Croplands – a name synonymous with Australia-made orchard spraying technology, has released an improved new sprayer to expand on its Tree Crop sprayer model range.

Available as a standard or conventional under tree/mid-row herbicide sprayer or as a deluxe WEED-IT optical spot spraying system, this new 4000-litre model is specifically designed for orchard customers wanting to deliver efficiency gains and chemical savings.

“This project has been a huge success and demonstrates the critical importance of customer collaboration,” says Croplands horticulture product lead, Andrew Germein.

“Croplands partnered up with Olam who were using an older model design we purpose-built for them back in 2016. We began work with the Olam team 18 months ago to address sprayer design fatigue points as well as improve service accessibility and simplify the design for their operators.

“Like most regionally based agricultural businesses, Olam are challenged with skilled labour to operate machinery meaning the brief was pretty simple: make the new units stronger and more durable while simplifying the layout and operating systems.

“We also wanted a new fresh and modern look to the design.

“This begins with the new polyethylene boom shrouds. They are much lighter and more flexible to impact. The rear booms have been re-designed to fold in for road transport and the boom shrouds are easy to remove for checking and cleaning of nozzles.”

Mr Germein said the hydraulically adjustable boom frame (height and fold) has been significantly strengthened.

“A new work panel has been introduced to house the multiple sprayer tap valves. These are clearly labelled for ease of operation.

“At the front of the sprayer, a totally new layout ensures that all components can be checked and accessed. This includes the hydraulic valve block, section and dump valves and filter.

“We are using a new ACE hydraulic drive centrifugal pump on this new model as a low pressure and lower maintenance pump solution.

“PTO shafts are becoming less attractive to corporate businesses hence the preference for hydraulic drive.

“In-cab is a Bravo 180, 3-section rate controller for sprayer functions and Arag multi-function control box for hydraulic boom functions and pump engagement.

“With the industry heading toward optical spot spraying at a rapid pace, the standard Herbicide model sprayers have been future proofed for this addition. They can be easily upgraded with WEED-IT detection sensors and electric control modules if and when required.”

The deluxe WEED-IT model is factory fitted with four WEED-IT detection sensors on the rear booms – two on either side. The WEED-IT sensors detect active chlorophyl in the mid row and use PWM solenoids to spray out weeds.

The outer/under tree booms, although set up as standard herbicide spraying can be upgraded to WEED-IT if required.

“Olam have invested heavily into this new Orchard Herbicide sprayer, and we are extremely grateful for their support and collaboration with this the new model upgrade.

“We are predicting significant interest for these models, especially at the corporate-end of the market where efficiency and cost savings are so critical,” Mr Germein said.