New machines include a Backhoe Loader, Wheel Loader, Dozers, Skid Steer Range and the all-new Articulated Dump Trucks. (Image source: John Deere)

Since the announcement in March 2021 on the expansion of John Deere’s construction equipment into sub-Saharan Africa, the company has added an additional nine machines to its line-up of already existing 17 machines offered on the market

The Weir Minerals state-of-the-art automated hose manufacturing facility in Alrode. (Image source: Weir Minerals Africa)

Weir Minerals Africa, one of the leading South African producer of high-quality rubber hoses, designs and builds mining hoses for customers from 50 mm to 1,000 mm nominal bore up to 10 metres in length and up to 1,100 mm bends

BM 2000/65: BOMAG’s new 2-metre class cold planer in a slim and lightweight design (27 tonnes CECE operating weight) for greater efficiency, manoeuvrability and ease of use. (Image source: BOMAG)

BOMAG has released its new BM/65 series of cold planers featuring innovative details to improve efficiency, ease of operations and work safety

The Kubota U17-3 particularly excels in tight working spaces. (Image source: Smith Power Equipment)

Smith Power Equipment has introduced the new Kubota U17-3, a one, seven-tonne compact excavator that punches above its weight with greater power and smooth performance in space-restricted working environments

Replacing the predecessor U15 model, the new Kubota U17-3 further entrenches Kubota as the ‘pick of the bunch’ and an unquestionable first choice for tackling jobs in the tightest of spaces.  

While the machine is similar to the U15, Michele Cicognani, national product & sales specialist at Smith Power, said, the U17-3 “packs a bigger punch” with more power under the hood to handle a variety of tasks as well as better ground breaking force, excellent digging depth and reach. 

“One of the key selling points is the Kubota 16 hp engine, delivering superior horsepower and performance, as well as low noise, vibration levels and exceptional fuel efficiency,” stated Cicognani. 

The HMS hydraulic system also ensures greater operational performance. Kubota adopts a three-pump system, which uses three independent pumps for boom, arm and swivel to make the cooperation of bucket, boom and swivel as smooth and efficient as possible. 

The Kubota U17-3 particularly excels in tight working spaces. The zero-tail swing means that the operator can rotate the cab of this one, seven -tonne excavator in any direction without any part of it going over the tracks. This makes it a perfect choice for working in tight, enclosed areas where bigger excavators can’t get to. 

With the U17-3, Kubota also paid particular attention to operator comfort, which is critical to overall productivity on site. The work station is more spacious than the predecessor model and features a selection of enhancements to make long days more comfortable. The deluxe high-back seat provides optimal comfort for any size operator and the wide foot area is spacious and reduces operator fatigue.

To further reduce operator fatigue, the two-speed travel switch has been relocated to the dozer level, opening up the floor and creating more space, while also being convenient and quicker to access and operate. 

“With the touch of a single lever, you can reduce the track gauge to navigate narrow spaces or increase it to improve functionality. Changing the blade width is as easy as removing two pins by hand,” explained Cicognani.

To reduce maintenance costs and improve site efficiency, the Kubota U17-3 has an improved maintenance layout and access points, making it quick and easy for service technicians to access and maintain or repair key components in the excavator.