The need for efficient and cost effective farm vehicles in South Africa was identified.
The concept of this vehicle stemmed from the need of
emerging farmers and small holding owners that make
use of bakkies, commercial tractors, donkeys or similar,
which is not always best suited to the task and can be unaffordable.
Market research showed that there are numerous self-made transport vehicles worldwide, the aim is to produce something similar to meet the needs of these emerging farmers.
Following the research phase, the design phase of Prototype 1 kicked off. The technical design drawings were Completed. The product was modelled using CAD software and a 3D printed model was produced. Prototype 1 was named
Imbovane which means "Ant" in Xhosa
Procurement begun and all components were ordered at the end of May 2019 and arrived by Mid-July 2019.
Fabrication began shortly thereafter.
Prototype 1 was tested at Hennops on the 4x4 trail. The testing of the axle twisting and the pivot was successful. We found that the mechanical transmission was however, at risk of damage on the rough terrain. Having not met the desired level of robustness and reliability, we went back to the drawing board.
A new workshop was opened in February of 2020 and the repairs to Prototype 1 began.
COVID-19 Lockdown resulted in the design of Prototype 2 being shifted to April 2020. With lessons learnt and improvements in mind, the design of Prototype 2 began. The biggest change was to shift from critical mechanical components to a hydraulic transmission. This offered better protection from the rough terrain. With the new design in hand, new parts were sourced.
Prototype components were received during July of 2020. Major changes that were introduced into Prototype 2: Each wheel was now individually powered. All hydraulic components are widely and readily available in South Africa. The pivot was redesigned to use of off the-shelf parts. The drive shaft was removed. Where possible, components from Prototype 1 were re- sed for Prototype 2.
Prototype 2 was fabricated, in the new warehouse. The hydraulic system and components were outsourced to hydraulic experts. Prototype 2 was fondly named Kotonki. Kotonki is an abbreviation of "Koloi ya tonki" which means "donkey cart" in Setswana.
With all the improvements, Prototype 2 is now optimised to use the power of the engine in the most efficient manner. The marketability of the product began to take off.
Prototype 2 was taken to the Hennops 4x4 trail where it exceeded our expectations on the track.
Further improvements were made to prototype 2 by upgraded the front cabin and modifying the control system
Prototype 2 underwent further rigorous testing that included load, pressure and hydraulic testing. Diesel and petrol motor are now interchangeable.
After minor aesthetic touch-ups, and the completion of the marketing material, Kontonki is ready to be marketed.