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Farm-tractor Progress in South Africa

9th April 1929, Page 55
9th April 1929
Page 55
Page 55, 9th April 1929 — Farm-tractor Progress in South Africa
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rplIE sale e of tractors in South _L Africa, which have been increasing during the past four years, show evidence of having been greatly accelerated during 1928. Statistics published by the South African Department of Customs show that 586 tractors, valued at £126,824, were imported into the Union during the first six months of the past year, a number which exceeds the total for any preceding calendar year, excepting 1920, when 736 tractors were brought into the conutry. The tractor trade in South Africa experienced a boom immediately after the war, but collapsed in 1921, as a result of over-selling. The unsatisfactory performance of some of the machines sold kept sales at a low level for several years.

Interest in tractors began to reawaken, however, in 1924, when 167 machines were imported. Imports have been increasing steadily since that time, and, in 1025 199 machines were imported, in 1926 230, and in 1927 481.

Although agricultural conditions in South Africa are favourable to the employment of tractors, sales have been hitherto limited, owing to the high cost of liquid fuel, and the apparent economy in using animal power and cheap native labour. Effective demonstrations by dealers and the experience of existing owners have,, however, proved that in certain districts tractors Can be more economically employed than oxen, with a consequence that sales have been increased.

This is particularly true in certain sheep-raising (districts where mixed farming is necessary. In these sections wool-sheep-raising is the major and most profitable line, but it is necessary to plant certain cereal and forage crops to feed the flocks in the dry season. Farmers in these districts invariably find it necessary to keep several span of oxen—sometimes exceeding 100 animals—in order to plough and work the fields, and it is in this direction that tractors are finding a market to replace the cattle-drawn ploughs.

The farm tractors in use are chiefly of well-established makes, the agents for which have provided service facilities at almost every point of the Union. Over 90 per cent. of the tractors in use are of the wheel type, the number of track-laying machines being relatively small. One American concern dealing in track-laying tractors ' has had a representative in the Union for about a year demonstrating the utility of its machines ior road building. These tests have proved successful, and substantial sales have been made to the various Provincial Governments. '

American tractors predominate in the South African market and the bulk of the competition is amongst eight American makes. Of the 586 machines imported in the first half of last year the United States furnished 504, valued at £102,665; Great Britain 49, valued at 114,187; and Germany 32 of an estimated value of £9,396.


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