Spot sprayer options mount up
Specialist spot sprayer choice in the UK continues to increase, with Opico introducing the German-built Rumex range into this fast expanding sector.
Rumex, which takes name from the Latin for docks, was originally developed to detect the weed in grassland. Now, however, the ‘green on green’ artificial intelligence (AI) system can not only detect broadleaf weeds in grassland, but also in other high value crops, including onions, carrots, sugar beet and potatoes.
Suitable for larger operations is the 9m wide, RFX900, which has a 200-litre tank and can work at speeds up to 12km/hr. It employs six cameras and AI operation to identify and differentiate different weeds and plants. Two powerful lights enable it to operate in all conditions.
The 9m wide electro-hydraulic folding boom has height adjustment and gauge wheels to maintain the exact distance between the nozzles and the target. There are 222, 4cm spray width flat fan nozzles and, with individual control, they provide a minimum spray width of 70mm.
For grassland work is the RXF600, which has a 6m wide boom and 200-litre tank, with three AI cameras and can also work at up to 12km/h. The hydraulic folding boom is equipped with 90 nozzles with individual control with the same 70mm minimum spray width.
A dedicated tablet controls the sprayers, which displays the driving and spraying data. Operators can input parameters and other functions but, says the firm, operation is straightforward, with the image recognition system starting as soon as the PTO is engaged.
