Bobcat’s Skid Steer - The Solution for Profitable Agriculture
When it comes to Skid Steer loaders, Bobcat understands the
importance of having a versatile machine on a farm. With high performance,
compact design, versatility and low operating costs, Bobcat’s Skid Steer
loaders are indispensable machines on any farm.
Versatility is top of the list when choosing a skid steer
loader and Bobcat’s compact design means that loaders can easily operate in
confined spaces that are not accessible by larger machinery like tractors. A
range of over 200 attachments makes the skid steer loader extremely versatile. “We have an attachment for virtually
every application and if we don’t have an off-the-shelf offering, we will work
closely with the farmer and design and manufacture a bespoke attachment, “explains
Lucas Janse van Vuuren, who
is responsible for Sales & Support in the Limpopo and surrounding area at
Bobcat. “Time is a precious commodity on any farm and the attachments are quick
and easy to fit by the operator, keeping downtime to the absolute minimum,”
adds Lucas.
“Our
skid-steers are available in a wide range, from our smallest unit, that can fit
through a normal door, to our biggest Bobcat unit that has a rated operating
capacity of over 1800kg, giving farmers a wide choice. No matter what type of
agricultural application, Bobcat will be right at home,” continues Lucas.
Technical knowledge is constantly required by Avocado and
Macadamia farmers. Grower’s organisations SAAGA (South African Avocado Grower’s
Association) and SAMAC (South African Macadamia Grower’s Association) assist
farmers to solve technical queries through the use of study groups, information
days and training courses.
The Levubu Valley Avocado and Macadamia Study Groups take place in the Limpopo
Province and Bobcat is proud to be a part of these groups.
“The
Avocado study group has been presented in the Levubu Valley for 22 years,” says
Lucas. “These independent study groups which are of a very high standard, were
supported by 44 members (Avocado growers) in 2013.” The Macadamia study groups
are held in the Soutpansberg region and are grateful to the support of 64
members. There are more than 20 farmers who grow both commodities and attend at
least one Avocado and Macadamia study group. A great effort is put into
arranging good speakers to present relevant and important topics to enable the growers
to produce a better quality product. “Many ideas are exchanged at these forums
and hold benefits for both small and large growers alike,” says Lucas.
You could say that the Bobcat
Skid Steer loaders were made for Macadamia farms- the small S530 in particular.
It can be effectively used to auger holes for planting trees and fencing, and
to trench lines for the laying of water pipes and electricity. The bigger
machines from the S650 to the S850 and including the T870 are the ideal loaders
for applications like loading trucks, mulching, pruning and even road
maintenance and dam building. “Farmers have
found uses for the machines that helped save time and boost productivity,” adds
Lucas.
“We
have received several successful reports from Macadamia growers on the use of
Bobcat skid-steers,” notes Lucas. “Oom Dries Joubert on Maluma was quoted in
saying that he uses his Bobcat every day…and on Sundays he uses it to pick
naartjies.” Paul Thomas, who owns La Montagne, says, “You don’t know you need a
Bobcat … that is until you find out how indispensable it is…”
The new Bobcat M 500 series offers some unique features such
as improved overall comfort and increased visibility. This enhances the work
environment for the operator and ultimately improves productivity. Bobcat has
an in-house training facility that is further equipped to offer professional
training to operators to ensure that they have the required skills required to
complete tasks at hand.
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