By: FarmTech Engineer – Remote Tech Solutions for Local Farms
Running Smarter, Not Harder
Farming in Heidelberg or anywhere along the Garden Route means dealing with long days, unpredictable weather, and machines that don’t always behave. I’ve worked in industrial plants, on ships, and inside rural workshops — and I know what it takes to keep things moving when you’re far from a parts shop or service tech.
This post shares five quick, practical upgrades that save time, fuel, and frustration — all without needing big budgets or fancy tech.
🔧 Fix #1: Install a Timed Borehole Pump Controller
Problem: Pumps left on too long waste water, burn diesel, or flatten batteries.
Quick Fix: Install a programmable timer to switch your pump on and off automatically. Add a float switch to shut the pump off when your tank is full.
Bonus: Add SMS or WhatsApp alerts using an ESP32-based controller. I offer quick-install kits with minimal wiring.
🚪 Fix #2: Add Solar-Powered Gate Sensors
Problem: Gates are often left open, letting livestock roam and wasting hours finding them.
Quick Fix: Use magnetic gate sensors powered by solar to trigger an alert buzzer or flashing light at your workshop when a gate stays open too long.
Benefit: It’s a simple, low-power system you can DIY or I can supply and install for you.
💧 Fix #3: Use Moisture Sensors to Time Irrigation
Problem: Overwatering or underwatering wastes resources and affects yield.
Quick Fix: Install soil moisture sensors connected to a solar relay that only triggers irrigation when needed.
Bonus: Add data logging with an ESP8266 to view soil moisture trends via smartphone — ideal for long-term planning.
🔋 Fix #4: Switch to a Lithium Battery Solar Inverter System
Problem: Old lead-acid batteries fail fast and force you to rely on expensive generator power.
Quick Fix: Upgrade to a lithium-based solar inverter system. I’ll calculate your loads, design and build a cabinet, and handle the full installation — whether it’s for a pump station, shed, or home.
Result: Longer battery life, faster charging, and less maintenance all year round.
🖨️ Fix #5: Use 3D-Printed Parts to Replace Broken Brackets or Mounts
Problem: When parts break, replacements are often expensive or take weeks to arrive.
Quick Fix: I design and print custom parts in durable PLA+ or PETG — from brackets and covers to mounts, holders, and tool clips — all tailored to your machine.
Result: Fast repairs with better-than-original parts that fit perfectly.
🎁 BONUS: Book Your Free “15-Minute Farm Systems Check”
Got an issue with your gate, pump, or power system?
📸 Send me a photo or 🎤 voice note on WhatsApp — and I’ll reply with ideas or possible fixes. No charge. No jargon.
📱 WhatsApp: +27 67 069 6251
🌐 Website: https://farmtechservices.2k11.co.za
📍 Based in Heidelberg, Western Cape | Serving farmers across the Garden Route
FarmTech Engineer
Remote Tech | Solar | Automation | 3D Solutions