Fuel Efficiency, Reliability, and Service — Why Jaco Botes Chooses John Deere
Meet Jaco Botes, Partner at Moshaweng Mining & Drilling, based in Kuruman, Northern Cape. Specialising in contract mining and plant hire, Jaco and his business partner bring a combined 44 years of industry experience, having both started their careers in mining straight after school.
Industry Perspective
Mining activity in the Kathu region and surrounding areas is currently experiencing mixed performance. While production volumes remain resilient and the industry continues to hold its position globally, several challenges persist:
- Infrastructure bottlenecks
- Rising operational costs
- Broader economic pressures
These pressures have already resulted in the closure of a major mining operation at the end of 2025. Looking ahead, Jaco anticipates relatively neutral growth prospects for the next 12 months, with limited change expected during the first half of the year.
Cost sensitivity remains one of the biggest factors influencing buying decisions. Clients are increasingly exploring alternative equipment options, including lower-cost imported brands, placing additional pressure on established OEMs. Despite this, Jaco remains optimistic about the pace of innovation in the industry, describing developments in equipment technology as “very satisfying.”
Product Experience – John Deere Equipment
Jaco’s experience with John Deere equipment spans five years. His journey began with a 620G Motor Grader and has since expanded into a growing fleet, with John Deere becoming his preferred OEM within certain machine categories.
When evaluating equipment suppliers, Jaco prioritised strong after-sales support — an area where he felt other premium brands had fallen short. His decision to invest in John Deere was influenced by a combination of:
- Flexible finance solutions
- Proven product quality
- Knowledgeable and committed sales support
According to Jaco, the John Deere team consistently demonstrates a willingness to assist and resolve challenges, often going beyond expectations to keep operations running smoothly.
Exceeding Expectations
Fuel efficiency has been a standout advantage, particularly with the 1050 P-Tier Series Dozers. Lower fuel consumption not only supports productivity but also contributes to reduced operating costs — a key consideration for mining and plant hire businesses operating in competitive markets.
When rating his experience with customer support, Jaco scores John Deere a 10 out of 10, noting the strong relationship and ongoing commitment to supporting his business.
Advice to Others
For businesses considering John Deere equipment, Jaco offers straightforward advice:
“Give it a try. They are well worth it and are more experienced in yellow equipment than many would expect in South Africa.”
Jaco expresses his appreciation for the support received from John Deere and values the partnership built with Moshaweng Mining & Drilling. His experience highlights the importance of working with an equipment provider that understands the demands of the mining industry and supports customers beyond the initial purchase.
Partner with the Right Equipment Provider
Choosing the right equipment partner can make a significant difference in productivity, operating costs, and long-term business success. With a strong focus on fuel efficiency, reliability, and dependable after-sales support, AFGRI Equipment helps mining and plant hire businesses stay competitive in demanding environments.
Whether you are expanding your fleet or evaluating new equipment options, our team is ready to help you find the right solution for your operation with trusted John Deere yellow equipment built to perform.
Contact your nearest AFGRI Equiment branch today!
Experience the #AFGRIequipmentEDGE.
