Wacker Neuson South Africa has announced the introduction of the German telehandler brand, Weidemann, to sub-Sahara Africa’s agricultural sector. This strategic move ushers in a new force set to elevate productivity and performance across the region’s farming landscape.
“Our introduction of Weidemann to the South and sub-Saharan African market reinforces our long-term growth vision for Africa and marks a defining moment in our expansion journey, by bringing Weidemann’s renowned telehandler technology into our sales channel and opening new avenues for innovation and efficiency throughout Africa’s farmlands,” says Stefan le Roux, MD of Wacker Neuson South Africa.
“We identified significant potential in Africa’s agricultural market for telehandlers even before the pandemic. Weidemann, another premium German brand within the Wacker Neuson Group, enables us to deliver yet another exceptional product to our valued customers. Providing end-users with the highest quality equipment, backed by outstanding after-sales support, is both our vision and our mission, and this launch is a natural evolution of that commitment.”
The T7042 marks a milestone as the first Weidemann telehandler model to debut on African soil. Compact, robust and engineered for high performance, it embodies the agility, versatility and multi-functionality that define Weidemann’s brand promise – ‘designed for work’.
“After evaluating both market demand and real-world performance, we selected the T7042 for its strength and smart engineering, a machine capable of meeting the rigorous demands of modern agriculture,” says Le Roux. He further highlights that this launch sets the stage for potential future rollouts, guided by market response, with six Weidemann telehandler variants to choose from, including an electric model.
“Weidemann’s DNA has always been agriculture,” says Etienne Pignon, Market Development Manager for Weidemann South Africa. “Africa is a key growth region where farms are rapidly moving toward more efficient, mechanized operations, and our machines are built precisely for these daily demands – from feeding livestock to stacking bales.”
The T7042, adds Pignon, reflects this strength, combining high lifting performance, robust engineering, operator comfort and true multi-purpose capability for the realities of African farming. “Working through Wacker Neuson South Africa allows us to provide trusted local support, fast service and a solid foundation to grow the product range step by step. This step into the region is not about making a quick splash; it is about building long-term value and earning trust, one customer at a time.”
The T7042, one of the largest models in the Weidemann portfolio, boasts a 7-m lifting height and a 4,2-tonne payload, and is built to handle demanding tasks with ease. Available in two engine configurations, the T7042 delivers exceptional performance across a wide range of applications, from heavy material handling and high reach stacking to precision pushing and continuous system filling.
With nearly 180 years of global manufacturing heritage, the Wacker Neuson Group continues to shape the future of compact and light equipment. Wacker Neuson South Africa celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2025, underscoring its deep roots in the region’s construction and agricultural sectors.
“Weidemann’s own legacy is equally impressive,” notes Le Roux. “The company marks its 65th anniversary in 2025, and its longstanding reputation for quality and innovation makes it a perfect fit for our customers.”
Founded in Diemelsee-Flechtdorf in 1960 by brothers Oswald and Reinhold Weidemann, Weidemann Maschinenfabrik KG initially produced components and devices. Driven by a mission to ease the burden of stable and internal farm management through mechanisation, the company achieved a breakthrough in 1972 with the invention of the Hoftrac, a compact, articulated wheel loader that revolutionised agricultural work that remains an indispensable everyday helper on farms around the world, valued for its versatility, reliability and compact power.
Weidemann’s trajectory took a pivotal turn in 2005 when it was acquired by Wacker Construction Equipment AG, marking the beginning of yellow wheel loader production for the construction industry. The major merging of Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG and Wacker Construction Equipment AG two years later, led to the formation of Wacker Neuson SE, solidifying Weidemann’s place within a larger industrial group. In 2021, Weidemann launched the T7042 alongside the T7035 to meet evolving demands in agricultural and industrial operations.
