Cab upgrade for Pantera
A new generation larger and quieter cab, on the latest, updated Amazone Pantera 4504 sprayer provides operators with greater comfort and space. While still based on the popular Claas Vista cab, it has a more modern interior with improved sound insulation.
A new armrest, developed in-house by Amazone, is designed to offer straightforward, intuitive operation with logically arranged buttons. All the main functions are operated without the need to switch from the multifunction joystick to other controls while driving. It also includes a phone holder.
The updated exterior styling includes a redesigned front apron and new side panels. LED worklights are now standard.
There is a choice of three versions of the cab, which along with a Cat 4 filter, include leather seat, with or without heating and ventilation, a coolbox, foot rests, fabric carpet and sunblinds.
Horsch targets spot spraying
After years of close co-operation, Horsch has now taken a strategic stake in SAM-Dimension, a fellow German spot spraying specialist. Rather than using boom-mounted cameras its system scans crops with a drone.
Images produced on the drone are analysed using AI software and uploaded to the SAM cloud, which creates the specific spot or patch application maps, to suit the sprayer’s single nozzle or section control. These maps can be transferred directly via the myHorsch portal to the sprayer’s EOS terminal.
A benefit of this approach, says Horsch, is it allows large volumes of data to be processed and AI models to be continuously refined. The resulting prescription maps provide an overview of all application zones with detailed area specifications for calculating the required spraying mixture. This enables users to know the actual required spray volume before starting the application.
Read more HERE.
Spot spraying collaboration
In a strategic partnership, Amazone is working with CultiWise to provide digital mapping and treatment plans for spot spraying or variable rate applications.
CultiWise has a powerful, on-line portal with AI models that processes satellite or drone imagery to create site specific maps. Users need to buy and fly a Mavic 3 drone with RTK, but the software provides automated drone flight plans and image processing.
Straightforward
‘Mission planning’ is straightforward requiring operators to choose green-on-green or brown, the field, the weed type and minimum size and flight height (which determines the resolution). Flight plans are transferred to the drone via an SD card.
The resulting map identifies and even counts the weeds for the prescription map, which is uploaded into the AmaConnect to the sprayer’s terminal. Helpfully it also shows exactly the volume of liquid required to cover the sprayed area.
Read more HERE.
Alternative power options
Agrifac is introducing alternative power options for its range of self-propelled sprayers, offering the same machine with a choice of diesel-electric, hybrid or fully electric power.
As well much lower emissions, the company says electric power is considerably more efficient than conventional systems resulting in significant fuel savings.
All versions employ the same fully electric power – the only difference is how the electric power is generated and stored.
- For the diesel-electric model a six-cylinder diesel engine continuously supplies power to a generator
- In the hybrid configuration the machine runs on a battery pack with a compact four-cylinder diesel engine acting as a range extender, recharging the battery as required. This ensures battery capacity doesn’t limit its operation.
- The fully electric version runs solely on an externally charged battery pack.
Agrifac says the three options allow users to choose which configuration best suites their application, area and available infrastructure. The design, it adds, also provides the opportunity to adopt other energy sources in the future, as soon as these become technically and economically suitable for agricultural machinery.
