Building on from the success of the first Condor sprayer launched in 2015, Agrifac’s latest addition to its fleet promises both improved comfort and increased efficiency. CPM reviews the Condor Endurance II.
By Charlotte Cunningham
Since the launch of the original Condor Endurance sprayer, Dutch firm Agrifac has been monitoring its performance and working closely with its customers and listening to their feedback, leading to the birth of a new generation sprayer, the Condor Endurance II. Similarly to its predecessor, version two is available in a varied boom width (24m to 55m) – with a tank capacity of 8,000l. However, it now also boasts a new, innovative spray system and an increased clearance, which when combined with a tight turning radius means less crop damage at the spray tracks.
“We wanted to design something that improved overall quality,” explains Andy Carse, managing director at Agrifac. “This included quality of life for the driver, ease of operations, quality of spraying, ease of maintenance, and therefore low operating costs.
“With pressure mounting on farmers for operations to be more environmentally friendly, it was also important to focus on something that allowed chemical savings and had a compact build liquid system to prevent rest liquid and emissions.”
So, what exactly makes Condor Endurance II different? With a focus on spray quality, it is fitted with a GreenFlowPlus pump system with a pneumatically controlled pressure regulator. Due to a more compact build, this results in less residual liquid in the pipes. “In comparison to its predecessor, the GreenFlowPlus is equipped with CAN-controlled valves and a flow meter to optimise flow levels and directions, as well as multi-stage centrifugal pump which can maintain a high output at even higher pressures,” says Andy.
“It also ensures an accurate spraying pattern, less maintenance, and with that, higher capacity and efficiency.”
On a more practical note, the sprayers themselves have been divided into different zones, to optimise safety and cleanliness – both during spraying and maintenance – without the risk of contamination and errors, explains Andy. “The front part of the sprayer – around and below the cab – is the only area used for filling. The centre of the sprayer contains tanks and storage while the back is where the pump systems and electronics are situated for easy maintenance.”
The sprayer is available in a variety of track widths, from 190cm to 460cm, and has an increased clearance of 138cm – as well as the opportunity to mount tyres with a diameter of up to 230cm. “Despite the tall and wide tyres, the turning circle is still the same as on the original Condor,” explains Andy. “The benefit of this is less crop damage at the spray tracks, and therefore, higher yields. Increased tyre size also means a larger footprint [of the tyre], resulting in a lower pressure per cm2.”
Inside the cab, growers can expect a more user-friendly feel due to the new EcoTronic Plus II integrated armrest and joystick. Driver comfort is also ensured by a fully suspended cab, while the StabiloPlus chassis provides impressive stability externally, meaning users can drive on steep slopes without compromising clearance height. “It’s all about balancing simplicity with productivity,” adds Andy. “The Condor Endurance II ticks all the boxes, providing growers with a quality piece of kit that’s easy to use and helps them to boost overall efficiencies.”
For more information on the Condor Endurance II visit: https://www.agrifac.com/condor/condor/condor-endurance
