Innovative solutions for precision and smart farming in SA
Shaping the future of precision farming and smart agricultural technologies
HYDAC South Africa is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of precision farming and smart agricultural technologies as the country’s agricultural sector evolves.
Integrated solutions to enhance machinery performance
Through partnerships with local original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), HYDAC's integrated solutions enhance machinery performance, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainable farming practices.
The company helps local farmers adopt technologically advanced, environmentally friendly farming methods that meet the unique demands of the South African agricultural landscape.
Precision farming: advancing agricultural innovation
Johan Stofberg, Project Engineer at HYDAC South Africa
“HYDAC’s commitment to South African agriculture is deeply embedded in its focus on precision farming, a sector that benefits from the company’s electro-hydraulic systems. These systems are transforming agricultural machinery such as air seeders, fertiliser spreaders, and tillage equipment. By optimising machinery performance, HYDAC helps farmers reduce operational costs and increase productivity”
One key challenge in fertiliser spreaders is ensuring even and precise distribution across fields.
HYDAC addresses this by adjusting the speed of the spreader’s discs to maintain consistency and compensate for larger lumps that could cause uneven application.
Similarly, in air seeders, HYDAC ensures the correct amount of fertiliser is dispensed by controlling the distributor drives, preventing both over- and under-application, which can impact crop yields.
Downforce control in planting equipment is another area where HYDAC’s systems shine. Consistent downforce is essential for uniform seedling growth, and HYDAC’s solutions ensure that seeds are planted at the optimal depth, contributing to higher crop yields.
Supporting OEMs in the shift to smart farming
Globally, the agricultural industry is embracing smart farming technologies, and South Africa is gradually adopting these advancements. While larger OEMs are at the forefront, the transition has been slower due to concerns about high initial costs and the complexities of new technologies. Despite this, growing interest among OEMs presents significant opportunities for innovation.
HYDAC plays a crucial role in helping OEMs understand and integrate smart technologies into their machinery.
“We offer a range of hydraulic and electro-hydraulic solutions that improve productivity and help OEMs navigate the complexities of smart farming,” Mr Stofberg notes.
A local success story: HYDAC and OEMs
HYDAC's collaboration with a local OEM highlights the company's ability to deliver effective solutions.
The OEM faced challenges with the reliability of its fertiliser spreader, particularly due to inconsistent spreading patterns and unreliable valve technology.
HYDAC responded by designing a modular hydraulic system featuring a central inlet manifold, which evenly distributes power and reduces pressure losses for smoother operation.
The system also allowed seamless switching between fixed displacement pumps and load-sensing pumps, making it compatible with both modern and older tractor models.
This partnership, which began in 2019, resulted in the first prototype by 2022 and full-scale production by 2024.
“This success marks HYDAC’s first venture into South African agriculture and showcases our ability to provide integrated solutions,” says Mr Stofberg.
Expanding solutions: from hydraulic to electro-hydraulic systems
As the OEMs' needs evolve, HYDAC has expanded its offerings beyond fertiliser spreaders. One example is an OEM’s challenge with heat dissipation in its air seeders, where the radiator struggled to cool efficiently in dusty agricultural conditions.
HYDAC addressed this with its AC-M range, featuring herringbone fins that resist dust and clogging, ideal for such environments.
HYDAC is also developing fully electro-hydraulic systems to simplify operations and reduce the complexity of multiple SCV connections.
"This approach will provide a more streamlined, cost-effective solution for OEMs," Mr Stofberg explains. For those seeking more traditional, cost-conscious options, HYDAC is also working on purely hydraulic systems.
Looking ahead: HYDAC’s commitment to the future of smart farming
HYDAC’s commitment extends beyond local partnerships. On a global scale, the company is developing smart farming solutions that promise to revolutionise the industry by improving efficiency and sustainability.
“By working closely with OEMs, HYDAC ensures that South African manufacturers can meet the challenges of a more efficient and sustainable future in farming,” Mr Stofberg concludes.
