Reliable maintenance of cold storage and agricultural infrastructure is critical for both food security and operational efficiency in Africa.
The new Fronius Ignis Battery, launched locally by Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.), is a next-generation, battery-powered welding system designed to bring mobility, performance and reliability to off-grid environments – making it ideal for maintaining cold chain facilities, refrigeration units and agricultural equipment directly on-site.
The Ignis Battery will be showcased at the upcoming NAMPO Harvest Day in May, giving users a chance to see its field-ready capabilities firsthand.
For agricultural operators working across large properties, mobility and uptime are critical. Breakdowns seldom happen next to a workshop or power source: “Ignis Battery is designed to give farmers true welding mobility. This allows users to carry out quick-fixes and permanent repairs directly in the field, without relying on grid power,” explains Edric van der Walt, welding specialist at Fronius South Africa.
Typical applications include repairing trailers, tractors and implements; as well as fence and gate repairs, irrigation systems, wind pumps, feedlots and general workshop maintenance.
Weighing just 11.4kg, the unit is compact and easy to transport.
“Compared to generator-powered welding machines, this unit is exceptionally portable. You can have it on your tractor, in your vehicle or carry it by hand. This level of mobility is a major advantage in agriculture,” comments Marcel Pretorius, welding and cutting specialist – technical support at B.E.D.
Next-generation performance
Ignis Battery represents the next generation of Fronius’s very popular AccuPocket battery welder, which has been available since 2012: “We have improved the battery capacity by approximately 80% compared to the earlier model, but without compromising on size and weight,” says Van der Walt.
Available in both MMA (manual metal arc) and MMA/TIG (manual metal arc and tungsten inert gas) variants, the unit delivers up to 150 amps of welding power. In practical terms, this enables up to 31x 2.5mm electrodes on a single charge, depending on the application.
The system features a 750W lithium-ion battery with flexible charging options. Standard charging reaches 100% capacity in around 85 minutes, with 80% achieved in approximately 55 minutes. A rapid charging mode reduces this to 60 minutes for a full charge. A built-in battery management system protects against overcharging, deep discharge and overheating.
“This ensures stable performance and addresses safety concerns often associated with battery technology,” says Van der Walt, adding that the system is designed to meet international safety standards.
Built for tough cold chain conditions
Agricultural environments are tough, exposing equipment to dust, vibration, temperature fluctuations and transport over rough terrain. The Ignis battery carries an IP23 rating and is subjected to rigorous durability testing.
“All Fronius welding systems are engineered and tested for long-term reliability in tough real-world environments. As such, we simulate vibration, heat, cold and water exposure to ensure the machine can withstand years of transport and outdoor use,” Van der Walt explains.
With proper care and regular charging, the unit is engineered for extended service life. “If the machine is maintained correctly, it can easily last ten years,” he adds.
Source: Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group.