Why Bell is the Brand to Choose when it Comes to the Sugar Cane Industry
Talk to anyone operating within the sugar cane or forestry industry about notable brands of equipment and Bell equipment will be mentioned. This is because the company specialises in equipment for such operations. With local supply available through Kanu Equipment, you also have the benefit of ongoing support, availability of parts, technical services and expertise. That being said, Bell loaders have been noted as being exceptionally tough, and able to operate in the harsh weather and environmental conditions of South Africa.
With the sugar industry always plagued by cost issues, it is especially important to invest in Bell loaders because the machines are fuel economical, able to load fast and to carry heavy loads.
There is only that much time between harvesting and getting the product to the mill, the wholesaler and eventually the retailer. Every minute counts, since it also relates to fuel, communication costs and labour expenses. Keeping costs down is thus very important. Bell loaders are the solution. Made for two main operations, the cane loaders come in the 125A and the 220A series.
The 125A series is the smaller version. With it being lighter and more manoeuvrable than the cousin 220A, it is specifically designed for field operation, with the 220A model made for zone loading.
Cane fields are not level and the soil is muddy. The machines must be able to operate on steep slopes, in rainy conditions, mud and deep soil, without compromising on safety and durability. That’s why the Bell loaders are so popular. With a unique design, the 125A model can lift as much as 600kg at a time onto trailers.
What is even more impressive is the amazing torque of the machines and that they are lightweight, thus making operation in the field easier. The boom is controlled from the hand-control box with the driving controlled by the foot pedals. This enables improved coordination and faster loading. However, it is the fuel economy of the lighter range that deserves mentioning.
The unit is available with 3 and 4 cylinder engines according to client requirements. Using only about 5 to 6 litres in an hour on the 4 cylinder and a mere 4 to 5 litres an hour on the 3 cylinder, the farmer is able to save considerably on fuel costs. With every bit of cost saving essential for maximum productivity, this is a feature that cannot be ignored.
With the lightweight design, minimal pressure is applied to the surface, making it easier to steer in muddy cane fields. The load can be lifted 5 540mm high onto the trailers in the field.
But, fuel consumption and load capacity are not the only important factors. The loading rate is essential and with a load speed of 20 to 40 tonnes per hour, depending on the field conditions, the harvesting team can get a lot done in one day, which also means getting the product to the mills faster. Faster loading also translates into labour cost savings, which further add to the usefulness of Bell loaders for sugar cane farmers in South Africa.
