A leading agricultural enterprise and key employer in the rural eastern Free State has implemented the use of a wireless and digital measurement tool to enhance the safety of its service and maintenance teams. The VKB Group says its use of the advanced technology sets a new safety standard in the farming sector, and improves the protection of its workforce while maintaining efficient operations.

Supplied by Booyco Electronics, the official South African distributor, SafeGauge's wireless monitoring solutions are designed to eliminate the need for technicians to work in close proximity to potentially dangerous equipment.

Booyco Electronics area sales manager Louis Venter says that the wireless measurement tools enable the measurement of hydraulic and pneumatic pressures, as well as wear tolerances or alignment, from a safe distance.

“Being able to do this is a gamechanger and minimises the risk of injury during routine maintenance or in situations where equipment failure could pose a hazard,” he explains. “The adoption of SafeGauge’s technology is particularly significant for VKB’s servicing operations in Reitz, where heavy machinery such as Case tractors and combine harvesters are routinely serviced and repaired. With the SafeGauge kit, technicians can perform necessary checks and measurements without coming into direct contact with the machinery, enhancing overall safety.”

Venter says that in addition to safety benefits, the implementation of the technology will lead to improvements in operational efficiency. The wireless measurement tools enable faster and more accurate data collection, which reduces downtime and ensures that machinery is maintained at optimal performance levels, helping to maximise productivity and minimise the impact of equipment failure on farming activities.

“By selecting SafeGauge, VKB is not only addressing immediate safety concerns but also future-proofing its service operations. The technology allows for seamless integration with digital platforms, paving the way for enhanced data analysis and predictive maintenance capabilities,” Venter says.