Since 1977, Basrijs in Rijsbergen has been developing and manufacturing professional machinery for horticulture and tree nurseries. From planting machines to plant harvesters and from row fertilizers to mulch spreaders. These can be mass-produced or custom-made. For a self-propelled planting machine for press pots, Basrijs enlisted the help of Prins. Specifically, the in-depth knowledge of Kubota engines was the deciding factor, says Michel Vissers, an engineer at Basrijs. van Kubota motoren gaf hierbij de doorslag, zo vertelt Michel Vissers, engineer bij Basrijs.
Kubota’s robust diesel engine
Together with a colleague, Michel designs and develops the machines at Basrijs. The machines are then built in the company’s own workshop. The reason for bringing in Prins was that Basrijs was looking for a robust, more powerful diesel engine to replace its previous gasoline engines, Michel explains:
“Kubota emerged as a leading brand—something we already knew, of course. Other manufacturers in the area also use these engines successfully. We were looking for a robust diesel engine with a bit more power and a long service life. That’s how we ended up at Prins, an expert in Kubota engines.”
Prins’ valuable technical expertise
After submitting a request with an estimated power requirement, Prins reached out and visited Basrijs to advise on the best motor solution. In addition to power and price, specific customization requirements were also important, such as quiet operation, according to Michel:
“Prins was truly proactive and recommended customized solutions, including a quieter exhaust system and installation in a sound-insulated enclosure. In addition, we opted for an industrial engine that meets the latest Stage V emission standards and offers excellent fuel efficiency. Prins’s technical expertise is extremely valuable.” “Since I’m not a specialist in internal combustion engines myself, insights into air circulation, component placement, and noise reduction were essential. This expertise and their proactive input make our partnership more than just a standard supplier relationship. The machine currently in operation at the customer’s site is an improved version based on an earlier prototype. The customer is very satisfied with how the machine performs in the field.”
A proactive supplier
For Basrijs, the partnership with Prins goes beyond mere deliveries. They view Prins as more than just a standard supplier. Michel describes the relationship as one with a “proactive supplier” thanks to customization and shared expertise, rather than a simple “push-button” order: