Equipment

Roads and access points must be wide and clear enough for emergency vehicles.(Image credit: Husqvarna)

With rising global temperatures driving up the risk of wildfires, farmers across the Western Cape are being urged to take fire preparedness more seriously than ever

According to the Winelands Fire Protection Association, a single-degree increase in temperature raises the risk of fire by nearly 30%. This wasn’t just a statistic in theory during the summer of 2023/2024, over 6,000 fires tore through nearly 100,000 hectares in the region, marking one of the worst fire seasons in recent memory.

As another hot, dry summer approaches, Stefan de Ridder, chairperson of the association, has issued a stark warning: “It’s going to be another hell-raiser unless farmers focus on minimising the risks.” Beyond the physical destruction fires can bring, the legal and financial responsibilities weigh heavily on landowners. “If a fire starts on your farm, you’re legally and financially liable for all the damage it causes to other properties,” he explains.

Despite the common practice of creating firebreaks, de Ridder stresses that these alone are not enough. Comprehensive fire readiness involves a combination of access, equipment, training, and understanding the environment. Roads and access points must be wide and clear enough for emergency vehicles, while tools such as chainsaws, water pumps, and fire beaters need to be in good working order. Staff should be properly trained in fire response and provided with protective gear, while emergency contact numbers should be easily accessible.

Reliable water access is another essential factor. In many cases, farms rely on electricity to pump water which may not be an option during power outages. This is where portable, petrol-powered pumps come in. De Ridder particularly recommends high-pressure units for tackling underground fires, especially in sensitive areas like fynbos where roots may continue to smoulder unseen.

Understanding how different vegetation behaves during a fire is also critical. Trees like gum and even green pinecones can explode when burning, increasing danger and spreading fire more rapidly. That’s why periodic, controlled burns are sometimes necessary not just for safety, but for the health of the ecosystem. “Periodic fires are therefore essential for protea germination and sustainability,” de Ridder says, “and when they aren’t burnt, old proteas die and become hazardous fire fuel.”

He trusts Husqvarna equipment for this work, citing the brand’s reliability, affordability, and portability. “The W25P is great for transferring water and the 321SP high-pressure pump means I don’t have to dig up fynbos roots to make sure they’re not alight.”

De Ridder’s fire-fighting approach includes strategically placing vehicles equipped with pumps and water tanks near hotspots, turning natural water sources like streams into assets during a fire. “Fire is a natural part of our ecosystems,” he concludes. “So we need to be prepared. With the right tools and knowledge, we can protect our farms and ensure their resilience in the face of wildfires.”

ScoutAI is capable of identifying issues before they become widespread, enabling timely interventions.

CultiWise ScoutAI, an advanced autonomous crop monitoring system, has been shortlisted for the prestigious DLG Agrifuture Concept Winner Award

Developed by Czech agritech startup Skymaps, the system combines artificial intelligence with data from satellites, drones, sprayers, and field sensors to help farmers detect crop issues earlier and apply treatments more precisely.

Traditionally, crop scouting has been a manual and time-consuming task, with farmers walking fields to identify problems like pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. ScoutAI transforms this process by automating surveillance and decision-making. The system fuses data from multiple sources—satellite imagery, drone flights, smart sprayer cameras, and in-field sensors—into one integrated platform. This allows for faster, more accurate detection of crop stress and reduces dependency on isolated tools and manual monitoring.

ScoutAI is capable of identifying issues before they become widespread, enabling timely interventions. The precision and early detection mean inputs like fertilisers, pesticides, and water can be used more efficiently. Farmers using the system have reported savings of up to 50% on fertiliser and water, and over 60% on pesticide usage. In addition to cutting costs and environmental impact, ScoutAI also saves time and labour, offering farmers a constant digital overview of their fields.

A major strength of ScoutAI is its interoperability. Many existing agricultural tools—such as drones, sprayer logs, and weather apps—operate independently, often without the ability to integrate. In contrast, ScoutAI brings these tools together into a single intelligent system. It acts like a smart security network for crops, continuously monitoring fields and spotting anomalies, such as unexpected bare patches or weed outbreaks.

Once a potential issue is detected using daily satellite imagery, ScoutAI automatically deploys farm drones housed in smart docking stations around the field. These drones fly to the affected area, capturing close-up, high-resolution images. Onboard AI processes this data in real time. Simultaneously, cameras installed on the sprayer booms offer live insights as they move through the field, while in-ground sensors monitor microclimate conditions and pest activity.

All the collected data is analysed on the cloud-based CultiWise platform, which then provides farmers with clear, actionable recommendations. This includes prescription maps for precise, variable-rate treatments such as spot spraying. The entire process, from detection to diagnosis, takes just minutes and is displayed through a user-friendly dashboard.

By integrating and automating previously disconnected tools, ScoutAI is redefining how farmers monitor and manage their crops—making agriculture smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient.

Sabanto launches tractor tech revolution in Australia.(Image credit: Sabanto)

In a bold move set to reshape the future of farming, US-based agricultural technology company Sabanto has officially expanded its autonomous tractor technology to Australia

The company’s innovative retrofit systems, which transform standard tractors into fully autonomous workhorses, are now available to Australian farmers through strategic partnerships with OneAg and Vantage NSW.

This marks Sabanto’s first major international expansion and a significant milestone for agri-tech in Australia. Instead of requiring costly investment in new machinery, Sabanto’s technology offers a smarter, cost-effective solution by upgrading the equipment farmers already trust and use.

“Australia’s agricultural sector is highly innovative, and we’re eager to partner with local experts to deliver affordable autonomy to farmers,” said Craig Rupp, CEO and Founder of Sabanto. “Together with OneAg and Vantage NSW, we’re helping farmers adopt this technology with the local expertise and service they already trust.”

Sabanto’s retrofit autonomy kits integrate seamlessly with a wide range of existing tractors, enabling 24/7 operation without the need for constant human supervision. This leap forward not only improves labour efficiency but also allows producers to tackle time-sensitive tasks such as seeding and spraying with greater precision and reliability.

The partnership with OneAg, a leader in precision agriculture, reflects a shared vision for the future of farm operations. “Autonomy represents one of the biggest shifts in how we’ll approach farming over the next decade,” said Michael Munro, Head of Autonomy at OneAg. “Sabanto’s technology allows us to expand what’s possible for productivity. I’m excited to lead this next chapter and work closely with our partners and customers to make autonomous farming a reality.”

Vantage NSW, another key collaborator, brings in-depth knowledge of precision ag systems across the full farming lifecycle. Founder and Director Michael Casey shared, “Our customers want smarter ways to do more with the equipment they already own. Partnering with Sabanto allows us to deliver advanced autonomy solutions, helping farmers improve efficiency while addressing labour and cost challenges.”

The introduction of autonomous retrofits into the Australian market is especially timely, with producers across the country facing increasing pressure from rising input costs, unpredictable labour availability, and extreme weather patterns. Sabanto’s systems help mitigate these challenges while positioning farms for long-term digital transformation.

As Sabanto builds its international dealer network, this expansion underscores a global shift in agriculturewhere smarter, smaller, and more adaptable technologies are paving the way for scalable, sustainable farming solutions.

Grand L70 Series is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s residential and commercial farm operators. (Image credit: Kubota)

Kubota has raised the bar in compact tractor innovation with the launch of its next-generation Grand L70 Series, designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s residential and commercial farm operators

With three model options - deluxe, premium, and cold-weather - the L70 series offers serious versatility, combining advanced intelligent hydrostatic transmission (iHST) with operator-first comfort and smart functionality.

At the heart of the Grand L70 is Kubota’s all-new iHST, engineered to tailor performance with adjustable pedal sensitivity, auto-throttle advance, and six speed ranges. Whether you're feeding livestock, shifting bales, or clearing snow, drive modes like road, loader, cutter, and snow make gear-shifting seamless. The hydro dual-speed allows real-time high/low switching within each range delivering unmatched control and efficiency.

The tech doesn’t stop there. Operators now have a K-Command Display - a vivid colour screen with Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling. You can monitor performance, tweak drive modes, and keep productivity on point. Meanwhile, digital stall guard protects your PTO and engine under heavy load, automatically adjusting to keep operations running smoothly.

Comfort on the job has been reimagined with the introduction of Kubota’s ProCab - a factory-installed cab option on the deluxe and premium models. With heated glass, rear wiper, remote start, defrosters, and a heated swivel seat, the ProCab offers a controlled environment in any season. Its curved glass and four-post design maximise visibility ideal when working in tight yards or long fields.

Under the bonnet, the Grand L70 houses a Kubota diesel engine with outputs from 37 to 60 hp, featuring Common-Rail System (CRS) for cleaner combustion and consistent torque. The deluxe model comes with a naturally aspirated engine, while the premium boasts turbocharged power.

Pair it with Kubota’s performance-matched loaders (LA806, LA1056, LM1056) or the BH92A backhoe, and the Grand L70 becomes a true workhorse lifting over 3,000 lbs, digging over 9 feet, and simplifying daily farm tasks with quick attach/detach systems.

For farmers seeking precision, comfort, and year-round productivity, the Grand L70 is more than a tractor, it’s your next essential farmhand.

The DX7004 is powered by a dual-motor hybrid powertrain. (Image credit: Zoomlion)

In a significant leap for agricultural technology, China’s Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. has unveiled its most powerful hybrid wheeled tractor to date — the DX7004

Launched at the company’s Smart Industry City in Changsha, this nearly 4-metre-high machine represents a new era of high-performance, hybrid-powered farming equipment.

At the heart of this groundbreaking tractor lies cutting-edge hybrid drive technology, setting a global benchmark for high-horsepower agricultural machinery. With a peak output of 1,200 horsepower, the DX7004 is tailored for large-scale, high-intensity farming, making it an ideal solution for modern agricultural operations. The tractor integrates Zoomlion’s proprietary innovations, including a digital chassis and smart control systems, which enhance both efficiency and usability on the field.

Fu Ling, vice-president and chief engineer at Zoomlion said, “Zoomlion has successfully leveraged its strength in construction equipment to accelerate the transformation of the agricultural sector. We are committed to driving the modernization of agricultural machinery by setting new standards in performance, powertrain efficiency, and intelligence."

The DX7004 is powered by a dual-motor hybrid powertrain, offering 700 horsepower and a peak torque of 4,500 Nm, enabling the machine to cover up to 480 hectares (7,200 mu) in just 12 hours. The electric drive system allows for stepless speed control, ensuring optimal performance for various farming tasks. The tractor also features Zoomlion’s self-developed EPiot smart driving system and the AOS intelligent operations platform, enabling autonomous driving and centimetre-level precision for enhanced accuracy and productivity.

 Liu Yuxin, General Manager of Zoomlion’s Agricultural Machinery Division said, “The DX7004 sets new standards in power, efficiency, and intelligent control. With innovations like electric continuously variable transmission and full-speed autonomous driving, we are driving the evolution of agricultural machinery toward greater intelligence and sustainability.”

Since its entry into the agricultural equipment sector in 2014, Zoomlion has swiftly positioned itself as a key player in global farming solutions. The company now offers a complete range of products for plowing, planting, crop management, and harvesting, spanning both paddy and dryland farming.

With the DX7004, Zoomlion is taking agriculture to the next level combining intelligence, efficiency, and sustainability in one powerful, state-of-the-art package.

ProgressiveTraction features an innovative double-edge lug design. (Image credit: Trelleborg Tires)

In the shifting soil of modern agriculture, where weather is unpredictable and margins are tight, it’s often the overlooked details like tyres that make all the difference

For over a decade, Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction technology has been doing just that: delivering practical, field-tested advantages to farmers navigating today’s demanding conditions.

Born from real-world farming needs, ProgressiveTraction features an innovative double-edge lug design, crafted to provide superior traction, reduce soil compaction, and improve stability—even in the most unforgiving field conditions. Combined with self-cleaning tread patterns and wider lugs to reduce vibration, this tyre offers smoother, smarter performance where it matters most.

Alessio Bucci, Marketing Training & Development Director said, “Each feature of ProgressiveTraction has been carefully developed by our tyre experts to give farmers real advantages in the field, every day.” He added, “Whether the goal is to maximise performance or increase efficiency, this technology delivers a field-tested response to the performance expectations of modern agriculture.”

The technology even proved itself at the bottom of the world. In 2014, ProgressiveTraction was fitted to a Massey Ferguson 5610 that completed a 5,000-km journey to the South Pole and back during the Antarctica2 Expedition.

“Taking part in such a complex expedition allowed us to put our expertise into practice in the most challenging conditions,” Bucci explains.

Today, ProgressiveTraction powers a full range of Trelleborg’s agricultural tyres, from the TM1000 for high-horsepower tractors, to the TM3000 for harvesters and TM600 for row crops. The newer TM900 offers up to 17% more grip and 20% longer tyre life than competitors.

With the Premium Care Portal, Trelleborg now backs select models with up to 5,000 certified hours of tread wear, offering even more peace of mind to working farmers.

Bucci added, “As agriculture continues to move forward, this technology stands ready to leave its mark on an ever-wider range of tyres and applications.”