2–3 T/H Wool Pellet Machine in South Africa

Smart Feedstock: What Goes into South African Wool Pellets

Unlike Canada or the UK, where adding sawdust is common, this South African ranch opted for a local feedstock mix that suits their environment and available raw materials:

• 60% belly wool and second-grade wool clippings
• 30% sheep manure, collected during routine kraal cleaning
• 10% chopped wheat straw, sourced from a neighboring crop farmer

This balance works for two reasons. First, the manure binds well with the wool's fibrous texture. Second, the straw helps dry the blend just enough to maintain the right moisture level for the wool pellet press in South Africa to run smoothly. Without straw, the wool-manure mix is too damp or clumps in the feeder — a lesson learned in the first test batches.

Choosing the Right Model for the Job

When the ranch approached RICHI, they were clear: they didn't need the biggest machine — they needed one that could handle fibrous material steadily without constant maintenance. After consulting with RICHI's technical team and other sheep farmers who already owned a wool pellet mill in South Africa, they settled on the FZLH320 model. It is a kind of organic fertilizer pellet machine.

Here's why the FZLH320 wool pellet machine in South Africa made sense:

• Main Motor Power: 22 kW — enough for a daily capacity of around 2–3 tons when run for a standard shift.
• Anti-Arch Feeder Power: 2.2 kW — keeps the wool blend flowing consistently.
• Force Feeder Power: 0.75 kW — helps push the fluffy feedstock through the die.
• Ring Die Diameter: 320 mm — a good middle ground for small to medium output.
• Pellet Size: 6 mm — the most popular diameter for local fertilizer markets.
• Estimated Output: 2–3 T/H — which matches the ranch's goal of processing all leftover wool within a few weeks after each shearing cycle.

The ranch decided not to buy a full wool pellet production line because they already owned a robust hay chopper. That, plus some basic drying racks and the new wool pelletizer in South Africa, was all they needed to get started.

What Happens to the Wool Pellets?

Unlike some projects where the focus is purely on fuel, this ranch produces wool pellets exclusively as a natural soil amendment. South African soils, especially in semi-arid grazing regions, often need organic matter to boost water retention and restore nutrients lost to intensive grazing.

These wool-based fertilizer pellets break down slowly, releasing nitrogen and micronutrients over time. Local vegetable growers and small vineyards have already shown interest in buying the pellets, especially since they meet the rising demand for chemical-free soil boosters.

To keep things local and easy to manage, the ranch packages the pellets in 25kg bags under their own brand. They sell directly to a few garden centers and organic farmers in the region.

The Real Benefits: A Look at Numbers and Impact

Switching to the wool pellet machine in South Africa changed how the ranch operates in more ways than one:

• Waste Reduced: Before, the ranch had to burn or bury up to 10 tons of wool waste each year — not ideal for the environment or their sustainability goals.
• New Revenue: By blending wool with free manure and local straw, they turn waste into a value-added product that sells for up to R15 per kilogram.
• Better Grazing: By spreading some pellets back onto their own fields, they keep soil health high, boosting pasture yields and cutting feed costs.
• Community Value: The ranch also helps nearby growers reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Local Challenges, Local Solutions

In South Africa, feedstock supply can vary. Wheat straw is not always available during drought years, so the ranch plans to test dry maize stalks next season. RICHI's team provided practical advice for adjusting the pellet mill’s die configuration to handle slight feedstock changes.

The ranch also needed a robust wool pellet mill in South Africa that could handle frequent stop-start cycles, given their unpredictable wool supply and limited full-time labor. The FZLH320 wool pellet making machine turned out to be a perfect match: simple to maintain, easy to clean, and rugged enough for dusty farm conditions.

Why RICHI Machinery Stood Out

When the ranch family compared options for a wool pelletizer in South Africa, they heard good feedback about RICHI from other local livestock producers. The deciding factors were:

• Real-world support: Practical tips on feedstock moisture, die selection, and machine upkeep.
• Flexible design: Handles variable wool-manure-straw mixes without costly downtime.
• Durability: Sturdy enough for dusty barns and frequent movement between sheds.
• Growth-ready: If the ranch decides to expand pellet output or add a second machine, the same basic setup can scale up easily.

Early Wins and Future Plans

After the first six months, the ranch has already sold out three batches of fertilizer pellets locally. Some nearby cattle farmers are even asking about custom blends using cattle manure and grass clippings.

With the wool pellet machine in South Africa paying for itself quicker than expected, the family is planning to invest in a small bagging line to speed up packing and keep labor costs down.

They’re also eyeing new seasonal blends, such as adding dried lucerne or pruning waste from local vineyards to diversify the pellet mix.

A Message to Other South African Sheep Farmers

In South Africa’s sheep industry, wool waste is often overlooked. But as this Free State ranch shows, a simple, durable wool pellet press in South Africa can turn a pile of belly wool and kraal scrapings into a useful product that helps rebuild local soils and supports healthy grazing lands.

If you run sheep or goats and find yourself burning, burying, or paying to remove low-grade wool, it's worth asking: could that wool pay you back instead?

Let's Make Waste Pay Off — Together

RICHI Machinery has spent years helping farmers worldwide find practical, profitable ways to turn farm waste into valuable pellets. Whether you're considering a single wool pellet machine in South Africa, a matching shredder, or tips for designing a flexible pellet line, RICHI's team will guide you every step of the way.

Ready to talk? Get in touch today — see what a robust, farmer-friendly wool pelletizer in South Africa could do for your operation.

RICHI Machinery — Strong machines. Real results. Better farms.