Erreppi: A New Tractor is Born to Farm in Africa
The Erreppi Buffalo tractor, designed to perform in all types of terrain, while respectful of the environment, provides innovative solutions, especially where high power is redundant and versatility is a must.
Efficient, affordable and easy to maintain, the first prototype of this special tractor was born in the early 2000s as a mechanized solution for the in-field collection of fruits (FFB) in the palm oil sector. Nowadays, it is an innovative answer for many farmers in different sectors, especially where reduced consumption of fuel and zero compaction of soil are required.
When roots systems are so shallow – as often the case with tropical crops – the non-compaction objective becomes the most important to save the productivity of the soil and the good health of the tree.
Erreppi’s smart approach to delivering a solution is a nice story to tell: at EIMA 2002 in Bologna – Italy, a delegation from the Malaysian Government were selecting experimental machines to mechanize the oil palm industry. A top priority for the team, they were soon frustrated not finding what they were looking for. This was due to most of the products on display just being adaptations of what they already had at their disposal. Heavy tractors, 6-wheelers, crawlers, big lorries. No success! Mr Paolo Proietti, owner of Erreppi, however, identified an opportunity to deliver exactly what the Malaysian government was earnestly seeking and set about working on a machine that could deliver the operational requirements needed in tough conditions where standard machines were failing. He thought, much like the Roman Emperor of days gone by: divide et impera (divide and conquer)! Mr Proietti created a small machine to DIVIDE the crop tonnage to be evacuated into small carriages and do frequent cycles to have a higher crop quality per cycle, with the high daily productivity the market expected. This incredible but simple scheme delivered what is now known as Buffalo™. More than 5,000 units are currently working around the world from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia to Central and South America and it is considered a pioneer and a leader in the agricultural tractor sector.
To achieve his goals, Mr Proietti acted in accordance to the KISS principle (Keep-It-Simple, Stupid) to match what the Malaysians had solicited from him – simple operation, easy maintenance, efficiency, constant traction, reliability, safety, manoeuvrability, a good speed range, 4×4 on/off, environmental care, ease of repair, lightweight, low fuel consumption and no soil compaction; finally delivering the perfect combination of all these requirements, engineering a new tractor generation.
Only 3,5 litres (1,6 gallons) of fuel per day is needed to run a Buffalo for 8 hours.
Only 0.84 kg/cm2 (12 psi) of soil compaction: one-third of that of a 30kW (40hp) tractor.
The Erreppi Buffalo has been used extensively in palm oil plantations where it has proven its worth:
- Collection of FFB with a bucket (average of 25 ton/day). The same machine can also provide removal of empty fruit bunches (EFB).
- The spreading of fertilizers with a turbofan double side spin system (e.g. 20ha/day for 120 bags of 50kgs).
- A pest control spraying unit with 600 tank and pump assembly (e.g. 10ha/day by 5L/tree), and
- Seedling and general transport on a platform deck.
Adding to the Buffalo’s allure is that it is very easy to drive and to manoeuvre (having a very basic control panel and high ergonomic drive position). For this reason, some of the best drivers are often times women thanks to their gentle foot when using the machine. Experience has shown these drivers to have a very high sense of responsibility to achieve the daily performance targets.
The concept of the Buffalo is maverick compared to any conventional method. Think innovative, challenge your efficiency and design your new application – the Buffalo will do it all.
Tackling the Africa market is the next challenge in 2020. With units already working in Ghana, the Congo Republic, Nigeria, and Kenya, expanding the footprint is the target. The new goal is to design special equipment for other crops including the likes of cocoa, cassava, cut flowers and coffee. Please contact us and do not hesitate to choose Buffalo.
Our experts can assist YOU to find the right solution to overcome your operational issues and improve productivity, even in the absence of any existing mechanical solution.
Click here to download the ERREPPI brochure.
Crossing ditch with full safety for the operator
Mud conditions: amazing overpassing.
Erreppi Factory
We are looking for Distributors all over Africa!
Contact details:
For more information on the products or to request a quotation, please contact Elena Proietti at:
Website: www.erreppi.com
WhatsApp: +39 393 9636252
Email: elena@erreppi.com
If you have any questions or want to become a featured company on our website to broaden the scope of your business, please send us a mail on info@agri4africa.com.
