LEMKEN needs no introduction … the name has long been synonymous with quality, reliability, and proven agricultural equipment that demonstrates its worth all over South African farms. Yet again, at NAMPO 2025 LEMKEN showed why the company continues to earn farmers’ trust year after year.
With an impressive display of their core products and innovative solutions for modern farming, the blue machinery didn’t just shine in the sun — it also sparked conversations around efficiency, technology, and sustainability on the farm.
Karel Munnik, Managing Director of LEMKEN South Africa, proudly states: “LEMKEN SA was established in January 2012, so this is our fourteenth year at NAMPO – a milestone we are very proud of.”
As a subsidiary of the internationally renowned LEMKEN in Germany, LEMKEN SA has stood strong for over a decade, serving South African farmers with technology and equipment that truly makes a difference in the field.
During NAMPO, LEMKEN attracted farmers to their stand with a range of exciting new products. Some of their well-known equipment was upgraded, such as the popular Karat 9, now succeeded by the improved Karat 10 — designed with even greater efficiency and performance in mind.
Another brand-new addition to the LEMKEN stable is the Thulit, an implement that drew significant interest at the show.
In addition, LEMKEN once again displayed their Müthing mulcher — a suitable tool for farmers serious about soil health and stubble management.
A further highlight was the Equalizer precision planters, which are now part of LEMKEN’s product range after the acquisition of this South African company.
Karat 10 – Taking soil cultivation to the next level
The LEMKEN Karat 9 has been a staple on South African farms for years — an implement that needs little introduction thanks to its ruggedness and performance.
This year at NAMPO, LEMKEN showed how they are building on that success with the launch of the Karat 10, a chisel plough packed with technological and practical improvements.
Karel explains: “The most noticeable change is at the rear of the implement, where depth control on the rollers is now more accurate and efficient. The Karat 10 also features star-shaped discs that level the soil neatly and evenly behind the tines.”
At the front, the frame has been redesigned for easier unfolding and quick adjustments, making the Karat 10 even more user-friendly. A modern addition is the SeedHub 500, an optional unit that can be added to the Karat 10 for integrated seed application.
What distinguishes the Karat 10 from the Karat 12?
The Karat 12 features four beam rows with a tine spacing of 23,5 cm, ideal for more intensive soil cultivation. In contrast, the Karat 10 has three beams in a symmetrical layout with a tine spacing of 31 cm — making it better suited for medium to coarse work and higher working speeds.
Another notable improvement is the optional cutting discs at the front of the Karat 10 — a feature not available on the Karat 9. These discs increase the implement’s versatility and provide better penetration in stubble or hard soil.
With these upgrades, LEMKEN clearly shows that they listen to farmers’ needs, offering solutions that make real, practical sense.
Introducing the new LEMKEN Thulit – precision weed control for the modern farmer
Christo Prinsloo from LEMKEN SA says they are especially proud to introduce the LEMKEN Thulit to farmers at NAMPO this year — a pioneering addition to the LEMKEN range. The Thulit is a mechanical weed control implement designed for precise, efficient operation without the use of chemicals.
According to Christo, one of the key features of the Thulit is the hydraulic bar at the front, allowing for pressure adjustment from the tractor cab — from as low as 100 grams to as high as 5 000 grams. This enables users to fine-tune the aggressiveness of the implement based on crop and soil conditions, ensuring accurate and effective weed control.
“The working speed of the Thulit depends on crop height and ranges between 4 and 6 km/h. All adjustments, including frame height in working position, can be conveniently controlled from the cab — saving time and effort in the field,” Christo explains.
The working angle and position of the tine harrows determine how aggressive the action is — whether they are angled forward, upright, or backwards. These adjustments give farmers flexibility to tailor their weed control strategies to different crops and soil conditions.
Christo adds: “The Thulit is available in working widths of 6 m, 9 m, and 12 m. Its movable frame allows the implement to accurately follow ground contours, ensuring consistent working depth and improved results. This adaptable frame also improves stability and efficiency.”
Another practical feature is the V-folding frame design, which assists with turning at the headland. The wings lift up to prevent damage during turns — an intelligent solution for easier handling on smaller or uneven fields.
“The Thulit is suitable for various crops and can be used successfully in wheat, maize, pumpkins, and even speciality crops like onions — where accurate mechanical weed control is crucial,” Christo states.
Read more about the Thulit here.
Müthing Mulchers – Efficient stubble management for intensive production
Another exciting addition to the LEMKEN product line-up is the Müthing mulchers, which LEMKEN began importing at the end of 2023. These implements, also manufactured in Germany, are of the highest quality and offer farmers a reliable solution for managing crop residues and stubble.
According to Karel, the available range includes vineyard models, orchard models, edge cutters, and units for larger agricultural applications — including maize, cotton, and wheat.
“We responded to growing customer demand, especially from irrigation farmers who often deal with large volumes of crop residues after harvest,” he says.
The Müthing mulcher helps shred plant residues finely. “For farmers planting two crops a year, there’s often only a small window between seasons. These mulchers help them to work faster and more efficiently — every minute counts,” Karel adds.
The Müthing range brings the ideal balance between robustness and precision that LEMKEN prides itself on, and is a valuable tool for modern, intensive farming.
Rubin 12 – A trusted classic
When it comes to robust tillage, the LEMKEN Rubin 12 is a long-standing favourite among farmers. Christo explains: One of its standout features is the long drawbar, which makes headland turns significantly easier. The implement also features a double row of discs in a symmetrical layout, with large 736 mm diameter discs. Each disc is mounted on an individual breakaway mechanism capable of handling up to 580 kg of pressure.
Between the two disc rows is a harrow mechanism that forces material downward, making it easier for the second row of discs to cut and spread the residue. After that come levelling paddles, which help smooth the soil surface in preparation for the next field operation.
“At the very rear, the Rubin 12 features a double roller, playing a crucial role in forming a perfect seedbed. This roller ensures not only even soil consolidation but also helps retain moisture in the topsoil — an essential factor for successful germination. It also serves as the depth control mechanism, enhancing the implement’s overall precision,” Christo adds.
For added convenience, the transport wheels are located behind the roller, aiding not only in transport but also in headland turning.
The Rubin 12 is a testament to LEMKEN’s commitment to proven technology that helps farmers work with confidence, precision, and speed.
Equalizer precision planters are now part of the LEMKEN range
In 2022, LEMKEN took a strategic step to expand its precision planting portfolio by acquiring South African planter manufacturer, Equalizer.
This move enables LEMKEN to now offer a comprehensive range of fine-seed and precision planters — all under one advanced, international brand.
According to the team, the goal is to make Equalizer’s planting technology available worldwide through LEMKEN’s established global network. This is part of the company’s vision to expand its market share in precision planting and provide more integrated solutions for farmers around the globe.
LEMKEN SA remains a company that values farmer-driven innovation. “We listen to farmers’ needs and strive to design, adapt, and manufacture our equipment accordingly,” says Karel. The inclusion of Equalizer is another example of how LEMKEN actively responds to market demands and delivers practical, ground-level solutions.
A future together with the farmer
At LEMKEN, the farmer is at the heart of everything. Karel emphasises that the company’s commitment goes beyond just technology and equipment: “We aim to deliver optimal functionality for every implement on the farm — with cost savings, increased efficiency, and better performance as our core focus. We genuinely want to make a difference for the farmer.”
LEMKEN’s vision for the future is clear: to stay close to the farmer, build strong customer relationships, and offer products and services that truly add value.
“Quality and service are of utmost importance to us – and as LEMKEN, we’re here to stay,” he concludes.
Farmers interested in learning more about LEMKEN’s implements are encouraged to visit their nearest LEMKEN dealer or check out their website for more information.
