Ongoing loadshedding is leading farmers to seek energy solutions that incorporate customized generator sets able to meet individual farmers’ unique challenges.
At the forefront of these built solutions is Smith Power Equipment whose brand of Kubota and Cummins generators have been a staple for farmers’ static requirements for years and continue to be so for cold-rooms and other applications. However, the main area of growth has by far shifted to fit-for-purpose customisations.
According to well-known power specialist at Smith Power Equipment, Renier Potgieter, the importance of quality and brand loyalty in the generator segment cannot be overemphasised. He asserts that local farmers have diverse needs and invest in reliable equipment able to operate in the demanding nature of agricultural operations.
Potgieter notes a shift in customer preferences towards specialized builds, marking a departure from conventional off-the-shelf solutions. According to him, these custom configurations are gaining popularity due to their ability to precisely meet the unique requirements of farmers.
“Solar cannot always take the load when needed,” Potgieter states, highlighting a common limitation faced by many in the agricultural sector. He underscores the necessity of a dependable power source that can seamlessly handle the diverse and often unpredictable demands of farming operations.
Smith Power Equipment has responded to this need by focusing on tailored solutions that go beyond the standard generator offerings. One noteworthy example is the recent collaboration with a farmer who constructed 50 offroad trailers for irrigation purposes. These trailers house generators that are transported to the required sites, tapping into underground water sources. The integrated design includes features such as trailing cables, automatic changeovers during power outages, double axles
with 15-inch wheels to run in the same track as a bakkie and robust construction capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.
The innovative use of variable speed drives in farms tapping deep underground reserves for example, allows for efficient startups, enabling water to be pumped from depths of up to 180 meters in farms located in the North West Province. The integration of technology and practical design is a testament to Smith Power Equipment’s commitment to providing farmers with solutions that enhance convenience and productivity.
While some areas employ solar solutions for water reservoirs, Potgieter argues that a standalone solar system may not always be sufficient, especially in critical irrigation scenarios. He points out that a 350kW solar system for three hours of backup could cost a staggering R16-million, making it a less practical and costly choice compared to a generator.
“We want to be in the bigger end of the market where price is not the overriding factor but rather availability and quality,” says Potgieter. Smith Power Equipment caters to a wide range of power needs, offering generators ranging from 80kVA to 2000kVA. The company also builds its customised units locally, ensuring quality control and precision through processes such as laser cutting of parts, precision fitment and balancing of rotating parts, and high-quality tools and craftsmanship.
“Smith Power Equipment prides itself on offering a diverse range of generator builds that incorporate some of the most reputable engine brands in the market. Customers can choose from an array of renowned manufacturers, including Kubota and other leading engine brands. These engines serve as the foundation for custom builds that are then meticulously tailored to meet specific agricultural requirements.
“We ensure that the selected engines are seamlessly integrated with alternators and other electrical or mechanical components, creating purpose-built generator sets that are fit-for-purpose and fully supported by our vast dealer network throughout the country. What sets us apart is our commitment to local manufacturing, with all builds taking place in state-of-the-art facilities within the country.
“This localized approach not only allows for a hands-on quality control process but also fosters a quick and efficient response to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. By leveraging the expertise of major engine manufacturers and combining it with our own cutting-edge facilities, Smith Power Equipment delivers generators that excel in both reliability and performance,” he concludes.
