More front hoppers
German seeding specialists Horsch have announced a new 1600- litre double-tank option that will join its current Partner FT single tank line-up.
Four trailed machines, the AX, LT Light, LT and GS – with tank sizes from 4000 to 8000L – make up the trailed Leeb range. Meanwhile, the self-propelled model PT has an 8000L spray tank.
Depending on the model, booms can be specified from 18m-42m working widths.
“Advanced boom control is one of the key advantages offered,” says Norwood brand manager Jamie Hanna. “They use sensors to read contours, making the Leeb the only sprayer in the world able to vertically manipulate each boom to follow those contours, allowing the use of wider booms in more undulating terrain.”
The levelling system is said to work consistently at the lower height of 30cm above the target. This is because nozzles are spaced at 25cm along the boom versus the traditional 50cm, which are unable to provide adequate coverage at 30cm working heights.
Lower application heights reduce spray drift by up to 80%, so more chemical hits the target and this can reduce application rates and costs.
Leeb sprayers are offered with three levels of boom control --- BoomControl Eco, BoomControl Pro and BoomControl Pro Plus. The simplest system – Eco – uses fewer height control sensors, while Pro and ProPlus have up to six sensors across the full width to offer more precise control, with individual vertical movement.
The Horsch Leeb’s Autoselect system can automatically self-select the spray rate or change nozzles to maintain the programmed spray rate. The layout sees each holder carry several different spray nozzles, chosen automatically to best fit the forward speed, the desired spray rate or a prescription map.
All Leeb sprayers can handle liquid fertiliser, and different pump options are available depending on whether they will be used primarily for chemicals or liquid fertiliser.
There is a range of suspension systems for differing terrain or road use, while steering axles provide accurate tracking in tramlines.
Continuous cleaning forms part of the operating system, while five wash programmes can be accessed on the side of the sprayer or from the cab.
More efficiency
Efficient sprayer technology will continue to be the way of the future, given the current moves by many of the industry’s key players.
The Kuhn Group, formerly a minor shareholder in French sprayer manufacturer Artec, has now bought the remaining 62% of the family owned business.
Artec builds two SP ranges -- the F40/R40 and RS 20 models. The 40 Series utilises a Deutz 6-cylinder engine with outputs from 215 to 250hp, tank sizes of 4000 or 5000L and boom widths of 24 to 50M. By contrast, the more compact 20 Series, uses a 4-cylinder Volvo engine of 180hp, tanks of 2000 or 2800L and booms from 24 to 36m.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Lemken has signalled its future in the sprayer market by buying Steketee, a maker of mechanical weed control gear.
This brand has three sprayer models -- Primus, Albatross and Vega; upgrades will see a new control system and the central integration of all major connections.
The Albatross, a mid-range professional machine with tanks of 4000 to 6200L and booms from 15 to 39m, sees key upgrades to the CCI-50 terminal, with the option of CCI apps to allow section control and tracking assistance.
All Albatross and Primus 12 models now have ISOBUS system control as standard.
