Africa is home to over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land – yet it remains a net importer of food. In South Africa and across the Sub-Saharan region, the call to modernise agriculture has never been louder. From unpredictable climate conditions and rising input costs to labour shortages and the need for improved productivity, the sector faces a complex web of challenges. Mechanisation, paired with innovation and adaptable support systems, has become essential – not optional.

Compact equipment: The future of Agricultural versatility

While large-scale tractors and combines dominate conversations about agricultural machinery, it’s the compact machines – nimble, powerful, and versatile – that are increasingly shaping the future of farming across Africa. Wacker Neuson, a leader in light and compact equipment, has seen this shift first-hand through its growing agricultural customer base.

“Whether it’s livestock farming, crop production, or horticulture – compact machines can transform how farmers handle material, move goods, prepare land, and maintain infrastructure,” says Glenn Theron, Sales Manager of Wacker Neuson South and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Versatility across applications: From soil to sheds

Wheel loaders
Compact wheel loaders like the Wacker Neuson 5055, 5075, and 5085 are designed for fast material handling. Whether transporting feed, moving silage, or cleaning animal pens, their tight turning radius and low ground pressure make them ideal for confined or sensitive farm environments.

Telehandlers
Machines like the TH627, 3610, and 5509 combine lift height and compact design, allowing operators to load bales, stack pallets, or access tall barn storage. These telehandlers offer the reach of a larger machine with the agility of a skid steer – ideal for multi-tasking across the farmyard.

Compact excavators
The range of compact excavators from Wacker Neuson, from 1,6 to 7,5 tons, offer much more than digging trenches. They’re frequently used on farms for installing irrigation lines, maintaining drainage ditches, setting fence posts, or doing general land prep. Their compact footprint and zero-tail swing on selected models are especially valuable on smaller plots and uneven terrain.

Walk-behind rollers
The RD7Hf roller is a great example of a compact tool with farm utility – used for firming soil beds, maintaining gravel roads, and even compacting silage bunkers.

Innovation for changing conditions

As South African farmers contend with water scarcity, extreme weather, and rising operational costs, adaptability is critical. That’s where compact machines really come into their own – they’re efficient, easy to transport, and increasingly equipped with smart features like load-sensing hydraulics, telematics, and all-terrain mobility.

Wacker Neuson’s electric options, like the EZ17e electric excavator, are also gaining traction, helping forward-thinking farms reduce fuel consumption and improve their carbon footprint.

A partner in more than machinery

Mechanisation isn’t only about machines – it’s about support, service, and sustainability. That’s why Wacker Neuson offers a comprehensive dealer network across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, with teams that understand local agricultural needs.

And to address one of the biggest barriers to mechanisation – cost – Wacker Neuson Sub-Saharan Africa is once again offering a flexible finance program in 2025. Finance is offered through WesBank, a division of FirstRand Bank Limited.

“We want our customers to have options that make sense for their business today, not in five years’ time,” says Theron. “That’s why we’ve introduced newly structured finance offers, with benefits such as preferential interest rates or deposit contributions on selected machines. It’s about real solutions – not just sales.”

Eligible customers can finance machines like the EZ17, EZ28, ET66, ET75, and RD7Hf, all adapted in pricing to align with the program. This is just one of the many ways Wacker Neuson is working to empower farmers and agri-contractors with practical, affordable access to tools that deliver productivity.

WesBank is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited and an authorised Financial Services and Registered Credit Provider. NCRCP20. Finance offers are subject to terms and conditions and approval criteria. Available in South Africa only.

What’s next? Mechanisation as a movement

Looking at global trends, it’s clear that agriculture is going leaner, greener, and smarter.

In Africa, this means focusing on efficient land use, technology integration, and sustainable practices. Compact equipment is well-positioned to support this evolution, offering power and flexibility without the cost or complexity of large-scale machines.

With growing interest in regenerative agriculture, livestock efficiency, and mixed-use farms, machines that can perform multiple tasks – on tight schedules and tighter budgets – are invaluable.

Building resilience through practical progress

Mechanisation is more than a buzzword – it’s a cornerstone of Africa’s agricultural resilience. And with compact machines designed for versatility, innovation that meets local realities, and a commitment to partnership through tailored support and financing, Wacker Neuson is proud to play a role in that journey.

“We’re not just supplying machines,” Theron adds. “We’re investing in solutions that move the industry forward – machine by machine, field by field.”

For more on Wacker Neuson’s agricultural equipment and finance offers, visit www.wackerneuson.co.za or contact your nearest Wacker Neuson dealer.