SEW-EURODRIVE has brought its quality products and support as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) closer to Africa’s farming sector, offering a complete gear solution for centre pivot irrigation systems
“As a key strategic sector, the agricultural industry deserves to be serviced by OEMs – not just by resellers of imported products,” commented Jonathan McKey, national sales and marketing manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “Our strong local footprint across Africa, ensures the farming community gets the support it needs from us.”
Through its strategy of ‘closing the loop’, SEW-EURODRIVE is able to supply, install and service the centre drive and wheel drives for pivot irrigation systems – as well as the drive technology to power the system.
“Our SEW-EURODRIVE gearbox solutions have proven themselves in this application since the 1980s in Brazil, where numerous units are sold every month into their farming sector,” added McKey. “The similarities of the agricultural environment between our two countries convinced us our offering adds plenty of value locally.”
Aligning to the shaft sizes and flange connections on existing centre pivot irrigation equipment, SEW-EURODIVE provides a ‘plug and play’ solution of gearing, casing and motor. Willem Strydom, business development manager: electronics for SEW-EURODRIVE, emphasised that the company presents a game-changing concept in sustainability, serviceability and cost effectiveness.
SEW-EURODRIVE can serve the market’s standardised wheel ratios of 50:1 and 52:1, to accommodate the specifications of the key suppliers of centre pivot irrigation systems.
Meeting the market needs
The depth of the company’s technical capability is demonstrated by the fact that it has designed and manufactured interchangeable internal gearing. This allows for commonality of parts, which in turn facilitates efficient stockholding and quick turnaround times.
One of the benefits of these SEW-EURODRIVE gearboxes for the centre pivot market is that the same internal gearing is used as its popular and robust 7-series range. The heart of the gearboxes for centre pivot irrigation has therefore proven itself beyond doubt over decades in many arduous applications and industries.
SEW-EURODRIVE has extensive stockholding in its large and modern facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, and all the necessary expertise to assess and refurbish gearboxes using these components. The company also has its own quality motors – available in either a 0,55 kW, 0,75 kW or a 1,1 kW option – for these irrigation systems.
Another growing concern for farmers is the rising cost of electricity, and SEW-EURODRIVE’s solutions for centre pivot systems also help address this challenge. This is done through the use of energy efficient motors, rated in the IE3 class in terms of international energy standards.
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