless as possible. Fourie is impressed with the ease of reaching service points at ground level and the long service intervals. “We have worked for two years without any significant breakdown or downtime,” he said. “These machines just keep going without any hassle or unexpected cost implication.” With the Automatic Productivity Management, the driver can simply select the desired ground speed to get the most efficient gear ratio and engine speed combination. Magnum tractors are ideally equipped for Advanced Farming Systems. The factory-fitted AFS AccuGuide system is the auto-guidance solution that provides the ultimate level of productivity. In association with RTK correction signal, the accuracy of auto-guidance goes down to 2.5 cm. “Magnum tractors, combined with the unique AFS system, allow us to work day and night and to never worry about anything,” Fourie said. Magnum tractors offer the largest and quietest cab in their class. The key controls and functions are at the operator’s fingertips while the integrated AFS Pro 700 display allows the driver to access the operating parameters and Auto Guidance features. A suspended cab option is available for an even ride on rough terrain. Technology plays a big role in Fourie’s equipment choice, but the support he receives from the local Case IH dealership is extremely valuable too. “With such a fleet to operate, it’s important to have the dealer and the brand behind our needs,” he said. “They are so close to us and they have enough technicians available for us, 24 hours per day.” Case IH dealer is also providing complete training and competency certificates to DJ Fourie Boerdery’s operators. Since the first purchase, the company’s fleet has grown in Case IH machines and it now also includes twenty Maxxum 125 tractors, twenty JX95 tractors, two STX600 tractors and one STX550 model from the Steiger Series, four Axial-Flow 6130 combines and three PatriotM SPX3230 sprayers. “Our research of the best equipment for our farming business is continuous,” concluded Fourie. “And next time it will be Case IH again.” h
African Farming - March/April 2014 37