AGCO and SDF join hands
Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME, Deutz Fahr and Lamborghini tractor brands.
Equipped with Hardi’s 184 or 280 litre/minute diaphragm pumps, the Dynamic Fluid 4 regulation valve oversees pressure, flow, pump speed, forward speed, boom section control and application rates, with data being analysed up to twenty times per second.
Designed to offer simple connectivity to the prime mover, the Mega Series is fully ISOBUS compatible, offering “plug and play” operation, while the Hardi SmartCom system offers diagnostics in conjunction with the Hardi Service Tool.
Clever design features are included to promote ease of operation, with a defined work zone that incorporates an intuitive manifold featuring colour coded valve controls aimed at reducing the risk of mishaps. The main tank lid has been offset to place it in a position that is closer to the access ladder, allowing operators to make easier inspections without having to climb onto the tank.
Any electronic componentry is located in a waterproof box behind the main controls, while all filters are easily accessed from ground level, the suction filter to the right and the pressure filter to the left.
The turbo filler induction point is located beneath the main control valves, offering fast filling speeds and a powerful liquid circulation function to thoroughly mix chemicals. To avoid any ‘blind spots’ within the tank, venturi nozzles serve to increase input agitation, by up to four times, making the machine well suited to both liquid and powder-based chemicals.
The Dilution Kit allows users to flush and rinse the boom and tank together, or singly without leaving the tractor seat, while precision application can be delivered with the optional Single Nozzle Control function, that offers automation of a spray job, with a 50cm nozzle spacing allowing accurate section control, switching nozzles on or off as bouts are matched or headlands crossed – offering up to 10% chemical saving and reducing environmental impact.
The standard PRO booms or the optional 24-28 booms can both be optioned with electro-hydraulic controls, with the wider VPZ units also available with anti-yaw dampers on the wings. Further options include the AntiSlant system, that as the name suggests automates boom height control and angle to the ground via ultrasonic sensors.
The AirRide system offers active suspension that helps isolate any shock loads from the tractor, improves operator comfort and allows the ability to travel at higher speeds.
Standard equipment also includes a 170-litre rinse tank, complemented by a 210-litre clean water tank. Operators can also specify 1200 or 1500 litre capacity front tanks to offer a nurse capability, either to carry clean, transferrable water to the rear, or when equipped with an agitator and electric valve, can be used to carry a separate pre-mixed solution. Both size options included a 135 litre wash tank.
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