Croplands expands WEED-IT line-up

Australia's WEED-IT specialist, Croplands Equipment, is set to unveil a range of new precision spraying technologies ahead of this year's field day season, including an updated autonomous-ready sprayer, a new broadacre platform and its first optical spot spraying solution for orchards.

Leading the launch line-up is the Series 2 Robot Ready Pinto, which combines Croplands' Pinto sprayer platform with SwarmFarm Robotics' autonomous SwarmBot technology and WEED-IT optical spot spraying sensors.

The system is designed to automate spraying operations while reducing chemical use and improving application accuracy.

According to Croplands WEED-IT product lead, Lachlan Coom, the latest Pinto responds to increasing demand for autonomous-ready machinery that remains practical and durable for growers.

"The Series 2 Robot Ready Pinto builds on a platform that growers already trust with dedicated design enhancements perfectly adapted to autonomy that will really stand out in the field," Coom said.

The updated model features a redesigned tank intended to improve centre of gravity, along with a range of refinements aimed at boosting paddock performance.

Croplands is also introducing a new WEED-IT-ready 36m truss boom mounted to its Pegasus 7000L sprayer. The configuration combines twin tanks and twin spray lines, allowing operators to undertake spot spraying, blanket spraying or both simultaneously. The system has undergone field testing over the past two years.

"We are excited about the launch," Coom said.

"It's about delivering practical solutions that fit into real farming systems, while giving operators more flexibility in how and when they spray."

The company is also expanding into horticulture with the launch of the WEED-IT Orchard 4000, a full-row optical spot spraying system designed specifically for orchard weed control.

The new system delivers targeted herbicide application across entire rows and is supported by the WEED-IT DASH 10-inch touchscreen, which provides operators with spraying data, remote support and software update capabilities.

Beyond new machinery, Croplands says demand for WEED-IT retrofit kits continues to grow, with the company successfully installing the optical spot spraying technology on a wide variety of existing sprayers.

Machines from brands including Case IH, John Deere, Goldacres, Fendt Rogator, Hayes and Hardi have all been retrofitted with WEED-IT sensors, enabling growers to adopt precision spraying technology without replacing their current equipment.

"We've worked on a broad mix of machines and so far, we haven't come across a sprayer we couldn't retrofit," Coom said.

"That's a big win for growers — they can upgrade existing equipment with WEED-IT technology and start seeing savings without needing to invest in a completely new unit."

Croplands will showcase its latest WEED-IT technology at a number of major agricultural events throughout the year, including FarmFest, Ag-Grow, the Australian Cotton Conference, AgQuip, WeedSmart Week, Dowerin Field Days and Henty Machinery Field Days.