New growth is bursting out all over the country now that summer is in full swing. Local and export markets are already eagerly awaiting the tasty, tender produce from South Africa’s fruit and grape farmers, ranging from table grapes, apples, oranges, plums, peaches and much more.
The country’s fruit farmers produce a large variety of healthy fruit of the best quality every year, and this is also a big reason why half of South Africa’s agricultural exports consist of fruit.
However, like all good things, fruit production does not happen by itself. It costs a lot of money to establish orchards or vineyards, and it takes a long time before the first decent harvest can be gathered. After that, pests and other challenges increase production costs, so that only a farmer with grit can finally reap the fruits of his/her labour.
Fortunately, the farmer has a good friend supporting him or her: John Deere. John Deere tractors and agricultural machinery can be counted on and are essential in establishing new orchards or vineyards, maintaining existing ones, and hauling during harvesting.
The John Deere value does not lie in its name or the colour of its paint, but in what the tractor or implement does for you, the service you receive, and the availability of spare parts.
John Deere offers the fruit market a range of tractors that do the job quickly and well, but also offers a comprehensive value solution that fully justifies the investment you make with your purchase. Quality and durability are synonymous with the 5D and 5E Series tractors.
5D Series
There are three models in the John Deere 5D Series tractors: the 5039D (29kW), the 5045D (34kW) and the 5050D (37kW). They are all equipped as standard with an 8F/4R CollarShift (CS) gearbox. This compact tractor is excellent for use with orchard sprayers, thanks to its easy handling and agility in confined spaces, its formidable lift capacity of 1 400kg and its 540/540E PTOs.
5E Series
The 5E Series also offers three models: the 5055E (41kW), the 6065E (49kW) and the 5075E (56kW), all equipped with the popular John Deere 3-cylinder 2,9-litre turbodiesel engine. The 5075E is available as an open station, as well as cab, model.
The farmer also has the choice of a 9F/3R SyncroShuttle (TSS) or 12F/12R PowerReverser (PR) gearbox for his or her 5E tractor. The tractors are equipped as standard with a Category II three-point lift that easily lifts 1 800kg, as well as a 540/540E PTO and hydraulic remote-control valve.
These tractors are extremely suitable for efficient use in orchards with appropriate tools such as a plough, field hoe, planter, sprayer and trailer.
The additional 37% torque reserve of the 5E enables the tractor to comfortably manage the increased loads that normally occur during tillage. In addition to increased productivity, the net effect is also improved fuel consumption during tillage.
5EN and 5EF Series
The John Deere 5EN and 5EF Series tractors are specifically designed to work comfortably in vineyard and orchard applications, with a minimum width adjustment of 1,32m to the outside of the rear tyres.
The 5EN Series tractors offer two models: the 5076EN (56kW) and the 5090EN (67kW); and the 5EF Series offers one model: the 5076EF. All these models are equipped with John Deere 4-cylinder, 4,5-litre turbo-diesel engines. The 5076EF engine can produce power of up to 135kW and offers complete peace of mind in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, quality and durability.
Invest in the future, invest in John Deere!