Spray equipment expert Croplands has unveiled its largest WEEDit sprayer to date, the WEEDit 7000, which it says is ideal for larger operations.
According to Croplands, the machine was developed following overwhelming demand for a bigger and better machine after its smaller 4000 and 6000-litre models have produced significant cost reductions for farmers.
In addition to a 7000-litre general product tank, the new trailed sprayer also carries a 1500-litre "hot tank" to house higher concentration chemicals for spot-spraying purposes.
Where this machine is different from conventional sprayers on the market is its innovative targeted spraying technology, says Croplands.
Speaking at the 2016 AgQuip field days where the sprayer made its official debut, Croplands WEEDit product manager Steve Norton says the WEEDit 7000 and its built-in spot spraying technology is able to help farmers save up to 80 per cent on chemical costs.
"The WEEDit sensors run a near-infrared light that picks up on any actively growing weeds in a fallow paddock and we can be dousing those weeds with very concentrated levels of chemical," he says.
"It means that we can use high quality chemicals that we usually wouldn't be able to afford. And this gives us an opportunity to kill weeds and delay the onset of herbicide resistance."
Mounted 1100mm from the ground for optimal reading, the sensors are connected to nozzles attached to the back of the boom which receive signals from the sensors and spray only where needed.
The WEEDit allows spraying from both the general and concentrated product tanks at the same time for efficient weed control in just one pass.
Separate chemical hoppers for both tanks allow operators to handle and transfer chemicals to the tanks safely and efficiently.
An 800-litre flushing tank ensures the booms and tanks are flushed and free of residual chemicals after each use.
The WEEDit's suspension system has been developed with the help of automotive suspension specialist Tenneco to provide a smoother and more efficient spraying operation.
"Tenneco has been very helpful with developing a gas suspension for us, which is suspended with a spring to support the weight," Norton says.
"It's gas filled with some special valves to ensure the cameras ride steady so we can pick out the finest of weeds."
However, the WEEDit 7000 is not quite ready for the market just yet as there is some tweaking that needs to be done before commercial production commences, Norton says.
"We've been extremely excited about the feedback from farmers over the last few field days that we've been doing, and it's just a matter of tidying up some of the plumbing and we're ready to market," he says.
"We expect to have a commercial version within six weeks."
The WEEDit 7000 is expected to cost around $330,000. Find out more about the WEEDit 7000 sprayer at croplands.com.au
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