NABOOMSPRUIT, Limpopo — For farmers battling compacted, rock-hard terrain, finding the right equipment is critical. Naboomspruit farmer Jaco van der Walt has found his solution in the Buffalo Tyson 28-inch high-speed disc, a robust implement that is revolutionizing his approach to deforestation, lime incorporation, and seedbed preparation. By significantly reducing tillage passes, van der Walt is achieving a plant-ready field while slashing ground preparation costs.
Van der Walt operates a cattle and planted pasture farming enterprise near Naboomspruit. His operation involves clearing deforested land and converting it into productive grazing as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Traditionally, this process required multiple expensive passes with various implements. However, after seeing a demonstration video from an agricultural equipment representative, van der Walt invited the team to test the Buffalo Tyson on his farm. The testing phase covered diverse soil types, including sandy, peat, and red soils on newly deforested land rather than established fields.
The true test of the machinery came in severely compacted, dry ground. Van der Walt noted that while a standard high-speed disc would merely scratch the surface of such “brick-hard” soil, the Buffalo Tyson’s substantial weight and large 28-inch discs aggressively cut through the terrain. Pulled by a 260 kW tractor, the 4-meter-wide implement penetrates up to 250mm deep, effectively incorporating lime and leveling uneven ground in a single pass.
The most significant advantage for van der Walt is the ability to plant directly behind the implement. The machine’s heavy, robust frame and hydraulic roller system allow for precise depth control, ranging from one to four inches. This inherent weight and balance ensure the discs engage correctly without needing constant roller adjustments, leaving a finely cut, level seedbed. Whether preparing silage lands (which he rips once every three to four seasons) or newly deforested areas, the implement eliminates thick tufts of grass and debris effortlessly.
When evaluating the investment, van der Walt asserts that the Buffalo Tyson offers unmatched value for money within its price class. He also confirmed its versatility, noting that the hydraulic roller setup makes it highly compatible with modern air seeders or seed boxes. Following a successful 200-hectare demonstration that solidified his purchase decision on the machine’s third pass, van der Walt highly recommends the implement to other farmers facing similar challenges, emphasizing that hard ground is no longer a barrier to efficient farming.
For agricultural operations seeking to minimize tillage operations and maximize efficiency in challenging soil conditions, the Buffalo Tyson 28-inch high-speed disc stands out as a formidable solution. Interested farmers can find more information through Agripieces SA, though prospective buyers are advised that stock is currently limited.
