Top 6 affordable farm bakkies
With the price of leading bakkie brands becoming so expensive, where do farmers turn when they want an affordable, reliable workhorse to do the day-to-day tasks of managing a farm? He have a list of our top picks.
The right workhorse for your farm
Owning a farm or being in the agricultural sector can be a taxing experience, not only on the farmer and their staff but on the machines they use. Agricultural equipment needs to withstand a great deal of hard work, from the massive tractors to pick-ups, or bakkies as we refer to them here in South Africa. The problem however is that the traditional bakkies that have been tried and tested by many farmers over the years have now become lifestyle items and, with that they carry hefty price tags.
These vehicles, such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger might still retain their usability but they come at a price, a price that some farmers are not willing to pay for something that will be put to work. Thankfully though there have been a few new entries into the market that don’t carry a high price tag and make more financial sense for farmers looking for a workhorse.
We have compiled a list of our top 6 choices:
Now it might not be a conventional bakkie with its cab-over-engine design but the Tata Super Ace makes for a great case when it comes to its usability on a farm. It is powered by a 52kW/135Nm 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine and has a 1-ton load area. Unfortunately, the base specification has no power-steering or air-con but if this vehicle is used to transport local produce to the local farmers' market it will do the job just fine.
2. GWM Steed5 2.2 Mpi single cab - R159 900
The GWM Steed 5 also makes our list due to the fact that it is a no-fuss workhorse. It, unlike the others, features a 2.2 –litre petrol engine which develops around 74kW and 180Nm. It, like the Tata, doesn’t have ABS but you do get air-conditioning, a USB port, and power-steering. Its large load bay can carry tools and produce when needed. It also looks good so one won’t need to swap back your fancy bakkie when making trips to the shops to avoid embarrassment.
3. JMC Boarding - R176 880
The JMC Boarding is powered by a 2.8 litre turbodiesel which develops 235Nm of torque which aids in it being able to carry a claimed load capacity of around 990kgs. The Boarding doesn’t look bad either and offers luxuries such as electric windows and a USB port to keep your Smartphone charged and connected. It does however not have ABS or airbags but as a farm vehicle, it ticks all the boxes.
4. Suzuki Super Carry - R115 900
We can’t have an affordable pick-up list without including the Suzuki Super Carry which features a 1.2-litre engine that produces around 54kW and 101Nm. Suzuki says that this little workhorse will carry around 750kg, only 100kgs less than what the vehicle actually weighs. Super Cary has however been officially discontinued but some units are still available second hand.
5. Mahindra Maxitruck - R153 999
One of the most popular vehicles on our list is the Mahindra Maxitruck. The Maxitruck is a full-sized single-cab capable of carrying around 1150kg. It is powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel which produces a rather conservative 46kW and 195Nm but it is ideal for farm work. It has also proven to be rugged and easy to fix.
6. Isuzu D-MAX single cab-R270 600
We end the list with the most expensive option just before things start to get fancy with the Isuzu D-MAX single cab in base specification. This vehicle offers an air-conditioning system but no power windows. It also has a driver air-bag and will carry a load of around 1186kgs. It will also tow around 1600kgs. Power comes from a turbodiesel 2.5 litre motor that develops 58kW and 158NM of torque. The Isuzu brand has become a household name when it comes to reliability and is a favourite amongst those looking for a workhorse to do the hard work.
*Prices correct at publication date
