Precise single drop sprayer
Just before Agritechnica last year, Kubota announced a partnership with Kilter, a Norwegian AgTech start-up, to jointly pilot the AX-1.
Using patented nozzle technology and AI recognition the Kilter AX-1 applies a single ‘micro drop’ of pelargonic acid to only the weed – to a claimed accuracy of 6mm x 6mm. To do this is does not use a standard nozzle but a ‘drop generator’ that releases one drop at a time.
AX-1 operates fully autonomously at speeds of about 2km/h. Based on a 26cm wide modular construction, it will be made to fit specific operations in working widths of 1.32m or 1.58m.
This ultra-precise application not only cuts chemical use by up to 95%, it also increases quality and yield by reducing the phototoxic impact of selective herbicides on the crops. The crop can also be harvested at the optimum time, without any pre-harvest intervals.
Weedmapping while mowing
An interesting collaboration between Claas and Amazone has created a cost effective scanning and spot spraying system for identifying and treating docks in grassland.
Called Weed Detector, the straightforward system keeps down costs by using existing hardware requiring just Claas Culti Cam cameras to scan the crop and a sprayer with individual nozzle control.
During mowing the cameras spot and record the position of the docks, which is used to create a treatment map. After processing the data in mapping software to create a treatment plan, a task map can be uploaded using AmaConnect software, directly to an AmaTron 4 terminal. This is then used to operate the individual nozzles according to the map.
While this does mean there’s a gap between spotting and spraying, Amazone says it improves efficacy of the treatment. The pre-prepared plan also means operators know in advance the exact spray quantity required.
Twin nozzle maintains drop size
Latest twin jet nozzle from BFS is designed to allow operators to apply higher water volumes, while still retaining the required droplet spectrum for best efficacy.
The new BFS Air Bubble Twin Jet is a low drift, air inclusion nozzle that has one fan facing forwards at a 23° angle and another at 23° facing backwards. This, says the firm, results in even coverage of the crop and soil with smaller droplets.
While this means an 03, for example, comprises two 015s it is still is very low drift. Indeed, all sizes from the 025 through to the 05 have a LERAP 3* at 2 bar, while the O2 (yellow) has a LERAP 2*, also at 2 bar.
BFS says it’s useful for pre-emergence herbicides to 200 litre/ha providing good coverage of small clods. Later in the season the angled set-up is also suitable for fungicide and herbicide applications at 100 litres/ha.
Big changes to the Bateman range
A bright array of illuminated buttons on the completely new operator console is the most obvious change to the Bateman range. There are, however, also big changes to the chassis, tanks, 3in plumbing with Venturi+ induction and an updated boom design.
The changes are to future-proof the range, which now features four models – the RB30, RB40, new RB50 and RB60, with the model numbers reflecting the capacity in 1,000s of litres.
All feature a new, more open boom design that is stronger and can accommodate 25cm nozzle spacings. Clean water saddle tanks are now welded to side of the main tanks, which keeps the centre of gravity low. Chassis updates include larger joints and pins.
The new console and joystick, all designed and built by Bateman, allows operators to work in three field and one road mode, simply changed by a button on the back of joystick.
Knight unveils its new colours
Underneath the new ‘anthracite grey’ and yellow livery on the latest Knight KT models, there’s a host of changes and updates for its trailed sprayers.
New is the Smartrinse a fully automatic rinse option. This it starts during spraying and as the tank empties it automatically adjusts the application rate in proportion to the additional dilution by the clean water.
Now run through a new ISObus compatible Lacos terminal and joystick, controls include automated filling, tank fill volume calculation from field area and application rate and MAXImizer fluid control and circulation.
The single axle sprayers are available with tank capacities from 3,600 litres up to 12,000 litres. They can be equipped with booms from 24m up to 45m, with 4D backframe and optional 6G levelling, which lifts the end sections on the VG versions.
Uprated steering uses a gyro and sensors to detect angles for tracking and automatic hill-side correction.
More control with modulated PWM
Unlike like other Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) systems, the new Amazone AmaXact system automatically varies the pulse frequency, nozzle opening time as well as the pressure. The system also individually controls each valve.
Instead of just switching the nozzle on/off, like standard PWM, the system uses frequency modulation (PWFM) to adjust not just how long the valve stays open, but the number of pulses (the time it switches on/off).
This is said to overcome potential uneven application across the boom, usually at higher speeds, caused by the distance covered when the nozzle is off.
AmaXact corrects this by automatically switching the frequency to suit the speed.
Pressure regulation
The DynamicFlow system automatically adjusts pressure to maintain the optimum droplet size. It is designed to quickly react to compensate to changes in pressure when nozzles are turn on or off for spot spraying or when the curve control is operating.
Also featured elsewhere on the website are two further tech updates. Click on the images below to open each article.
