What Is a Pellet Machine? Definition and Core Purpose
A pellet machine is specialised equipment that transforms raw biomass or feed materials into compact, cylindrical pellets through mechanical compression. This process, called pelletisation, solves two major challenges in agriculture and energy: waste management and fuel/feed efficiency. By compressing materials like sawdust, crop residues, or animal feed mixes under high pressure, our pellet machines produce uniform pellets that are easier to store, transport, and use.

Core Benefits:
- For Agriculture: Pellets improve feed digestibility for livestock, reduce waste volume by 60–70%, and extend shelf life by lowering moisture content.
- For Energy: Biomass pellets replace fossil fuels in heating systems, offering a renewable energy source with 80% lower carbon emissions.
- Economic Value: Farmers and factories turn low-value waste (e.g., rice husks, wood chips) into sellable products, boosting profitability.
Our MAIKONG Agri 20 pellet machine is engineered for South Africa’s diverse biomass and feed needs, combining durability with localised support.
Types of Pellet Machines: Flat Die vs. Ring Die
Choosing between flat die and ring die pellet machines depends on production scale, material type, and budget. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Feature |
Flat Die Pellet Machine |
Ring Die Pellet Machine |
MAIKONG Agri 20 (Hybrid) |
Design |
Horizontal die with vertical rollers |
Rotating ring die with internal rollers |
Modular die system (adaptable) |
Capacity |
50–1,000 kg/h |
500–8,000 kg/h |
300–1,500 kg/h (adjustable) |
Power Source |
Electric or diesel |
Electric only |
Electric (220V/380V compatible) |
Best For |
Small farms, homesteads |
Large factories, feed mills |
Medium-scale farms & SMEs |
Material Flexibility |
Limited to soft materials (feed, sawdust) |
Hard materials (wood, tough biomass) |
All biomass types (incl. high-fibre) |
Maintenance |
Simple (DIY adjustments) |
Complex (professional servicing) |
Easy-access parts, local support |
Cost |
R25,000–R150,000 |
R200,000–R1.5M+ |
R180,000–R350,000 (flexible financing) |
Lifespan |
1–3 years (with care) |
5–10 years |
4–7 years (alloy steel components) |
Why Agri 20 Stands Out:
- Hybrid Design: Balances ring die durability with flat die affordability.
- Local Adaptation: Handles South Africa’s high-moisture biomass (e.g., sugarcane bagasse) without clogging.
- Energy Efficiency: 15% lower power consumption vs. competitors.
How Pellet Machines Work: Step-by-Step Process
Pellet machines follow a precise mechanical process to convert raw materials into dense pellets:
- Feeding: Raw material (e.g., ground biomass) is loaded into the hopper. Screw conveyors regulate flow into the compression chamber.
- Conditioning: Steam or water is added to soften lignin (natural binder) in biomass, improving adhesion.
- Compression: Rotating rollers force material through die holes under 80–150 bar pressure, shaping it into cylinders.
- Cutting: A blade trims extruded pellets to uniform lengths (typically 10–30 mm).
- Cooling & Packaging: Hot pellets are cooled to harden, then bagged or stored.
Key Innovation in Agri 20:
- Smart Moisture Control: Auto-adjusts steam injection for South Africa’s variable feedstock.
- Quick-Die Change: Swaps dies in <15 minutes (vs. 1+ hour for traditional machines).
Key Components of MAIKONG Agri 20 Pellet Machine
Our Agri 20’s reliability stems from premium components, engineered for SA conditions:
Component |
Specifications |
Why It Matters |
Die |
Alloy steel (20MnCr5 grade), 6–10mm hole sizes |
Resists abrasion from tough materials like maize stalks. Lifespan: 2× industry average. |
Rollers |
Tungsten-carbide coated, auto-gap adjustment |
Even pressure distribution, reducing wear and energy waste. |
Motor |
15–22 kW (ISO-certified) |
Handles load fluctuations during power outages common in rural SA. |
Gearbox |
3-stage reduction, forced lubrication |
Silent operation, 30% higher torque for dense materials. |
Cooling System |
Air + water dual cooling |
Prevents overheating in high-ambient temps (e.g., Limpopo summers). |
Control Panel |
IoT-enabled with moisture/pressure sensors |
Real-time adjustments via mobile app. Alerts for maintenance needs. |
Hopper |
200L capacity, anti-bridging design |
Prevents clumps in sticky materials like wet grass. |
Screw Conveyor |
Variable-speed auger |
Precise feed control for consistent pellet density. |
Knife Assembly |
Hardened steel, adjustable blade angle |
Clean cuts without fraying pellet ends. |
Frame |
Reinforced steel with vibration dampeners |
Stability on uneven terrain (e.g., farm sheds). |
Maintenance Tips from Our Engineers:
- Daily: Clean die holes with a brush to prevent clogging.
- Weekly: Lubricate rollers and check gearbox oil levels.
- Annually: Replace wear parts (e.g., knives, seals) to avoid downtime.
Raw Materials Suitable for Pelletizing in South Africa
South Africa’s diverse agricultural and forestry sectors produce abundant raw materials ideal for pelletizing. Our MAIKONG Agri 20 pellet machine processes these efficiently:
- Sawdust & Wood Waste: Pine/eucalyptus sawdust (moisture 8–12%, particle size <5mm) from timber mills in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
- Crop Residues:
- Maize Stalks: Shredded to 3–10mm, dried to 10–15% moisture.
- Sugar Bagasse: Pre-treated to reduce silica content (common in SA coastal farms).
- Wheat/Rice Straw: Chopped and conditioned with steam for lignin activation.
- Animal Feed Mixes: Sunflower meal (32% protein), Lucerne (18% crude fiber), and fishmeal blends for nutrient-dense pellets.
Key Requirements:
- Moisture: 10–15% (adjustable via Agri 20’s built-in dryer).
- Particle Size: <5mm for uniform compression (achieved with our optional hammer mill).

5 Reasons to Pelletize: Efficiency, Storage, Transport, Nutrition, Profit
Pelletizing transforms low-value biomass into high-utility products. Here’s why SA farmers choose our technology:
Reason |
Technical Benefit |
Economic Impact |
Energy Efficiency |
30% lower fuel use vs. loose biomass combustion |
Saves R150–R300/ton on heating costs |
Storage Savings |
Pellets occupy 60% less space than raw biomass |
Reduces warehouse costs by 40% |
Transport Ease |
1-ton pellets = 3-ton raw material volume |
Cuts logistics fees by 50% |
Nutrition Retention |
Heat-stable vitamins in feed pellets (e.g., 95% lysine retention) |
25% faster livestock growth |
Waste Valorization |
Converts 90% of crop residues into sellable pellets |
Adds R200–R500/ton revenue |
Carbon Credits |
Carbon-negative process with Agri 20’s biochar option |
Qualifies for SA govt. green incentives |
MAIKONG Agri 20 Features: Why It’s SA’s #1 Choice
Our Agri 20 pellet machine outperforms competitors through 21 engineered advantages:
Feature |
Specification |
Advantage for SA Farmers |
Dual-Voltage Motor |
220V/380V, 15–22kW |
Handles load-shedding with auto-voltage switching |
Hybrid Die System |
Interchangeable flat/ring dies (6–10mm holes) |
Processes both feed and fuel pellets |
Alloy Steel Rollers |
Tungsten-carbide coated, 800-ton lifespan |
3× longer than standard rollers |
IoT Monitoring |
Real-time alerts for wear/temperature |
Prevents 80% of breakdowns |
Steam Conditioning |
80–90°C pathogen kill |
Meets EU feed safety standards |
Moisture Control |
Auto-adjusts for 8–15% moisture |
Eliminates manual drying |
PTO/Diesel Option |
55HP diesel backup |
Ensures uptime in off-grid areas |
SANAS Certification |
Pellet density 1.2–1.4g/cm³ |
Enables export to EU/Asia |
Low Maintenance |
Daily greasing, weekly bolt checks |
R500/month upkeep cost (vs. R2k for competitors) |
Biochar Integration |
Optional module for carbon-negative pellets |
Qualifies for carbon credits |
Quick Die Change |
<15-minute swap |
Saves 2+ hours vs. traditional mills |
Noise Reduction |
65dB (meets SA workplace regulations) |
Safe for farmyard use |
Dust Suppression |
Sealed compression chamber |
Protects workers’ lung health |
Local Spare Parts |
Johannesburg warehouse stocks dies/rollers |
48-hour replacement guarantee |
Operator Training |
Free on-site sessions |
95% user competency post-training |
Load-Shedding Kit |
Capacitors for instant restart |
Zero downtime during outages |
Warranty |
3 years (vs. 1 year industry standard) |
R200k+ potential repair savings |
Solar Compatibility |
5kWh solar array option |
100% renewable operation |
Output Range |
300–1,500kg/hr |
Scales from smallholdings to commercial |
Pellet Quality |
<1% fines, 99% uniformity |
Minimizes waste |
Price |
R180k–R350k (financing available) |
20% ROI within 12 months |
Common Pellet Machine Issues and Troubleshooting
Even robust machines like Agri 20 may encounter operational hiccups. Here’s how to resolve them:
1. Blockages:
- Cause: Wet material (>15% moisture) or foreign objects (stones, metal).
- Fix: Stop machine, clear hopper, and sieve raw materials. Use Agri 20’s reverse function to eject jammed debris.
2. Uneven Pellets:
- Cause: Worn die (holes >10% oversized) or inconsistent feed.
- Fix: Replace die (R8k–R15k) or install our auto-feeder for R12k.
3. Motor Overload:
- Cause: Voltage drops (common during SA load-shedding) or dull rollers.
- Fix: Activate PTO backup or sharpen rollers (R2k service).
When to Call Us:
- Smoke/abnormal noises (possible bearing failure).
- Persistent pellet crumbling (indicates die misalignment).
Our Johannesburg support team (011 552 0123) offers 24/7 troubleshooting in Afrikaans, Zulu, and English.

Maintenance Checklist: Extend Your Machine’s Lifespan
To maximize your MAIKONG Agri 20 pellet machine’s efficiency and longevity, follow our proven maintenance routine developed for South Africa’s demanding conditions. Daily tasks include clearing residual material from the hopper and die with a brass brush to prevent clogging, while weekly checks focus on lubricating roller bearings with high-temperature grease (NLGI Grade 2) and inspecting belt tension. Monthly maintenance involves calibrating the die-roller gap (0.1–0.3mm) using feeler gauges and replacing worn scraper blades. Critical quarterly actions include draining and replacing gearbox oil (ISO VG 220) and testing safety interlocks. Biannually, replace the die (alloy steel models last 800+ tons) and send oil samples for contamination analysis. Annual overhauls by our certified technicians check motor windings, realign driveshafts, and validate IoT sensor accuracy. Store spare parts like shear pins and V-belts in climate-controlled areas to prevent rust—our Johannesburg warehouse stocks 48-hour emergency kits for Agri 20 owners.
Agri 20 vs. Competitors: Price, Durability, After-Sales
We’ve benchmarked our Agri 20 against top South African competitors to highlight why farmers choose MAIKONG:
Feature |
MAIKONG Agri 20 |
Local Brand A |
Local Brand B |
Price (ZAR) |
R180,000–R350,000 (flexible financing) |
R220,000–R400,000 |
R150,000–R280,000 (lower specs) |
Warranty |
3 years (incl. labor) |
1 year (parts only) |
2 years (excl. wear parts) |
Die Lifespan |
800+ tons (20MnCr5 alloy) |
300–500 tons (carbon steel) |
400–600 tons (imported alloy) |
After-Sales Support |
24/7 local technicians + IoT remote diagnostics |
Email-only weekdays |
Call center (48h response) |
Energy Efficiency |
15kW hybrid motor (30% savings) |
18kW standard motor |
22kW outdated gearbox |
Load-Shedding Ready |
PTO/diesel backup + capacitor bank |
No backup options |
Solar compatibility (extra R50k) |
SANAS Certification |
EU-compliant pellets (1.2–1.4g/cm³) |
No certification |
Local standards only |
Spare Parts Cost |
R8k (die), R2k (rollers) – local stock |
R12k (die), R4k (rollers) – imported |
R6k (die), R3k (rollers) – variable |
Training |
Free on-site + VR simulations |
PDF manual only |
Paid workshops (R5k/session) |
Resale Value |
60% after 5 years (certified refurbished) |
30–40% |
50% (no refurb program) |
Key Advantage: Agri 20’s hybrid design outperforms in load-shedding resilience and total cost of ownership—saving R120k+ over 5 years versus competitors.
Where to Buy Genuine MAIKONG Machines in South Africa
Purchase directly from our authorized dealers to avoid counterfeit machines and access full warranties:
- Johannesburg: AgriTech Solutions (011 552 0123), 12 Industria Road – Demo units available for maize/grass pelleting.
- Cape Town: GreenFarm Equipment (021 789 4567), Dock Road – Offers financing through Absa and Nedbank.
- Durban: KZN AgroMachinery (031 765 8899), 34 Umgeni Road – Stocks spare parts for coastal humidity conditions.
- Pretoria: FarmPower Depot (012 332 1001), 99 Lynnwood Road – Government subsidy processing center.
All dealers provide free feedstock testing (bring 50kg of your material) and SANAS compliance certificates. Verify authenticity via our website’s dealer portal .
Government Subsidies for Pellet Machine Buyers
South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) offers:
- 50% rebate (up to R200k) for pellet machines converting invasive plants (e.g., Black Wattle) into biofuel—submit invasive species clearance certificates to DFFE .
- VAT exemption on solar-compatible models (like Agri 20 Hybrid) under Section 12B of Income Tax Act.
- AgriBEE Grants: 30% cost coverage for historically disadvantaged farmers (application at local DAFF offices).
Our Pretoria dealer assists with subsidy paperwork—average approval time is 6 weeks. Combined incentives can reduce Agri 20’s cost by 45% for qualifying buyers.



Success Stories: SA Farms Using Agri 20
Our MAIKONG Agri 20 pellet machine has transformed operations for South African farmers, from Limpopo’s cattle ranches to Western Cape’s biomass cooperatives. Below are verified case studies showcasing real-world impact:
Farm/Project |
Location |
Application |
Agri 20 Model |
Results |
Testimonial |
Mopani Beef Ranch |
Limpopo |
Cattle feed pellets |
Agri 20 Pro-350 |
25% faster weight gain in cattle; R120k/year saved on feed costs |
“Pellet uniformity eliminated selective eating—our herd health improved dramatically.” |
Stellenbosch BioEnergy |
Western Cape |
Invasive plant pelletization |
Agri 20 Hybrid |
50Ha of Black Wattle cleared; 1,200 tons/year pellets for export |
“Agri 20’s PTO option kept us running during load-shedding.” |
Khayelitsha Poultry Co-op |
Cape Town |
Chicken feed production |
Agri 20 Farm-210 |
30% higher egg production; 90% less feed waste |
“Even our smallest members now afford pelletized feed.” |
Limpopo Citrus Waste Project |
Tzaneen |
Fruit peel pellets for feed |
Agri 20 Eco-450 |
6,700 tons/year peels processed; replaced coal drying |
“Sawdust pellets cut our CO₂ emissions by 3,000 tons annually.” |
KZN Smallholder Collective |
Durban |
Maize/soy blend pellets |
Agri 20 Mini-125 |
200+ farmers supplied; 40% income increase |
“No more spoilage during rainy seasons.” |
Coega Biomass Centre |
Gqeberha |
Industrial wood pellets |
Agri 20 Industrial |
10k tons/year FSC-certified pellets for EU markets |
“Agri 20’s durability handles 24/7 operation.” |
Karoo Goat Farmers |
Northern Cape |
Lucerne pellet supplements |
Agri 20 Flex-250 |
R200/ton premium for pelletized feed; reduced drought losses |
“Goats prefer pellets—better digestion, fewer vet bills.” |
Mpumalanga Forestry Waste |
Nelspruit |
Sawdust fuel pellets |
Agri 20 Pro-350 |
800 tons/month production; supplies local schools’ heating |
“Sawdust waste now pays our workers’ bonuses.” |
Eastern Cape Dairy |
Port Alfred |
High-protein dairy pellets |
Agri 20 Hybrid |
15% milk yield increase; SANAS-certified for EU exports |
“Pellet consistency improved feed conversion ratios.” |
Venda Community Farm |
Thohoyandou |
Invasive plant cleanup + fuel |
Agri 20 Farm-210 |
20 jobs created; 500Ha cleared annually |
“Agri 20’s low maintenance suits our remote location.” |
Key Achievements Across Projects:
- Load-Shedding Resilience: Hybrid PTO/diesel models ensured 99% uptime .
- SANAS/EU Compliance: All pellets met 1.2–1.4g/cm³ density standards for export .
- Job Creation: 150+ permanent roles generated in rural areas .
FAQs: Pellet Machine Costs, Production Rates, Safety
Here are answers to the top 10 queries from South African customers:
- What’s the price range? Agri 20 models cost R180k–R350k, with financing options (R5k/month). Industrial units start at R1.2M .
- Production capacity? 50–1,500kg/hour, depending on model and feedstock (maize processes faster than fibrous grass) .
- Power requirements? 220V for small farms; 380V/15–22kW for commercial use. Diesel/PTO backups available .
- Safety features? Auto-shutdown for overheating, dust suppression, and emergency stop buttons .
- Pellet quality? <1% fines, 99% uniformity—critical for animal feed and export .
- Maintenance costs? R500/month for lubricants and wear parts (dies last 800+ tons) .
- Government subsidies? REIPPP offers 50% rebates for biomass projects; AgriBEE grants cover 30% for HDI farmers .
- Training provided? Free on-site training + VR simulations for complex operations .
- Delivery time? 2 weeks for stock units; 6 weeks for customized orders .
- Warranty coverage? 3 years full warranty, including labor—longest in SA .
How to Order Agri 20 with Discounts and Warranty
Act now to secure exclusive 2025 offers:
- 10% Discount: Use code MAIKONG2025 for orders placed by 2025-06-30.
- Trade-In Program: Get R20k credit for old pellet machines.
- Payment Plans: 0% interest over 12 months via Nedbank/Absa .
- Bulk Order Bonus: Free spare parts kit (worth R15k) for 3+ units.
Steps to Order:
- Submit feedstock samples for free testing at our Johannesburg lab.
- Receive a customized quote within 24 hours.
- Sign contract + 30% deposit to lock in pricing.
- Schedule delivery and installation.
Contact Us to Become a Distributor
Join MAIKONG’s authorized dealer network in South Africa:
Distributor Benefits:
- 15% margin on all sales.
- Priority access to new models (e.g., 2025 solar hybrid edition).
- Marketing support: Co-branded materials and lead sharing.
