We take a look at some interesting new sprayers and equipment making their debut at the recent SIMA Show in Paris and Croptec in the UK with others set to be launched at the LAMMA show on 10th and 11th January 2023.
Flexible applications
Greater spraying flexibility is delivered by Knight Farm Machinery’s new ‘Vario-Select’ system that provides greater spray application flexibility. The system enables operators to fit four different nozzles types and sizes, mounted on each body, which allows each body to apply up to 16 different application rates.
The ISObus compatible system is operated and controlled through the sprayer’s Müller terminal. Operators can select rate and desired droplet size, then allow the system to select the best nozzle for the job.
With the addition of a gyroscope sensor, to monitor the speeds at various positions on the boom, the same system will provide turn compensation. This adjusts the output of the respective nozzles to prevent under- and over-dosing on corners.
The ability to adjust the outputs from the nozzles on the move also means the system can be used for variable rate applications or spot spraying, according to instructions on prescription maps.
Up front tank choice
There’s a choice of a specification for the new Leeb FT front tank – with the Basic version providing a simple liquid container or the Pro model coming equipped with spraying equipment.
Both are available in capacities of 1,200 litres or 1,800 litres and come with a special mounting frame with a triangular coupler that fits onto the front linkage. Road and worklights are standard.
FT Basic models, for use with trailed Leeb sprayers, come with simply a 2” suction line, without any spraying equipment.
Pro versions are supplied complete with a hydraulically driven agitator and internal cleaning system. ISObus control can be integrated into the Leeb CS mounted sprayer’s control circuit and makes it suitable for use with any ISO-compatible system.
An optional left and right camera system displays both views on a dedicated monitor, to help improve safety when turning on the road.
Combi comes as one
While most front and rear sprayer combinations are available separately, the new top of the range Hercales from Berthoud comes complete as a single unit.
Developed to work as a team, the combi is available with a choice of 2,000-litre or 1,600-litre rear tanks and 1,500-litre or 1,000-litre up front. Liquid is transferred continuously and automatically between front and rear to ensure even weight distribution. Operators are also able to control the flow manually.
Four-section, rear vertical folding booms are available in widths from 21m to 30m and are able to unfold in about 45secs.
The sprayer is fully electronically controlled via an ISObus compatible terminal in the cab, which also as well as the transfer runs all the spraying functions. This also includes fully automated cleaning cycles.
As well as individual nozzle control, it is also available with pulse width modulation and Norac auto-boom leveling.
Top end terminals
Two new terminals, both with an Android-based operating system and more processing power, come in at the top of Trimble range. The new flagship, with a 12” display is the GFX-1260, which is joined by the GFX-1060 with a 10” screen.
Both are compatible with Trimble NAV-500 and NAV-900 controllers and suitable for use with CenterPoint RTX. This delivers up to 2.5cm accuracy and is included for the first year with the NAV-900.
Equipped with high-resolution touch-screen displays, the ISOBUS-compatible terminals offer more power, speed and reliability. They also enable users to easily set-up and configure equipment through Trimble’s Precision-IQ field software. This provides manual guidance, assisted and automated steering, application controls, mapping and data logging, equipment profiles as well as camera feeds from attached inputs and other internet-based Apps.
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