Sprays & Sprayers yielded a fine crop of new machines on show and working in the demonstration arena at Cereals 21. For many manufacturers the event provided the first opportunity to show off machines that were either completely new or had been launched in lockdown or before.
Images by Tim Scrivener
Concern that manufacturers would stay away again this year proved unfounded, with the busy working demonstrations featuring up to 25 different self-propelled and trailed machines. There were also plenty of new nozzles, controls and technology to see on the stands surrounding the main arena.
Agrifac Endurance
As well as presenting its latest Endurance II, 8,000-litre self-propelled sprayer, which is available with booms up to 55m wide, Agrifac also focused on its latest technology to improve precision.
First step is individual nozzle control with pulse width modulation which, working with DynamicDosePlus, enables variable rates to be delivered according to instructions from a prescription map down to an accuracy of 25cm.
For spot spraying on the move is the AiCPlus system, which employs boom-mounted cameras. These feed information to spot spraying software that identifies the difference between crops and weeds based on shape, structure and contrast and then sprays just the weed.
Achieving optimum applications relies on a level, balanced boom and for this Agrifac provides its StrictHeightPlus system, which works in conjunction with BalancePlus and variable geometry.
Three sensors are fitted into four separate clusters, mounted across the boom that are said to provide a better overview of the crop and to distinguish between misses and tramlines.
Amazone Pantera 4504
Making its first UK public appearance at Sprays & Sprayers, the Amazone Pantera 4504, introduces a new operating system, with a modified spray circuit and filling station to help improve productivity and increase workrates.
This ‘SmartCenter’, which provides a 60-litre induction hopper, is encased under a guard on the left of the machine. There is a choice of control from the straightforward Comfort-Pack, with TwinTerminal 3.0, up to the Comfort-Pack Plus, which offers touch-screen operation of all the main functions, including automatic rinsing.
New, twin pressure stable AR piston diaphragm pumps deliver a total capacity of 520 litres/min. Repositioned on the right hand side, to reduce the noise while filling, they can deliver rates of up to 700 litres/min.
Up in the cab the AmaDrive 7.0, vehicle 7in touch-screen terminal is now integrated into the armrest. New sprayer operating software, developed in-house, is displayed on either an 8in AmaTron 4 or the 12in AmaPad ISObus terminal.
Altek Smart Spray
Turn compensation and automatic flow adjustment with conventional quad nozzles is delivered without pulse width modulation by a clever new system from Altek and Lykketronic.
Called Smart C Spray 124, it uses GPS and software to automatically adjust the application rate across the width of the boom. This compensates for the different speeds they travel during a turn – increasing flow towards the faster moving tips and reducing it at the slower turning centre section.
The system also switches between nozzles to maintain the correct droplet size in response to forward speed changes. Flowrates are adjusted by automatically switching between nozzles or using a combination of all four – a process that takes a fraction of a second.
It is compatible with all nozzle types, including air inclusion and twins, and operators can select the most suitable for the water volumes, speeds and pressure ranges for the specific application.
Chafer Interceptor
Hydraulic track width adjustment is a new option on Chafer’s self-propelled Interceptor.
Providing a total axle adjustment of up to 420mm from the narrowest setting, it allows machines on narrow, 380mm tyres to work at settings between 1.8m to 2.2m.
Both axles can be adjusted individually or linked to the same width. Operators set the target width on terminal in the cab and make the change using switches on the dash. The axles then slide in or out when the vehicle is moving between 3-5km/h.
Adjustments are made using two cylinders on each wheel – one to extends/retracts the axle beam and the other the track rod. Sensors on cylinders, monitor the wheel position to an accuracy of less than 1mm.
John Deere Mazzotti MAF 4080
While still presented in its yellow livery, Mazzotti is now owned by John Deere which is steadily updating the sprayers with its own engines, cab, and other equipment.
The latest 175hp, 4,000-litre, MAF 4080 compact self-propelled, which made its UK debut at the show, is available with a hydrostatic 40km/h or 50km/h transmission.
Elsewhere it now also boasts a host of Deere designed features, including the Cat 4 cab, and ISObus control via a choice of the 4240 or 4640 Greenstar terminals.
Also new is the M-Spray system. Adopted from John Deere’s existing ranges, this dual-circuit solution system has a dedicated 600 litre/min pump, which fills the tank in less than seven minutes. There is also a new operator filling station, also from other JD sprayers.
A new range of MK booms offers widths from 24m to 36m, including a triple fold 36/24m version. All come with individual nozzle control as standard and Norac boom levelling options.
Knight Trailblazer-LITE
Latest addition to the Knight Farm Machinery trailed range is the entry-level Trailblazer-Lite, which is designed for those working to a tighter budget.
Equipped with and active air suspended axle the new Lite version comes with a 3,600 litre capacity tank. The standard 24m wide gull-wing boom is fitted with single nozzle bodies on a stainless steel sprayline and control is via a Müller 430 terminal and Knight’s own MAXImiser plumbing system.
In common with the higher spec models, it includes simplified plumbing, an air purge system, auto-clean water tank fill and new induction hopper that aids effective cleaning of the whole system after work and minimises risks to both the operator and environment.
And, of course, it also includes Knight’s Union Jack wheel livery!
Househam Claas X10 cab
Househam‘s AirRide and Harrier self-propelled sprayers are now being fitted with the Claas X10 cab to provide higher levels of refinement and operator comfort.
Replacing the current Excalibur unit, the new cab offers more space, a higher-spec interior and better visibility. Views to the boom are particularly improved, with large, sweeping corner windows and a redesigned engine canopy with chamfered corners.
Standard features of the X10 include automatic air-conditioning, a Bluetooth radio, three-way tilting steering column and adjustable sun blinds on all windows. There’s also a larger buddy seat with a 27-litre fridge fitted underneath.
All of the vehicle and boom controls have been integrated into the cab’s original controls for a seamless operator experience, without the need to add additional switchgear.
Entry-level AirRide models will have a simpler interior spec with air-suspended cloth seat, while Harriers get a high-back leather version with climate control and heating. This will, however, also be available as an upgrade on all models.
Landquip PowerTrac
With its ‘why hasn’t this been done before?’ development, Landquip’s new PowerTrac trailed sprayer range with hydraulically powered axles should help get operators out of potentially sticky situations.
A year in development, the dedicated hydraulic system employs a high torque, load-sensing axial piston pump driven by the tractor’s PTO to transmit up to 130hp to the axle. Providing power-on-demand, the system offers two forward and two reverse speeds powering the axle at up to 18km/h for in field applications.
PowerTrac sprayers will be available with capacities of 6,000-, 7,000- and 8,000 litres and feature a completely new pneumatic, level-ride axle suspension system with quadruple air bags. Steering or non-steering axles can be specified with track width options from 1.8m to 2.0m. The steering option offers a 20° tight-turn axle and air brakes are standard, although ABS is an option.
Syngenta 3D ninety nozzle
As well as designed to cut drift, the new Syngenta 3D ninety nozzle also offers a better balance with the demands of improving application efficacy and minimising environmental impact.
Fully compatible with pulse width modulation systems, the novel nozzle design combines the highly-regarded performance of the company’s renowned 3D nozzle, with completely new 90% drift reduction technology (DRT).
Key elements in its drift reduction ability are an internal pre-orifice and its 55° angled body. Syngenta’s research revealed this to be the optimum angle to deliver the most consistent results and greater overall spray deposition. Tests also show the nozzle virtually eliminates fine droplets, which are highly susceptible to drift.
In field trials at the Syngenta Barton Black-grass Innovation Centre, the 3D ninety gave a 2.5 percentage point improvement in black-grass control, compared with conventional low drift nozzles – equating to over 150 plants/m2 in the trial plots. The 3D ninety also performed 9% better than the existing industry-standard grass weed application 3D nozzle at the recommended 200 litres/ha.
Hardi Aeon
First seen at the Agritechnica show in 2019, the Hardi Aeon Centuraline high spec, trailed sprayer, made its UK debut at Cereals.
Available with 6,200- and 5,200-litre polyethylene capacity tanks, it comes equipped with ComfortTrack wheel steering, which offers a turning radius of 6.7m from its 27° steering angle. The axle is also fully suspended.
There is a choice of the Delta Force or air-assisted Twin booms – both in widths up to 39m, mounted on the existing ParaLift parallel lift system. Spraylines come with PrimeFlow prime and circulation, with separate shut offs for each nozzle. Individual control is an option.
There are two 280 litre/min piston diaphragm pumps – one powered by the PTO and the other hydraulically – which work together. The ISObus compatible machine is equipped with all electric valves, which are all operated by the new Fluid 8000 control system.
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