Time is money, and Footprint Performance’s software can help you save both. This software can boost your tractor or harvester’s power by 10% to 30%, all at a cost much lower than buying a newer, bigger machine.

What does Footprint Performance do?

Jaco Dippenaar, owner of Footprint Performance, says he opened his business in 2011. He initially imported a plug-and-play unit to improve car performance.

“Soon I realized that the car market was saturated, and I had to start thinking of other ideas,” he says.

That is when he received a call from a farmer in Bothaville asking if the technology could be applied to tractors as well.

“He convinced me to import such a plug-and-play unit for his John Deere tractor. After this installation, I realized there was a market for improving the power output of agricultural equipment.”

According to Jaco, Footprint Performance’s systems are advantageous because suppliers use the same engine and transmission in a range of harvesters and tractors, and simply changing the software delivers more power.

“So, it is very safe and cost-effective to do this instead of paying R35 000 per kilowatt for a newer tractor.”

Footprint Performance’s systems can save you thousands of rands.

Jaco did his homework

First, Jaco had to learn more about the concept, sharpen his skills, and expand his knowledge. To achieve this, he completed courses in Germany and New Zealand.

“Even though the concept is the same, the application and software are completely different, and claiming you can upgrade a tractor just because you can work on cars is unfortunately not correct.”

It took hours, days, and weeks of testing on different equipment to get it right while ensuring that the equipment was not damaged.

“Even now, after more than 11 years, there are still days when I learn new things to ensure equipment operates correctly, especially when small software changes are introduced by the supplier.”

Benefits of the software

The biggest advantage the software offers farmers when it comes to improving power output, is cost savings.

A new tractor with more power in the same series can easily cost you R2 million. Jaco explains that this expense can be avoided by safely upgrading the power of your current tractor so that it matches the model just above it.

“Then there is also time savings. With better power output, in almost all cases, you can work two gears higher than before, which means at least 3 to 5 km/h faster if desired … or at least one gear higher but at lower revolutions, reducing engine load by at least 40 to 50%.”

Most engines with electronic control and turbochargers can be upgraded.

According to Jaco, older models can sometimes be problematic because they might already have mechanical wear and underlying issues, but this isn’t always the case.

How does it work?

To carry out this process correctly, Jaco first makes a copy of the equipment’s standard software; he stores it and then makes changes on a new file. The new file with the updated software is then uploaded.

“There are costs associated with using the correct, registered equipment that is properly licensed, as well as converting each file into a format that can be understood and modified. Regularly, new cables are needed to read the latest equipment.”

Footprint Performance’s new software is being uploaded.

How do you measure your cost savings?

Jaco explains that the cost savings from using his software can be measured in various ways:

  • The farmer does not need to buy a newer tractor or harvester but can simply upgrade the power output.
  • The farmer can complete work quicker.
  • Fuel savings.
  • Savings on service costs by removing problematic exhaust control systems like exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

Footprint Performance can upgrade your tractor or harvester’s software to give you more power.

What type of agricultural equipment can be upgraded?

Jaco can provide the following services on Tier three to five tractor and harvester engines:

  • Power output improvement (10% to 30%, depending on what is safe according to testing)
  • Exhaust control removal
  • John Deere or Claas tractors’ VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo) can be converted to an Actuator Turbo.

“I have the equipment to upgrade most vehicles, but I prefer focusing my efforts on agricultural equipment because it is my passion and interest.”

If you would like to learn more about how to increase your tractor’s power, visit the Footprint Performance website at https://www.footprintperformance.co.za/. You can also check out their Facebook and Instagram pages or contact Jaco at (+27) 83-675-8364.