Gerard interviews Griffiths at Nampur 2023 about John Deere construction equipment for farms in Africa and the Middle East. They discuss backhoe loaders and bulldozers, how farmers use them, and the dealer support available across the region.
Griffiths, we're here at the Nampur 2023 at John Deere construction stand. Can you tell us what type of equipment you have on your stand?
All today at the Nampur stand we've got backhoes which are just behind you here. You've got three different backhoes which got different configurations. And then we've got a grader here. That one is a road maintenance machine. And then we've got a weed loader and a bulldozer. The biggest thing about us here was to bring the machines that are actually day to day production machines on a.
So Griffiths, what is that one piece of construction equipment that a farmer just cannot do without?
I would say, to be honest, it's a backhoe loader. And I'll tell you why I always say it's two machines in one. The front you can load anything that you need to move in terms of material. Then if you have to dig out a pump, a pipe, a trench, anything, the backhoe can still dig at the back. So it's like an excavator and a wheel loader all in one. But I would say it's that machine because additionally you can actually add attachments in front and turn your machine into a forklift, turn your machine into a drill, whichever way that you can use. But it's a TLB or backhoe loader as we know it.
Now, in which ways do construction equipment make farmers lives so much easier?
First and foremost today you've got farmers who are trying to build their own dams because sometimes there are difficulties with water. You'd rather trap that water and have it on your farm. So a bulldozer can do that for you. But especially a 700J with a pet blade, I think that's what you would get. Whether you want to create more farms or create roots, create new access roads around your farm. But then all these machines on the farm, it helps you to wake up at your time and be able to work on your site without having to call someone, wait for someone. And we know as well with the fires you need to do your firebreaks and most of these machines, like a wheel loader, you can start working your firebreaks, protect your crop, protect your equipment, and even better protect your neighbor.
Lastly, tell us about the support that John Deere Construction gives to its producers and its clients.
We have three dealers around the country, which is apcri and then we've got Senves and then Mesco. So basically what we bring to the market is that at arm's length we've got already a support being it parts and service the same dealer where you buy your tractor parts or implement or maybe a planter or combine. It's the same place where you'll get construction machines. It's the same person who's going to actually support you on the yellow machines.
That is fantastic news, Griffiths. It was a pleasure talking to you. Thank you so much.
