Aimed at improving productivity and efficiency, new technologies are now available for the agricultural sector, with solutions which are more energy efficient for streamlined and automated operations.

Geared motor specialist SEW-EURODRIVE says that its solutions are already widely used in packhouses and bottling facilities and that it now has a range of options for use in plantations too.

“Our classic 7 Series geared motors have for many years proudly served the farming industry – in various packhouse applications including conveyors, sorters and box packaging lines,” says SEW-EURODRIVE national sales and marketing manager Jonathan McKey. “These solutions have long been fitted with premium efficiency IE3 motors – which are also available as non-integral units – delivering considerable savings in energy costs.”

McKey explains that variable speed drive (VSD) technology allows for further efficiency and even the fine-tuning of production lines to suit the pace of demand.

“As part of modernising packhouse facilities, VSDs allow solutions to be tailored to a changing production pattern,” he says. “Another opportunity for greater efficiency is our ECDriveS drive system for roller conveyors in light duty materials handling.”

The company now supplies, installs and services the centre drive and wheel drives for pivot irrigation systems as well as the drive technology to power them.

“These solutions have been popular on farms in Brazil since the 1980s,” notes McKey. “Similarities with South African conditions show that this offering will add value locally too.”

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. The company services and repairs the drive systems, making them more cost effective and sustainable.

McKey says SEW-EURODRIVE also recognises the importance of sustainability principles in agriculture, and builds this approach into its designs. Its ECO2 geared motor, for example, is made from uncoated aluminium, which forms a thin protective layer in contact with oxygen. The lack of coating or solvent on the surface helps to make the product more cost effective, environment friendly and easier to recycle.

The company has also developed its own lubricants, particularly suited for applications in the food and beverages industry, designed to boost operational performance by reducing friction between gear wheels, and extend the life of sealing rings.