Smart farming is all about reducing input costs while increasing crop yields—and sometimes, achieving that balance starts with something as simple as keeping equipment clean. In South Africa, crop farmers are using Atlas Copco’s compact and rugged U190 PACE portable air compressors to maintain their machinery and keep operations running smoothly.
Farm environments can be harsh. Mud, dust, stones, and plant debris often accumulate on equipment, which can lead to serious damage. Dust build-up, especially in diesel engines’ air intakes and coolers, can cause them to overheat—posing not only a fire risk to the equipment and surrounding crops, but also a danger to workers. Failing to properly clean machinery can even result in insurance claims being denied if fire damage is linked to poor maintenance.
Compact Design, Big Impact
On two crop farms in the Bethlehem district of South Africa’s Free State province, the U190 PACE compressor has proven to be a practical choice for daily equipment maintenance.
“Both customers have praised their Atlas Copco air compressors for being highly effective, easy to use, and especially easy to move around,” says Chantal Jonker, Operational Manager at JR Compressors & Industrial Supplies (Pty) Ltd.
Thanks to its compact size and lightweight design, farmers can easily transport the compressor across the farm—by trailer, light delivery vehicle, or even forklift—directly to the equipment needing cleaning.
Daily Cleaning in Demanding Conditions
On these farms, equipment is cleaned once or even twice a day, depending on the harvest. Dust from maize and sunflower crops is particularly flammable and can quickly clog radiators, coolers, and air intakes. With fields often spanning more than 5,000 hectares and situated far from workshops, moving large machinery for cleaning is time-consuming and costly. It’s far more efficient to bring the air compressor to the field. The U190 PACE’s durable design makes it well-suited to handle rough, uneven terrain typically found on farms.
Keeping Equipment Running Longer
The U190 PACE compressor plays a key role in maintaining a variety of farming machinery—including tractors, harvesters, balers, rakers, and tedders. Regular cleaning helps extend the life of these machines, reduces the risk of expensive repairs, and significantly lowers fire hazards. By maintaining clean equipment, farmers also lower their overall operating and ownership costs.
Smart Features for Flexible Use
To clean their equipment, farmers use a 30-meter hose connected to the compressor, along with a blower pipe that helps clear dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
The U190 PACE is equipped with advanced PACE technology, allowing users to adjust the pressure settings as needed. This makes the unit versatile enough for other farm tasks too, such as inflating tires, powering pneumatic tools, and sandblasting.
A Valuable Investment in Farm Safety
By helping South African farmers work more efficiently and safely, the U190 PACE compressor has become a trusted tool on their farms. Its durability, flexibility, and performance make it an essential piece of equipment—helping farmers protect their machinery, reduce risks, and get the most out of their operations.
