Mechanisation accounts for about 40% of the total cost of sugarcane production, even when cane is cut manually. With agricultural profit margins in constant decline, it is crucial to maximise the efficiency of farm machinery use. To assist sugarcane farmers in making informed decisions based on realistic operational costs, SASRI publishes annual details of mechanisation costs. The 2025 edition of these Mechanisation Reports is now available.
Report 1 has information and examples that will help estimate the total cost of operating individual machines or complete machinery systems. Report 2 deals with systems and costs associated with land preparation, planting and ratoon management.
This year’s reports have the following enhancements:
- Agricultural tractors. A 150kW FWA tractor has been added, as requested by growers.
- Loaders. The sheet now reflects various options available to the industry including a high-capacity 3-wheel loader (for on-zone loading) and a range of slew loader sizes and prices.
- Cost graphs. Vertical gridlines have been added to assist users to read the graphs more easily.
These reports are available from our eLibrary or the Mechanisation Page on our website; or you can download copies using the following links:
Mechanisation Report 1 Mechanisation Report 2
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the Mechanisation Reports, neither SASRI nor its consultants or staff can be held liable for any loss or damage, whether direct or indirect, resulting from reliance on the information contained therein.