WeedSeeker 2 breaks surface

Trimble’s next-generation weed spot sprayer, the WeedSeeker 2, has been launched into the Australian market boasting a lighter weight, better sensitivity and increased productivity, the company claimed.

The new and improved unit was displayed by the WeedSeeker 2’s local distributor, McIntosh Distribution, at the Dowerin Field Days in August.

A McIntosh spokesman told farmmachinerysales.com.au at the Dowerin field days that the system was a complete overhaul of the previous model.

The WeedSeeker 2 features two infra-red light sensors that absorb and refract light and are pre-coded to learn the difference between weed and crop, regardless of the ambient conditions.

“The dual-frequency light band has proved to be important in dusty conditions and where the background can change,” the spokesman said.

The WeedSeeker 2 works with ISOBUS compatible tractors and allow operators to monitor and control a range of functions such as rate control, section control, steering, mapping and turn compensation.

McIntosh said growers can have up to 18 individual sections at whatever size they want and manipulate the number of sensors per section to suit the type of program they are running, such as tramlining.

“Effectively, it learns on the go,” the spokesperson said.

“Compared with the previous version, the new series is 50 per cent lighter and has wider spacings. The spacings are now 500mm compared with 300mm previously, and it is compatible with all sprayers.”

Due to the increased spacing, the WeedSeeker 2 has 30 per cent fewer sensors than before, meaning there is a significant reduction in the weight on the sprayer booms.

The 500mm spacing align with the spacing on most common sprayers so plumbing the WeedSeeker is easy.

McIntosh claimed the new sensors have double the resolution of rival systems on the market when targeting weeds.

“Alternate systems have sensors placed at every metre along booms, but if there is a significant stubble burden, the sensor light doesn’t get through the stubble easily to detect weeds,” the spokesman said.

Once the machine finds a weed, it instantly sprays herbicide directly on the weed for a targeted application.

The new system is a bolt-on unit that is installed on to existing sprayer booms and is available in modular banks of six.

“The optimum speed for the unit to work effectively is about 20km/h,” the spokesman added. “It also is a lot faster to respond down to a 20mm weed target at 20km/h.”

“The Series 1 was very popular but this one will be even better, we think.”