As the main spraying window approaches, it may be an apt time to consider upgrading spray equipment. However, with an increasing amount of options on the market – all boasting different technology – finding the best solution can seem like a bit of a minefield.

To help growers get a better understanding of the latest technology, CPM has taken a look at Agrifac’s latest add-on options, designed to help growers boost efficiency and ultimately, profitability.

By Charlotte Cunningham

Nozzle precision

Not being able to accurately control chemical application can result in more costly spray programmes and under – or over – supply when spraying.

As a solution to ensure that a mixture is sprayed at the desired rate in the right place, Agrifac has introduced StrictSprayPlus technology.

So how exactly does it work? “The StrictSprayPlus has three characteristics which help it to apply exact amounts of chemical in all parts of the field,” explains Stephen Koop, product manager for Agrifac’s Condor range.

“The first is single nozzle sections to prevent overlap and overdosing, where every nozzle can be switched on/off individually.

“It also boasts turn compensation. When making a turn while spraying, each nozzle is travelling at a different speed. In order to spray consistently at the same rate, faster moving nozzles need to spray more, and slower moving nozzles need to spray less,” he adds.

“StrictSprayPlus is the first system truly compensating for this, enabling 100% coverage across all areas of the field.”

The final benefit is pressure independent rate control. “Regular rate control is achieved by changing the water pressure,” says Stephen.

“However, changing the pressure doesn’t just change the flow rate through each nozzle – it also alters the spray pattern and droplet size.

“And because StrictSprayPlus doesn’t need to change the spray pressure to alter the flow rate, the spray pattern and droplet size stay the same – regardless of the flow.”

Usability

When travelling on roads and moving from field to field, downtime due to folding and unfolding the booms can waste valuable time for spray operators.

To remedy this, Agrifac has introduced the FastFoldPlus – a new system which has significantly reduced this downtime..

The length of time needed to fold or unfold the boom with the new FastFoldPlus depends on the size of the boom, explains Stephen.

“For example, a threefold 48m boom has a folding duration of only 22 seconds. Lots of time can now be saved – enabling more hectares to be sprayed per day.”

FastFoldPlus works according to the “slow – fast – slow” principle, continues Stephen. “The speed of folding increases with a moderate slope and slows down again in the last phase.

“This allows the machine to unfold and fold the booms without taking in strong forces.” Moreover, hinges encounter a lot less force, he adds.

Even in situations where the machine is standing on a steep slope, the booms will (un)fold evenly and symmetrically.

“During the process of folding the booms, several sensors measure the position of each boom section. The system will slow down one side of the boom if it (un)folds faster than the other, and regulates both sides to fold simultaneously. This increases the safety and overall lifespan of the boom.”

Track width

With slim gross margins on traditional cropping options, alternative or special crops are becoming a more popular choice for some farmers. However, with specialist crops often comes the need for specialist kit.

To minimise the need for investment if farmers chose to go down an alternative cropping route, Agrifac is offering an increased track width add-on.

The Condor WideTrackPlus provides track widths of up to 320cm thanks to a widened chassis. “A 300cm track width is ideal for bulbs and onions – in combination with row crop wheels – and is also a great option for potato fields without tramlines,” says Stephen.

“A second possibility is a track width of 320cm in potatoes – in combination with a distance of 95cm in between the rows – which makes it possible to drive with a wider tyre.”

For growers normally using a 32cm wide tyre, it is now even possible to fit a 52cm tyre, he adds.

Boom balance

 

To further improve the balance of sprayers under all conditions, Agrifac has introduced the StrictHeightPlus height control system.

With this new sensor, the existing BalancePlus technology and variable geometry work in harmony to keep the boom free-hanging in all situations – resulting in improved spray quality, he claims.

As this is fully integrated with the EcoTronicPlus user interface, it’s very easy to use, says Stephen.

“The new fully integrated boom control system guarantees the chosen distance to the crop. By using four wide view sensors on the boom, Agrifac machines receive a reliable and accurate measurement of the crop canopy.

“The benefit of using wide view sensors is simple: A wide view gives a better overview whilst spraying. This means the system can ‘read’ the situation better making it less likely to be affected by irregularities within the crop,” he adds.

“This leads to minimal crop damage and optimal spraying quality as the boom stays at the correct pre-set height.”