The sprayer issue - The Western Producer

Transcription

april 2014
TECHS+SPECS
The sprayer issue
New big little
sprayers | P. 4
Sprayers need to
deliver more | P. 6
World’s smallest
big sprayer | P. 8
Go bigger, to 165
feet | P. 28
Dealers for:
306•934•1546 - Saskatoon, SK
306•773•7281 - Swift Current, SK
PRE-OWNED EQUIPMENT
2012 RoGator RG1100 Sprayer/
High Clearance
High Clearance
High Clearance
High Clearance
Stock#I0228A
Ser# A1100HCNSL1100
1292 Engine Hours
Stock#I0222A
Ser# A1100JCNSL1252
751 Engine Hours
Stock#I0221A
Ser# A01300LDNSL1190
400 Engine Hours
Stock#I0218A
Ser# A1300ACNSL1218
975 Engine Hours
299,000
$
315,000
$
365,000
$
329,000
$
High Clearance
High Clearance
High Clearance
2009 RoGator 1286C Sprayer/
High Clearance
Stock#I0219A
Ser# A1300CCNSL1233
974 Engine Hours
Stock#I0206A
Ser# A1300KCNSL1150
452 Engine Hours
Stock#I0227A
Ser# A0900CCNSL1044
450 Engine Hours
Stock#I0178B
Ser# A1286INV001045
1125 Engine Hours
329,000
$
375,000
$
285,000
$
219,000
$
More info on used with pictures at www.fulllineag.com OR email rick.r@fulllineag.com
Full Line Ag
FA R M E Q U I P M E N T S U P E R S T O R E
306•934•1546 - Saskatoon, SK
306•773•7281 - Swift Current, SK
Dealers for:
Dealers for:
SASKATOON SALES:
Chris Purcell
Dave Ruzesky
Doug Putland
SWIFT CURRENT SALES:
Ross Guenther
Tim Berg
Murray Weston
Western Producer
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TECHS & SPECS
C/O THE WESTERN PRODUCER
BOX 2500
SASKATOON, SASK. S7K 2C4
(306) 934-2401 FAX
techsandspecs@producer.com
4 The big little sprayers
6 Application equipment delivering more
8 The littlest big sprayer
10 Europe’s Amazone
12 Fast shut down, quick start
16 Weed resistance options limited
23 Ditch sprayer replaces blade
27 Is your sprayer the problem?
28 When big gets bigger
SPRAYERS
14 Self-propelled sprayers
24 Pull-type sprayers
T h e W e s t e r n P ro d u c e r
Mike Raine
Managing Editor
The Western Producer
3
to
bells and whistles, or that heated and cooled leather
seat (not that there is anything wrong with that, I’m just
jealous). Slightly smaller than the big stuff, these might
lack 4-wheel drive, or at least make it optional and use
mechanical rather than hydraulic drives. Those machines
are targeted to the mid-sized farmer/owner/applicator
who doesn’t plan on doing much custom work, but still
wants a modern, time efficient sprayer.
In the past two seasons a whole new crop of machines
have entered this race. We will be looking at a few of
them in this edition of Techs and Specs, as well as some
European offerings that we can’t buy here, yet.
In Europe there are about 40 companies offering high
clearance, self propelled sprayers. Some are highly regionally focused companies, but not all. Most compete with
each other throughout the EU and Eastern Europe by offering ultra low weight, multi-material booms, downdraft air
systems and highly flexible suspensions and frames. On
many European fields a sprayer might cross it as many
as 10 times in a year, so farmers and custom applicators
demand a lot from their machines, both in efficiency and
comfort. Not to mention being able to fold up from 120 feet
into a EU highway friendly package.
We will look at some sprayers we saw at Agritechnica
last fall. There is also a tradition of high capacity pull-types
in Europe. Awill check out a company not well known to
North American farmers yet, called Amazone. Like many
Western Canadian farm equipment companies that grew
from small shops and farmers’ ideas, Amazone is a family
owned company that has developed its machinery from a
single product into multi-machine shortline operation that
now serves the globe.
As always in our specifications tables we do endeavour
to do a comprehensive job of finding and displaying the
data. However inevitably we miss something or fail to keep
up with a recent model change. So use the information as
a guide and then contact your local dealer for more information about the products.
Supplement
I personally did a telephone poll earlier in the season,
so I knew it won’t be accurate 19 times out of 20. I called
several farmers that I know. They each operate between
3,000 and 15,000 acres. Among the questions I asked,
I wanted to know their equipment plans for 2014 when
it came to sprayers. It isn’t often that you hear the same
thing from 15 farmers, especially spread out across the
Prairies.
All but one had, just purchased a new sprayer, had one
on order or planned to buy one in the coming year. The one
who hadn’t had one that was three years old and he was
thinking about retirement.
Western Canada is a special place when it comes to
sprayers. Due to factors such as very short season with
tiny windows to accomplish application, a growth in fungicide use and increased yield and profit potential from
the latest genetics, provided they get every advantage in
the field, producers are choosing to do most of their own
application. And large farm sizes than the North American
average.
Many North American farmers rely on custom applicators for their spraying, but this isn’t the case on the prairies.
While there is a growing market for those services in
Western Canada, the logistics don’t work out as well in a
region where everything needs to be sprayed all at once.
The longer season in the American Midwest’s corn and
bean belt and South allow slightly wider application windows and more high-value crop opportunities for custom
applicators to make their livings.
Luckily Western Canadian producers have never had
a better selection of application machinery to pick from.
Sprayers have gotten bigger for many years. Larger
tanks, wider booms and more engine horsepower have
all made headlines regularly since 2005. The technology
found on most of these tools has made spraying faster,
more chemical and time efficient and allowed growers
opportunities to be more agronomically effective, delivering new yield dividends.
However in the past year or so self-propelled
sprayers,also got smaller. A few companies have always
carved out a niche with mid-sized, slightly more affordable models, that might or might not have had as many
BIG SPRAYERS, SMALLER PACKAGES
Story by Michael Raine
Western Producer Staff
This might be the year of the smaller, when it comes to sprayers. There
is a crew of smaller big machines, that keep the bells and whistles of
their big brothers, but are aimed at the mid-sized farmer who plans on
looking after his own applications.
W
Techs & Specs - April 2014
4
ith the rise in the number of acres
sprayed, due to more fungicide and
insecticide being used and the later growth
stages of crop being sprayed, the need for
higher clearance and moderate capacity
might never have been greater than it is right
now for prairie growers.
Western Canadian growers tend to do
their own spraying, as compared to their
American cousins who largely rely on at least
some custom application each season. This
has meant the larger, heavy duty sprayers
preferred by American custom applicators
have dominated the marketplace when it
comes to self-propelled machines. Western
Canada is the largest regional market for big
sprayers in North America.
A year ago, Agco did away with one of the
longest serving brands in the self-propelled
world, the 50 year old SpraCoupe. That
left the company with the bigger RoGator
machines, but nothing for what had been a
declining market: smaller, higher end units.
After a short time without a smaller
sprayer, a new RoGator was announced, the
RG700. The smaller machine has the tools
of its bigger siblings, but a 165 horsepower
engine and the use of diesel exhaust fluid,
keep it out the range where it needs to
find other ways to meet Tier 4 emissions
standards.
The automatically controlled hydrostatic
drive allows a producer to set the operating
and headlands speeds and let the drive by
wire system take over the control of the
hydro-arm and go spraying.
Todd Nagy of Agco said producers looking
for the features of a bigger, commercial
machine will find them in the new 600 gallon
RoGator, without the larger price tag or
weight.
The RG700 is bigger than the SpraCoupes
it replaces and it also shares with its RoGator
siblings features such as a segmented frame
design that allows each wheel to find its own
height, independent of the other three.
“It keeps the all-wheel-drive machine in
contact with the soil at all times. And for
those who want a hydrostatic rather than a
mechanical, they get that too,” he said.
With optional chemical inductor and a
new remote loading station that puts all the
electric controls, including throttle and pump
actuation, sump and loading at the side of
the machine it resembles its bigger siblings
when approached from the side. But it does
lack a their front fills.
At the same time Versatile, which had
revamped the Red Ball self-propelled
machines, said it would introducing an
all-new replacement for the SX275. Case
IH improved its 32, 33 and 4340s, all
bigger machines. Deere had a unit in the
160 horsepower range, but released
new, larger units. So, 18 months ago it
looked like smaller would be left to a few
manufacturers, well known for their niche
products, including the well-regarded ET
Apache 720.
Since last summer the field has changed
again. Versatile has released two models of
its new and much anticipated sprayer, while
a little higher horsepower, but still aimed
at a farmer/owner/operator. The machines
replace the SX275 model that was a refined
version of the Minnesota built Red Ball
sprayer.
The SX240 and SX280 are powered by
a Cummins QSB 6.7 litre engine, with the
Versatile model names describing the
horsepower. The QSB doesn’t require the
use of diesel exhaust fluid to meet Tier 4
standards. Instead, it relies on exhaust gas
recirculation and filtering.
The smaller unit gets an Allison 2500,
Floor and hand throttles, as well as field
cruise control, are all built into the design.
The big machine gets an optional,
updated version of the 1,200 U.S. gallon
stainless steel unit that came with the
SX275. With it is a 120 gallon rinse tank.
“We kept the machine
simple, but that
doesn’t mean it
doesn’t perform all of
the tasks a producer
needs and more.”
—GRAN LIEN
Continued on page 7
5
to
New for this year is the 1,000 gallon
polyurethane tank with integrated 100
gallon rinse tank.
The new tank is standard on the 280 and
the only choice on the 240 because of that
machine’s lighter transmission.
Controls for loading and cleaning are all
located at an operator station, which was
redesigned for easy use. All valves are set
to the up position when the machine is field
ready so that operators can tell at a glance
whether the machine is set to spray.
Two storage lockers for protective
clothing, spray information and tools are
located next to the loading controls.
Booms use a rubber torsion mount and
a three-stage yaw management system to
keep them stable.
The boom can be locked into place flat
or at an angle, which Lien said allows the
producer to turn at speed without the
booms dipping into the crop.
Spray controllers are by Raven, either the
Envizo Pro or the 5000.
Guidance is the Versatile V-PAS, which is
the Raven SmarTrax.
Boom height control is the AccuBoom,
and the section control is that company’s
SmartBoom.
Booms are available in 90 or 100 foot
widths and can be set from 25 to 72 inches.
Machine tracking width is mechanically or
hydraulically adjustable. Product pumping is
from a Hypro 9306 HM5C3U and is available
in cast or stainless.
Case IH also brought a new machine to
market. Again, smaller than its big brothers,
the Case IH 2240 is the smallest and tallest
of the company’s Patriot line.
Case IH sprayer specialist Adam Nelson
that the market needs machines that bridge
the gap between large pull types and selfpropelled.
“The engineers were looking for a more
nimble machine, smaller, with enough
ground clearance for even treating later
season corn. But putting fungicide on durum
is a good example of where our prairie
growers have needs to be out in tall crops,”
Nelson said.
“And for sclerotinia in canola. The
need was there and there are still lots of
producers that aren’t too concerned about
needing 1,200 gallons of capacity and 325
h.p. to haul it around.”
Supplement
five-speed automatic transmission and the
larger sprayer gets an Allison 3000. Both are
capable of travelling up to 30 m.p.h. and will
be built in Wilmar, Minn.
The machines remain two-wheel drive,
using a JCB hydraulically locking differential.
Drop boxes form the mechanical drive
system. The differential lock can be applied
on the go when things get sticky.
Adam Reid of Versatile said the
Winnipeg company has been working on a
replacement for the SX275 for several years.
“We designed at Wilmar, using what we
have learned from tractors and farmers,” he
said during a recent Midwest farm show.
“We like getting these things right. And
this, sprayers, is something we wanted
to be based on producer input and
some engineering that matches those
expectations. You could rush something out
there, but we chose not to.”
Gran Lien, who manages the product for
Versatile, said the new sprayer is different
from the previous machine, leaving almost
all of the Red Ball heritage behind.
“This is a Versatile,” he said during the
Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas,
where the sprayers were announced.
“We kept the machine simple, but that
doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform all of the
tasks a producer needs and more. But this
machine really feels like a Versatile. Well
thought out and practical.”
The cab, the same one featured in the
Versatile tractors, is the biggest found on a
North American sprayer.
A new seat with mounted controls and
console keeps most of the operations
located at the right hand of the operator.
SHOULD APPLICATION
EQUIPMENT DELIVER MORE?
Farmers should expect more from their sprayers, and the most recent
machines are starting to deliver, but the basic technologies need more
research and development for the farmers of the next few decades,
says an application expert.
6
T
om Wolf of Agrimetrix says that many
of the sprayers on the market today still
depend largely on technology from the
1950s.
“We are still squeezing a pressurized
liquid through an elliptical orifice. We have
added a lot of creature comforts to the
equipment and can go faster, but mostly that
is what we have done,” he said.
“You are spending $400,000 for not a lot
more than you had before. You just go faster
and longer.”
Wolf said the biggest changes were made
in the 1990s when air induction and pulse
systems that turn individual nozzles on and
off were added or refined.
Air induction nozzles reduce spray
pressure at the tip and create coarse
and very coarse spray. This improves leaf
coverage while reducing the number of
droplets in the 200 micron range.
“That technology shifted the majority to
the 200 to 600 micron range from 200 to
300,” Wolf said.
“We balance these interests with pressure
and are limited by machine speed and the
size of the pump.… Machinery guidance has
reduced overlap and improved efficiency,
but that hasn’t changed the application
process.”
The technology that is found in Capstan
Ag Systems’ equipment and as an option on
Case IH sprayers decouple boom pressure
and spray volume by rapidly turning nozzles
off and on to control application. It is one of
the trends that Wolf feels North American
agriculture will see more of in the future.
Improved application research and
recommendations from pesticide
manufacturers is another trend that Wolf is
watching. Some of the latest herbicides that
blend 2,4-D or dicamba with glyphosate/
glufosinate come with more complete nozzle
and pressure recommendations than most
products.
“Big droplets are best for many products
like glyphosate, but some products want
smaller droplets and CropLife (Canada)
needs to tell us how to best use their
products.”
Wolf said little independent re-search
is being done on how to improve product
efficacy, but he expects chemical companies
to begin providing more detailed instructions
for producers.
He said boom width is another area
where North American farmers will see
change and producers should embrace the
technology.
“Europe offers machines up to 56 metres.
Most of ours are 30 and up to 40,” he said.
The largest machines have mostly moved
away from nozzle shrouds, but they help
prevent negative pressure vortices that are
created when equipment speeds increase.
Negative pressure zones behind the spray
pattern draw out the finest droplets, taking
them off target and creating opportunities
for drift.
“Large booms can’t handle the weight or
the challenge of the (shroud size) in folding,”
he said.
Boom materials are also changing.
Agco has worked with universities to
develop tough bio-composites, while
German sprayer component builder Altek,
which manufactures Lechler sprayer nozzles,
has developed a 120 foot boom made of
aluminum, steel, fibreglass and carbon fibre
that weighs 850 pounds. As well, a Brazilian
sprayer company has a mostly carbon fibre
version.
“They will get lighter and wider,” Wolf
said. “That might let you slow down to
improve efficacy.”
He said farmers and custom applicators
will also demand stainless steel, despite
plastic plumbing’s attractive price and ease
of repair.
Plastic can absorb chemicals and release
them at inopportune times, which could
damage crops.
Wolf said more farmers should also be
investing in improved automatic boom
height control, which allows growers to
lower their boom height without the risk of
striking the crop or ground.
“We’ve gotten too high and we lose the
advantages of some of the great nozzles
that are out there,” he said.
“For fungicides, the twin fans lose their
advantage when you get too far from the
crop.”
“Large booms can’t
handle the weight
or the challenge of
the (shroud size) in
folding.”
—Tom wolf
He said more twin fan nozzles will be
used in the future as more fungicides are
required to improve yields.
“European farmers have a lot choices.
Not all great, but many good ideas, too,” he
said.
Many of Europe’s 40 high clearance
sprayer manufacturers share common
technologies and provide locally built
choices in specific markets, but some offer
different boom and spray system options
from those found in North America. Wolf
said some of that technology will make its
way into the market.
Faster loading is one of the ways that
sprayers will become more efficient.
Wolf said most nozzle companies are
small and don’t have extensive research
and development budgets for working on
new technology.
He said machines will get better, more
comfortable and faster, but “someone
needs to think more about the basic
technology and deliver some improvements
(in efficacy) for the farmer.” ❖
Continued from page 5
machines for the market.”
Doak McDaniel said the company feels
its new Saritor and Presidio units, designed
and built for the North American market,
will meet the needs of large-capacity pulltype owners looking to move into a selfpropelled rig.
“We couldn’t offer those producers, loyal
Hardi users, a place to go and stay with our
brand. Now we can,” he said.
“We couldn’t offer
those producers,
loyal Hardi users, a
place to go and stay
with our brand, now
we can.”
Hardi, which is known for its pull-type
units and nozzles in North America, has
merged with spray company Excel. It owned
the European self-propelled sprayer brands
Berthoud and Matrot, among others, so the
company has a strong track record.
While the company considered exporting
European machines to North America, it
eventually decided to build a unit with
a larger cab and the features that North
7
to
—DOAK McDANIEL
American farmers were used to having.
The results were the larger Saritor with
a 1,100 or 1,300 U.S. gallon tank and 90 to
132 foot booms and the smaller Presidio
with a 700 gallon capacity and 80 or 90 foot
booms.
The Presidio sports a 173 h.p. Deutz
pushing oil through a three speed-range
Rexroth transmission and wheel motors.
The Presidio pushes product out with an
Ace 650, wet seal, run dry pumps.
It has six, eight or nine section Hardi
Eagle booms.
The smaller machine has a remote fill
station with optional chemical inductors
and a standard remote machine throttle
controls for agitation control from the
ground. The Presidio has remote manual
valves at the loading point.
The big machine uses an HC9500 virtual
terminal to communicate spraying control
and steering information. The Presidio has
the 9500 as an option and has steering
assist rather than full auto-guidance.
The Presidio clears the ground by 53
inches when riding on 380/80 38s, but can
rise up to 58 inches when wearing optional
380/90 46s. The Presidio cab is smaller than
its big brother, which shares cabs with many
New Holland tractors, but it has all the
other creature comforts including Bluetooth
compatibility on the stereo system and
electric mirrors.
So far a limited number of the Hardi selfpropelled units have made it to market in
North America and Canada is still looking
forward to the machines. ❖
Supplement
The new 2240 uses the 165 h.p., 6.7 litre
Case IH Fiat Power Train engine and carries
660 gallons of product.
“You can get it in an 80 or 90 foot boom
and order the optional AIM Command spray
system that gives constant application rate
and spray pressure no matter how fast you
are running,” he said.
“I think we’ll see a lot of them sold with
AIM Command on them.”
There are three controller options: the
Case IH AFS Pro 700, the Raven Viper Pro
and the Case IH SCS 5000.
Like the other Patriots, the 2240’s cab is
stuck well out front and the engine is in the
rear, balancing the weight 50-50 across the
wheels.
The trailing link suspension keeps the
machine rolling smoothly.
The 165 h.p. is fed into a three speed
hydrostatic drive line pushing four Souer
Danfoss wheel motors. The small front hood
hides fuel and DEF tanks and slides forward.
It has a transport speed of 30 m.p.h. and
booms can run from 27 to 90 inches.
“It is very compact when folded,” Nelson
said about the 126 inch transport width
As well, Hardi from Denmark released
its entry into the North American self
propelled market with a pair of machines
and one of those is aimed at the mid-sized
market.
Hardi has had self-propelled machines in
Europe since the mid-1980s and planned
for a North American version. However,
poor commodity prices after the turn of the
century kept it from developing “the right
THE WORLD’S SMALLEST BIG
SPRAYER
Story by Ron Lyseng
Farmer builds world’s shortest high clearance sprayer.
8
N
athan Rowings liked his first Apache
AS710 so much he decided to build himself
a second one from scratch, although only
one-tenth as big as the original. Both sprayers have mechanical drive
w i t h a t h re e - s p e e d s h i f t- o n - t h e -f l y
transmission, hydraulic steering, threesection hydraulic fold-out booms, 64
nozzles that spray liquid, a suspension with
shock absorbers, big disc brakes and fully
functional lighting for night spraying or
highway transit. Rowings said he always enjoyed building
models as a kid, so there was no turning
back when he came up with the idea of
replicating his real AS710 four years ago,. “This project started out with just a
Dremel rotary tool and then got a little
out of hand. Now I have a vertical mill, a
lathe and a basement full of other machine
tools,” the Indiana farmer said. “Most everything is scratch built by me.
A good portion of the sprayer is made of
brass. The booms, tank cradle, cab, front
axle assembly, things like that. I built it
pretty much just for the heck of it. The
parts are almost an exact replica of the
real thing. I have the big one (Apache) out
in the yard, so it was easy to go out and
measure something and then come back to
“This project started
out with just a Dremel
rotary tool and then
got a little out of
hand.”
—Nathan Rowings
the basement and bring it down to scale.” The controls are the same as those used
on remote control model aircraft, with the
same compact 12-volt battery used to run
the hydraulic pump and spray pump. The battery-powered motors currently
used in radio controlled aircraft run at a
much higher r.p.m. than Rowings needed
for a model field sprayer, so he inserted
a speed control manager between the
battery and motor. The finished product weighs 25 pounds
and has a 7.5 foot wing spread when the
booms are fully extended. “I built all 64 little brass nozzles myself,”
he said. “The biggest part of the hole in each
nozzle is 0.008 of an inch. That’s the biggest
hole. For the graphics, Apache emailed me
all the logos and I scaled them down to fit.” Rowings figures he spent $2,500 to
$3,000 plus a lot of hours building the
world’s shortest high-clearance sprayer. For more information, contact him at
765-721-2442 or big_farmer2004@yahoo.
com. ❖
ABOVE: The cab and chassis
are 1/10 the size of the original. ET supplied the logos.
TOP RIGHT: The flat fan
nozzles are functional.
LOWER LEFT: Exhaust, right
down to the clamp mimic the
ones on the AS710.
AT MIDDLE AND RIGHT:
Functional drives and suspension. | PHOTOS BY NATHAN
ROWINGS
The Right Droplet Size
The Right Spray Tip
The Right Result
CROP DIVIDERS
Reduce Trampling By Up To 90%
FEATURING
Hydraulic Jack option for faster and safer tire changes. Quick attach for easier, quicker and
safer handling. Optional airlift available to raise and lower cones. Widening kit option
to add an extra 5” of width to your cone. Outer quick attach cover protects crops when
spraying without Cropsavers. Deflector extension shield for enhanced crop protection.
1-866-292-6115
www.tridekon.com
COMBO-JET® Tip-Caps
COMBO-RATE ® MODULAR NOZZLE BODIES
Great with AIM Command® & Sharpshooter®
Up to 21/32” High Flow Inlets
Top, Side & Bottom mount options
Multiple shut-off options for ease of use
www.wilger.net
.net
(306) 242-4121
FIELD PROVEN FOR OVER 15 YEARS
Control drift?
Optimize droplets?
Match your application?
Reduce plugging?
...then they must be
9
to
• Height adjustment & floating parallel lift move Cropsavers away from obstacles
• Stainless steel cones with enclosed back feature a slim dividing tip
• Deflector arms keep crop away from sides of the tire
• Zero maintenance with greaseless pins
• Cropsavers are fully adjustable horizontally and vertically
• Easy installation with model specific bolt-on kits
• Air compressor to add to air kit for machines with no on-board air system
Cropsavers®
can be used for
both fungicide
and pre-harvest
desiccating in a
variety of solid
seeded and row
seeded crops
Do your Tip-Caps:
ER, SR, MR & DR
Snap together with
Droplet Size
Selective Tips your strainer and seal?
Supplement
Saving $6-$15 per acre, Cropsavers pay for themselves in the first 1,000
acres of use. Save flagleaf damage when spraying fungicides or herbicides.
Less volunteer grain the following year in sprayer tracks. Easier swathing,
combining and tillage when grain is not trampled.
COMBO-JET ®
EUROPE’S AMAZONE
Amazone is not a common name in Canada, but the agricultural
equipment company has plans to change that situation.
T
10
he 130-year-old German company got its
start in farm equipment by shipping its first
product around the world, and that history
has allowed it to pursue markets across the
globe ever since.
“But we have tended to look at markets
for our equipment that are similar to
European farming: high yielding, intensive
management of every hectare,” export
manager Wilfred Koldehoff said during the
Agritechnica farm show in Hanover.
Sven Dutzi, who heads international
marketing for the company, said Amazone
has changed with the times.
“We have seen changes to our European
farming with larger sized farms, and we have
had some more recent experience in Eastern
Europe and (Russian) agriculture,” Dutzi said.
“Our (machinery) has evolved to meet
those markets.”
The company makes spraying, fertilizer
application, tillage and seeding equipment,
in some cases combining vertical tillage with
product metering and air delivery for single
pass trash management and seeding.
“The (Amazone) equipment is becoming a
better fit for North American agriculture, and
agriculture around the world has changed to
become more (site specific) and intensively
managed,” he said.
Both factors have meant that a company
that once built only for higher rainfall,
intensively managed European style farming
is now building machinery that can compete
for farmers’ dollars in Canada, Russia and
Australia.
Eighty percent of the company ’s
machinery is exported, but Klaus Blaffer,
a logistics manager at Amazone’s plant in
Gaste, said North America is still a new
market for the old company.
“Recent improvements in agriculture’s
economics mean the company hasn’t had
to look further (afield) for new markets, but
that doesn’t mean we aren’t. Economics of
agriculture means that companies have to
PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM: Amazone’s
original factory is still operating, although it’s
hundreds of times larger than the one room
shop of the 1880s.
ABOVE AND RIGHT: Both people and
robots build the lightweight sprayer booms.
Each is wet-tested prior to mounting on the
sprayers. | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL RAINE
11
feet and hoe and disc drills up to 45 feet.
Along with a myriad of other products,
the company also builds a precision fertilizer
spreader that controls spreader width and
rates on the fly.
Dutzi said those sales have to be “hand in
hand with service and parts, so that is our
challenge. We have the (farm equipment) for
the market.”
The family business sticks to the principle
of keeping the company operated and held
by only two family members at a time.
“It allows Amazone to invest heavily in
research and development, about five
percent of sales, and in new technology,
rather than pulling money out all the time to
serve its shareholders,” said Blaffer.
“We have 26 Agritechnica innovation
awards in eight shows. We are innovation
focused,” he said.
The company has 2,000 employees and
operates seven factories: five in Germany and
two in France.
“We have corporate objectives, but they
are different than many companies,” he said.
“They are about what we can deliver —
five percent more yield, 50 percent less fuel
and 60 percent reduction in working time —
so farmers can farm larger (acreages).”
The company builds more than 1,500
small and mid-sized sprayers annually,
including tractor mounted units and 1,400
larger pull type ones. It built 100 of the self
propelled high clearance units this year and
plans for 250 next year. ❖
to
Like most farm equipment companies,
Amazone has done well in recent years, and
the family owned business will break its own
sales record this year with earnings higher
than $710 million.
Koldehoff said the company has
recognized the potential of the 60 million
acre western Canadian market as well as the
U.S. Plains states and has had some farmer
demand from the region.
“There are European farmers that have
been emigrating to Canada that have taken
some of their machinery with them, some
of our Amazone seeding and application
(tools),” he said.
“Their neighbours see it and they become
interested and the transplanted European
farmers want to buy bigger and newer units.”
Degelman Industries in Regina imported
a vertical tillage tool a few years ago that
was met with some success in the North
American market.
“It is over, but we learned a lot about the
market and now they have their own and they
are selling it into Europe,” Koldehoff said.
“This is an international business and
now we are looking to expand with more
distribution and dealers in the rest of North
America.”
The company has a distributor in the U.S.
Midwest, Ontario and Quebec, he added.
The company has developed tools for
broad acre, prairie style production, including
pull-type sprayers up to 2,800 gallons, self
propelled machines with booms reaching 120
Supplement
spread their products widely, to where there
are farmers in need of new tools and able to
invest in them,” he said.
“Everything Amazone does is well planned
for. It means that farmers always get our
high level of customer service along with a
piece of machinery. It is a package with us,
service, parts and a person to deal with, no
exceptions.… But I think this might mean we
seem slower to jump into new markets.”
Amazone got its start and its name when a
machine from a small town in Germany was
taken to a farm show on the other side of the
world in Chile.
Heinrich Dreyer built a fanning mill in the
late 19th century that allowed farmers and
grain merchants to clean their grain for seed
and improve its value.
The wooden cased grain cleaner had an
advantage over its competition that evidently
wasn’t lost on Dreyer. It came in its own box.
The fanning mill could be easily
dismantled and was shippable around the
world. The Amazone company was born.
A cultivator and a fertilizer spreader with
an auger-style metering distributor allowed
the company to sell machinery outside its
native Germany.
Even in the early years, in times of
significant inflation, Dreyer kept money in
foreign currency to hedge against variability
in domestic and other markets.
“ T h e co m p a ny h a s i t s ro o t s i n
international sales,” Blaffer said during a tour
of Amazone’s home factory.
FAST SHUT DOWNS FOR
QUICKER STARTS
Now appearing on sprayers across North America, Hypro’s Express end
cap system first garnered attention a season ago with an American
Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers innovation award.
12
H
ypro’s ASABE AE50 award started with the
realization that there was a problem with wet
boom systems.
“They took too long to shut down when
small orifice tips were installed,” said company
spokesperson John Lang.
“Ten seconds from the time you cut them off
until they stop spraying is a lot of distance at 14
m.p.h. … Even at 10 m.p.h., five seconds is 73
feet.”
He designed an end of boom unit that bleeds
off the air without losing pressure.
“The air collects at the end of the booms,
sometimes large bubbles build around a nozzle
body. It all adds up to variability in the rates and
cutoff times,” he said.
The Hypro Express end cap improves boom
shut down from two to 10 times and also has a
plug that can be removed for boom flushing and
cleaning.
Hypro also won for its Scorpio solenoid nozzle
body valve.
It mounts on the wet boom using three-
quarter inch plumbing and can provide instant
on and off control.
The simple, two-wire system doesn’t need to
have reversed polarity or other wiring to control
the highly serviceable valve. A rare earth magnet
does most of the holding when it’s open,
meaning the valve draws little power. The valve
closes when the power stops, ensuring that it
fails safe if there is a wiring issue on the boom.
The valve unthreads from the housing and
can be cleaned with the seat replaceable.
“It can attract some small metal fines and
seats will wear, so we made it fully serviceable,”
he said.
The Minnesota-made Scorpio can run 2.5
times as much product through its body, uses
1,600 times less power than other nozzle
mounted valves and can be used with most of
the available controllers capable of sectional
control without the need for separate power
and control circuits.
The units have an LED light that indicate they
are functioning. ❖
TOP: The Hypro Express end cap shuts off
flow and bleeds air almost instantly.
ABOVE: The Scorpio valve is fast acting,
high capacity solenoid valve. | PHOTOS BY
MICHAEL RAINE
Automatic Sprayer
Boom Height Control
With the RiteHeight system
from Greentronics
◗ Choose from 2– to 5-sensor
◗ Ultrasonic sensors and a
small controller automatically systems to suit boom width
maintain height. A better job and field conditions.
with less stress!
◗ Works on all new and used
pull-type and self-propelled
◗ Quick and easy to install.
Just three main components sprayers with electric-overhydraulic boom controls.
with AUTO CALIBRATION
to simplify set-up.
◗ Very competitive pricing.
Complete systems for
less than $4700.00 !
Visit greentronics.com
To find dealer locations, contacts, and other details.
Email: info@greentronics.com Call: 519-669-4698
Dealer enquiries welcome.
GET READY FOR SPRING
Case IH True Tandem 340-370 Disk Harrows
Case IH True Tandem 330 Turbo
www.redheadequipment.ca
SASKATOON 306-934-3555 | SWIFT CURRENT 306-773-2951
LLOYDMINSTER 306-825-3434 | ESTEVAN 306-634-4788
to
Case IH understands a busy lifestyle and allows farmers
to till up the remains of last year’s crop and prep the soil
terrain for next year’s.
Supplement
Case IH looks out for farmers providing true-tandem
technology which results in straight, easy pulling and
maximum pass coverage.
13
SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYERS
MAKE
MODEL
ENGINE
Engine position (front or rear)
Engine make
Engine model
Rated power, hp (kw)
Peak power, hp (kw)
Emission tier level
Peak torque, ft-lb (N-m)
Number of cylinders
Displacement, cu in (L)
Alternator amperage
SOLUTION SYSTEM
Solution system tank, gal (L)
Solution tank material
Solution system quick-fill, in (mm)
Solution pump
OTHER TANKS
Rinse tank, gal (L)
Hand wash tank, gal (L)
Foam marker tank, gal (L)
Chemical eductor
Engine fuel tank, gal (L)
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank, gal (L)
Hydraulic reservoir, gal (L)
Boom
Boom location, front or rear
Boom width option, minimum, ft (m)
Boom width option, intermediate, ft (m)
Boom width option, maximum, ft (m)
Boom sections
Ground height adjustment, in (cm)
Boom breakaway angle, degrees
Wingtip breakaway, ft-in (m)
Off-centre nozzle spacing, in (cm)
On-centre nozzle spacing, in (cm)
DRIVETRAIN
Drive description
Number of speed ranges
Maximum travel speed, mph (kph)
Wheel drive (2WD, 4WD)
Primary service brake
Parking brake
CAB
Cab position
14
Cab glass area, sq ft (sq m)
Operator seat description
Instructional seat
Sprayer control
CHASSIS
Crop clearance, in (cm) w/ std tires
Wheel track spacing, in (cm)
Wheel track adjustment method
Wheelbase, in (cm)
Turning radius, ft-in (m)
Steering system
Suspension description
Suspension travel, total, in (mm)
TIRES
Standard
Opt row-crop tire 1
Opt row-crop tire 2
Flotation tire
Opt flotation tire
OVERALL DIMENSIONS, BOOM FOLDED
Overall length, ft-in (m)
Overall height, ft-in (m)
Overall width, ft-in (m), wheels
retracted
extended
DRY WEIGHT
Weight w/ shortest boom, lb (kg)
Weight w/ intermediate boom, lb (kg)
Weight w/ widest boom, lb (kg)
AGCO RoGator
RG700
AGCO RoGator
RG900
AGCO RoGator
RG1100
AGCO RoGator
RG1300
front
Agco Power
49 AWI
165 (123)
173 (127)
Tier 4 Interim
522 (707)
4
299 (4.9)
N/A
front
Agco Power
8.4 Tier 4
280 (209)
306 (228)
Tier 4 Interim
974 (1320)
6
512 (8.4)
Dual 150 amp
front
Agco Power
8.4 Tier 4
311 (232)
338 (252)
Tier 4 Interim
1083 (1468)
6
512 (8.4)
Dual 150 amp
front
Agco Power
8.4 Tier 4
339 (253)
370 (276)
Tier 4 Interim
1,135 (1539)
6
512 (8.4)
Dual 150 amp
700 (2,650)
polyethylene
2 (51) std; 3 (76) opt
Hypro 9303
900 (3,407)
stainless steel
3 (76) left side std; front opt
Hypro 9306 or 9307
1,100 (4,164)
stainless steel
Hypro 9306 or 9307
1,300 (,4921)
stainless steel
Hypro 9306 or 9307
N/A
N/A
N/A
opt.
65 (246)
15 (56.7)
36 (136)
130 (492)
8 (30)
1 (3.8) concentrate
2.5 (9.5) stainless or 5 (19) poly
150 (568)
15 (57)
60 (227)
130 (492)
8 (30)
1 (3.8) concentrate
150 (568)
15 (57)
60 (227)
130 (492)
8 (30)
1 (3.8) concentrate
150 (568)
15 (57)
60 (227)
rear
60/80 (18.3/24.4)
N/A
60/90 (18.3/27.4)
5 and 7
17-90 or 19-92 (43-229 or 48-234)
mechanical, N/A degrees
14 (4.27) on 80; 19 (5.79) on 90
10, 15, 20 (25.4, 38.1, 50.8)
10, 15, 20 (25.4, 38.1, 50.8)
rear
80 (24.4)
90, 100 (27.4, 30.5)
120 (36.6)
5 w/ 80,90,100; 7 w/120
31 to 83 (79 to 211)
N/A
13, 15, 20, or 27 (4.0, 4.6, 6.1 or 8.2)
10, 15, 20 (25.4, 38.1, 50.8)
N/A
rear
80 (24.4)
90, 100 (27.4, 30.5)
120 (36.6)
5 w/ 80,90,100; 7 w/120
31 to 83 (79 to 211)
N/A
13, 15, 20, or 27 (4.0, 4.6, 6.1 or 8.2)
10, 15, 20 (25.4, 38.1, 50.8)
N/A
rear
80 (24.4)
90, 100 (27.4, 30.5)
120 (36.6)
5 w/ 80,90,100; 7 w/120
31 to 83 (79 to 211)
N/A
13, 15, 20, or 27 (4.0, 4.6, 6.1 or 8.2)
10, 15, 20 (25.4, 38.1, 50.8)
N/A
Bosch Rexroth Hydrostat
infinite, 2 ranges
30 (48)
4WD
hydrostatic dynamic braking
spring-apply brakes in gearboxes
hydrostatic
7
33 (53)
full time 4WD
multiple discs in gearboxes
hydrostatic
7
33 (53)
full time 4WD
hydrostatic
7
36 (58)
full time 4WD
behind engine, above & behind front
axle
54 (5.02)
air ride std; heated semi-active opt
N/A
Agco AgControl std; Raven Viper Pro opt
behind front wheels
behind front wheels
behind front wheels
60 (5.57)
air ride std; semi-active opt
no
Raven 5000, Raven Viper Pro
60 (5.57)
no
60 (5.57)
no
50 (127)
50 (127)
50 (127)
54 (137) std; 48 (122) opt
90-120 (229-305) std; 72-88 (183-224)
opt
manual std; hydraulic opt
149 (378)
N/A
N/A
air spring
14 (356) including frame flex
120 to 152 (305 to 386)
120 to 152 (305 to 386)
120 to 152 (305 to 386)
hydraulic
170 (432)
24 (7.3) w/2WS; 16 (4.9) w/4WS
2WS standard; 4WS opt
air spring w/ anti-roll
approx 8 (203)
hydraulic
170 (432)
24 (7.3) w/2WS; 16 (4.9) w/4WS
approx 8 (203)
hydraulic
170 (432)
24 (7.3) w/2WS; 16 (4.9) w/4WS
approx 8 (203)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
380/90 R46
320/90 R50
480/80 R42
620/70 R46
620/70 R38
380/90 R46
320/90 R50
480/80 R42
620/70 R38
620/70 R46
380/90 R46
480/80 R42
Michelin, Goodyear, Titan
620/70 R46
650/65 R42
28 3 (8.6)
13 1 (3.99)
26 (7.92)
13 1 (3.99)
26 (7.92)
13 1 (3.99)
30 2 (9.18)
13 1 (3.99)
N/A
13 5 (4.09)
13 5 (4.09)
13 5 (4.09)
N/A
16 1 (4.90)
16 1 (4.90)
16 1 (4.90)
19,500 (8,845)
N/A
N/A
N/A
29,500 (13,381) w/ 90 boom
N/A
N/A
N/A
31,270 (14,184)
N/A
N/A
31,890 (14,465)
MAKE
MODEL
ENGINE
Engine make
Engine model
Peak power, hp (kw)
Emission tier level
Number of cylinders
Alternator amperage
SOLUTION SYSTEM
Solution pump
OTHER TANKS
Rinse tank, gal (L)
Chemical eductor
Boom
Boom sections
DRIVETRAIN
Drive description
Parking brake
CAB
Cab position
Instructional seat
Sprayer control
CHASSIS
ET APACHE
AS1220
front
Cummins
QSB6.7
160 (119 )
N/A
Tier 3
539 (731)
6
408 (6.7)
N/A
front
Cummins
QSB6.7
275 (205)
N/A
Tier 3
730 (990)
6
408 (6.7)
N/A
front
Cummins
QSB6.7
173 (129)
N/A
Tier 4 Interim
590 (800)
6
408 (6.7)
N/A
front
Cummins
QSB6.7
215 (160)
N/A
Tier 3
655 (888)
6
408 (6.7)
N/A
750 (2,839)
poly
2 (51) std; 3 (+76) opt
Hypro 9306C-HM1C
1,000 (3,785)
poly std; stainless opt
2 (51) std; 3 (+76) opt
Hypro 9306C-HM1C
1,000 (3,785)
poly std; stainless opt
2 (51) std; 3 (+76) opt
Hypro 9306C-HM1C
1,200 (4,542)
poly or stainless
2 (51) std; 3 (+76) opt
Hypro 9306C-HM1C
100 (379)
hand rinse valve
Smucker Landmark 1 gal (3.8) canister
opt
100 (379)
no
N/A
100 (379)
hand rinse valve
opt
100 (379)
no
N/A
100 (379)
hand rinse valve
opt
100 (379)
no
N/A
100 (379)
hand rinse valve
opt
100 (379)
no
N/A
rear
80 (24.4) or 60/80 (18.3/24.4)
90 (27.4) or 60/90 (18.3/27.4)
100 (30.5)
5, 8 or 10
N/A
N/A
N/A
15, 20, 30 (38, 51, 76)
N/A
rear
80 (24.4) or 60/80 (18.3/24.4)
90 (27.4) or 60/90 (18.3/27.4)
100 (30.5)
5, 8 or 10
N/A
N/A
N/A
15, 20, 30 (38, 51, 76)
N/A
rear
80 (24.4) or 60/80 (18.3/24.4)
90 (27.4) or 60/90 (18.3/27.4)
100 (30.5)
5, 8 or 10
N/A
N/A
N/A
15, 20, 30 (38, 51, 76)
N/A
rear
80 (24.4) or 60/80 (18.3/24.4)
90 (27.4) or 60/90 (18.3/27.4)
100 (30.5)
5, 8 or 10
N/A
N/A
N/A
15, 20, 30 (38, 51, 76)
N/A
ITL/JCB Powershift transmission
4
28 (45)
2WD
enclosed internal wet disc
N/A
ZF Powershift transmission
6
35 (56)
2WD
N/A
6
35 (56)
2WD
N/A
6
35 (56)
2WD
N/A
midway between axles
N/A
N/A
standard
Raven SCS 5000, Envizio Pro II, Viper
Pro, Trimble CVX 750
N/A
N/A
standard
N/A
N/A
standard
N/A
N/A
standard
42 (107) std; 50 (127) opt
120 (305) std; 120 to 160 (305 to
406) opt
manual or hydraulic
N/A
N/A
front wheel steer
hydraulic, w/ nitrogen accumulators
N/A
42 (107) std; 50 (127) opt
120 (305) std; 120 to 160 (305 to
406) opt
manual or hydraulic
N/A
N/A
front wheel steer
N/A
42 (107) std; 50 (127) opt
120 (305) std; 120 to 160 (305 to
406) opt
manual or hydraulic
N/A
N/A
front wheel steer
N/A
50 (127)
120 (305) std; 120 to 160 (305 to
406) opt
manual or hydraulic
N/A
N/A
front wheel steer
N/A
380/80 R38 front; 380/90 R46 rear
320/85 R38 front; 320/90 R50 rear
dual rear 380/90 R46 or 320/90 R50
480/70 R34 front; 520/85 R46 rear
30.5 x 32 R39 rear
380/80 R38 front; 380/90 R46 rear
320/85 R38 front; 320/90 R50 rear
dual rear 380/90 R46 or 320/90 R50
480/70 R34 front; 520/85 R46 rear
30.5 x 32 R39 rear
380/80 R38 front; 380/90 R46 rear
320/85 R38 front; 320/90 R50 rear
dual rear 380/90 R46 or 320/90 R50
480/70 R34 front; 520/85 R46 rear
30.5 x 32 R39 rear
380/80 R38 front; 380/90 R46 rear
320/85 R38 front; 320/90 R50 rear
dual rear 380/90 R46 or 320/90 R50
480/70 R34 front; 520/85 R46 rear
30.5 x 32 R39 rear
24 2 (7.37)
12 (3.66)
24 2 (7.37)
12 (3.66)
24 2 (7.37)
12 (3.66)
24 2 (7.37)
12 (3.66)
12 (3.66)
12 (3.66)
12 (3.66)
12 (3.66)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
19,200 (8,709)
19,200 (8,709)
19,200 (8,709)
19,500 (8,845)
19,500 (8,845)
19,500 (8,845)
19,500 (8,845)
19,500 (8,845)
19,500 (8,845)
20,300 (9,208)
20,300 (9,208)
20,300 (9,208)
15
ET APACHE
AS1025
to
ET APACHE
AS1020 PLUS II
Supplement
Wheelbase, in (cm)
Steering system
TIRES
Standard
Opt row-crop tire 1
Opt row-crop tire 2
Flotation tire
Opt flotation tire
retracted
extended
DRY WEIGHT
ET APACHE
AS720
Canadian
AVOIDANCE IS BEST,
ALTERNATIVES TO HERBICIDES Resistance
Facts
ARE COMPLEX, EXPENSIVE
Of 677 fields where wild oats
Story by Robert Arnason
T
16
In 2012, only a fraction of experts believed that North American
farmers would buy into weed seed destruction at harvest.
wo years later, many Canadian and
American weed scientists are touting the
technology as a realistic method to fight
herbicide resistant weeds.
“In terms of the States and probably North
America in general… within the next 10 years I
really think this is the future of weed control,”
University of Arkansas weed scientist Jason
Norsworthy said at the Weed Science Society
of America conference held in Vancouver Feb.
3-6.
“ That is, having a Harrington Seed
Destructor integrated into the combine.”
For several years, Australian weed
scientists have promoted the value of
destroying weed seeds at harvest through
burning windrows, collecting seeds and straw
in chaff carts and using a Harrington Seed
Destructor, which is a portable mill towed
be-hind the combine to pulverize weed seeds.
Regardless of the approach, the same
concept applies: eradicating weed seeds
at harvest reduces subsequent weed
populations and the probability of genetic
variations that are resistant to herbicides.
Skeptics of weed seed destruction
have said farmers don’t have the time or
willingness to collect and burn straw and
weed seeds at harvest time.
As well, they have argued that the practice
wouldn’t work in North America because
target weeds likely dropped their seeds
before harvest.
“If they’re not retaining the seed, obviously
this isn’t a tool we’re going to be able to use,”
Norsworthy said.
To answer that question, Norsworthy and
his colleagues studied soybean fields in the
southern and midwestern United States in
2012 and 2013.
Norsworthy determined that Palmer
amaranth and waterhemp, two weeds that
are resistant to multiple herbicides, retained
nearly all of their seeds at soybean maturity.
“It blew me away at first,” he said.
“In 2012, I said this can’t be for real. We
went back and did it again in 2013…. We’re
getting, on average, about 99.8 percent of the
seeds (Palmer amaranth) retained.”
Results for waterhemp were similar. Testing
in multiple states showed the weed held onto
almost every seed.
“About 99.8 to 99.9 percent of that seed
is being retained, so yes, it is going through
the combine … and we see this through vast
geographies,” he said.
Neil Harker, an Agriculture Canada weed
scientist in Lacombe, Alta., said weed
seed destruction at harvest could be a
significant tool in the battle against herbicide
resistance.
Agriculture Canada will soon buy
a Harrington Seed Destructor, which
researchers plan to use in Eastern Canada
this fall.
“ This year we’ll look at some seed
retention experiments to see which weeds
have the most potential to be reduced by
seed destruction,” Harker said. “Next year
we’ll have the seed destructor out on farms
in Western Canada…. For me, it’s probably
the most exciting thing we’re doing over
the next few years…. This has tremendous
potential for some weeds, to take a good
shot at weeds without applying selection
pressure to our most valuable herbicide
tools.”
Weed seed destruction might be feasible
in Western Australia, but Michael Owen, a
weed scientist from Iowa State University,
remains skeptical about chaff carts, weed
seed destructors or anything else towed
behind a combine in the U.S. Midwest.
“I’m not overly optimistic,” he said.
“For one thing, I don’t think it would work
in corn particularly well, because of the
residue…. Also, the scale that we have and
the yields that we get, they (farmers) are
not going to waste a lot of time dealing with
another piece of equipment.”
As for windrow burning, Owen said Iowa
farmers don’t have time at harvest for such
a practice.
Norsworthy said it could be a decade
before a combine manufacturer builds a
harvester with a Harrington Seed Destructor
incorporated into it, which means farmers
need to adopt transition methods in the
interim.
“I’d like us (weed scientists) to start
demonstrating the value of the chaff
cart,” he said. “So when (farmers) see the
Harrington Seed Destructor, it’s something
that they readily buy into.” ❖
samples were collected, 298, or 44
percent, had a herbicide resistant type.
Group 1 (acetyl CoA carboxylase
inhibitor) resistant wild oats was
confirmed in 275 fields (41 percent),
up from 15 percent in previous
baseline surveys (2001 to 2003).
G roup 2 (acetolactate synthase)
resistant wild oats was found in 12
percent of fields (vs. eight percent in
2001 to 2003).
G roup 8 (triallate, difenzoquat)
resistant wild oats was identified in
eight percent of fields (not tested in
2001 to 2003).
Group 1 resistant green foxtail was
found in 27 percent of 209 fields
sampled for the weed (vs. six
percent in 2001 to 2003).
Group 2 resistant spiny sowthistle
was confirmed in all Alberta fields
sampled (vs. 67 percent in 2001).
Common chickweed was found
mainly in Alberta in 40 percent of
fields (vs. 17 percent in 2001).
G roup 2 re s i sta nt we e d s n o t
previously detected in the baseline
surveys included false cleavers,
mainly in Alberta (17 percent of
fields), and Saskatchewan (21
percent), Powell amaranth in
Manitoba (16 percent), wild mustard
(three fields in Saskatchewan and
Manitoba), and wild buckwheat (one
field in Alberta).
No sampled weed populations across
the Prairies were found to be resistant
to herbicides from Group 4 (synthetic
auxins), Group 9 (glyphosate), or Group
10 (glufosinate). (Glyphosate resistant
kochia was found in Alberta in 2011.)
Based on the proportion of total field
area at each site infested with herbicide
resistant weeds, it is estimated that 7.7
million acres (29 percent of annually
cropped land) are infested with
herbicide resistant weeds, an eight-fold
increase from 2001 to 2003.
Of 816 cases of resistant wild oats
identified from submitted samples,
69 percent were Group 1, 15 percent
Group 2, and 16 percent Group 1 and
2-HR.
There were 10 populations of
Group 1 resistant green foxtail in
Saskatchewan or Manitoba and six
populations of Group 1 resistant
Persian darnel in southern Alberta
and Saskatchewan. Various Group
2 resistant broadleaf weeds were
identified, including 17 wild mustard
populations mainly from Saskatchewan
and 39 cleavers populations across the
three prairie provinces.
JOHN DEERE
4830
JOHN DEERE
4940
front
John Deere
Power Tech E 6.8 L
165 (123)
173 (129 )
Tier 3
548 (743)
6
414 (6.8)
150 Amp
above front axle
John Deere
Power Tech Plus 6.8 L
245 (183)
270 (201)
Tier 3
N/A
6
414 (6.8)
200
above front axle
John Deere
Power Tech Plus 6.8 L
275 (205)
300 (224)
Tier 3
N/A
6
414 (6.8)
200
front
John Deere
Power Tech PSX 9.0L
340 (254)
377 (281)
Tier 4 Interim
N/A
6
549 (9.0)
200 Amp
600 (2,271)
poly
2 (51)
Solution pump
hydraulic driven, 2x2.5 in
800 (3,028)
stainless steel std; poly opt
3 (76) left side; 2 (51) opt
centrifugal pump driven by hydraulic
motor
1,000 (3785)
stainless steel
3 (76) left side; 2 (51) opt
motor
1,200 (4542)
stainless steel
3 (76) left side; front opt
motor
70 (265)
4 (15)
1.5 (5.7) concentrate
5.5 (21) stainless steel, opt
71 (268)
no
16 (60.6)
150 (568)
4 (15)
50 (189)
5.5 (21) stainless steel, std
133 (503)
no DEF
17 (64)
150 (568)
4 (15)
50 (189)
5.5 (21) stainless steel, std
133 (503)
no DEF
17 (64)
170 (644)
4 (15)
5 gal (19 L) stainless steel, std
155 (587)
no
25.7 (97)
rear
60 (18.3)
80 (24.4)
no option beyond 80
5
N/A
N/A
10 0 (3.05) wing; 6 0 (1.83) breakaway
20 (50.8) opt
15 (38.1) standard
rear
80 (24.4)
90 (27.4)
100 (30.5)
7
27 to 86.5 (69 to 220)
N/A
6 9 (2.06) or 10 (3.05)
20 (50.8) opt
15 (38.1) standard
rear
80 (24.4)
90 (27.4)
100 (30.5)
7
27 to 86.5 (69 to 220)
N/A
6 9 (2.06) or 10 (3.05)
20 (50.8) opt
15 (38.1) standard
rear
90 (27.4)
100 (30.5)
120 (36.6)
5 w/90; 7 w/100; 11 w/120
24 to 84 (61 to 213)
35
13 0 (3.96)
18 to 40 (45.7 to 101.6) dealer install
15 (38.1) standard factory setting
hydrostatic
4
27 (43.5)
full-time 4WD
drive system dynamic braking
disk pack, spring-apply, hyd release
hydrostatic
4
30 (48)
full-time 4WD
hydrostatic
4
30 (48)
full-time 4WD
hydrostatic
infinitely variable
35 (56)
full-time 4WD
Midway between axles
N/A
air suspension
opt
Spray Star control, Green Star 3 2630
Spray Star, Green Star 2 1800 or 3 2630
display
Midway between axles
N/A
air suspension
opt
display
behind front wheels
N/A
air suspension
opt
display
51.1 (130) wide; 43.3 (110) narrow
wide 90 to 120 (229 to 305 / narrow 72
to 88 (183 to 224)
manual standard; hydraulic opt
145.3 (369)
16 (4.88)
2WS, hydrostatic
airbag / shock suspended
6 (152)
61.5 (156)
61.5 (156)
46.8 (119)
120 to 152 (305 to 386)
120 to 152 (305 to 386)
123.6 to 159.3 (314 to 406)
hydraulic standard
169.3 (430)
24 (7.3)
2WS, hydrostatic
strut type w/ air springs
8 (203)
hydraulic standard
169.3 (430)
24 (7.3)
2WS, hydrostatic
8 (203)
hydraulic standard
170 (432)
30 (9.14)
2WS, hydrostatic
8 (203)
380/80 R38 R1W
320/80 R42 R1W
no option
420/85 R34 R1W
no option
380/90 R46 R1W
320/90 R46 R1W
VF380/90 R46 R1W
420/80 R46 R1
520/85 R38 not factory installed
380/90 R46 R1
320/90 R50 R1W
VF380/90 R46 R1W
420/80 R46 R1
380/105 R50 R1 or R1W
IF380/105 R50 R1
no option
480/80 R50 R1W
27 3 (8.31)
12 1 (3.68)
26 3 (8.00)
13 0 (3.96)
26 3 (8.00)
13 0 (3.96)
34 (10.36)
12 9 (3.89)
N/A
11 10 (3.61)
11 10 (3.61)
12 (3.66)
N/A
14 6 (4.42)
14 6 (4.42)
14 11 (4.54)
N/A
17,600 (7983)
no boom beyond 80
22,741 (10,315)
22,781 (10,333)
22,821 (10,351)
25,025 (11,351)
25,125 (11,397)
25,300 (11,476)
34,780 (15,776)
35,030 (15,889)
35,770 (16,225)
OTHER TANKS
Rinse tank, gal (L)
Chemical eductor
Boom
Boom sections
DRIVETRAIN
Drive description
Parking brake
CAB
Cab position
Instructional seat
Sprayer control
CHASSIS
Wheelbase, in (cm)
Steering system
TIRES
Standard
Opt row-crop tire 1
Opt row-crop tire 2
Flotation tire
Opt flotation tire
retracted
extended
DRY WEIGHT
behind front wheels
N/A
air suspension
opt
17
JOHN DEERE
4730
to
JOHN DEERE
4630
Supplement
MAKE
MODEL
ENGINE
Engine make
Engine model
Peak power, hp (kw)
Emission tier level
Number of cylinders
Alternator amperage
SOLUTION SYSTEM
MAKE
MODEL
ENGINE
Engine make
Engine model
Peak power, hp (kw)
Emission tier level
Number of cylinders
Alternator amperage
SOLUTION SYSTEM
Solution pump
OTHER TANKS
Rinse tank, gal (L)
Chemical eductor
Boom
Boom sections
DRIVETRAIN
Drive description
JOHN DEERE
R4030
JOHN DEERE
R4038
MILLER
NITRO 5215
MILLER
NITRO 5240
front
John Deere
Power Tech PSS 6.8L
280 (209)
300 (224)
Tier 4 final
N/A
6
414 (6.8)
200
front
John Deere
Power Tech PSS 9.0L
310 (231)
330 (228)
Tier 4 final
N/A
6
548 (9.0)
200
rear
Cummins
QSB6.7
215 (160) std / 275 (205) opt
225 (168) std
Tier 3
655 (888)
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
rear
Cummins
QSB6.7
240 (179) std / 275 (205) opt
250 (186) std
Tier 3
758 (987)
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
800 (3028)
stainless steel or polyethylene
3 (76) left side, front opt
170 gpm (644 Lpm)
1,000 (3785)
stainless Steel
3 (76) left side, front opt
170 or 225 gpm (644 or 852 Lpm)
1,000 (3,785)
poly or stainless steel
N/A
Hypro 9306C std / Hypro 9307C opt
1,000 or 1,200 (3,785 or 4,543)
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
120 (454)
4 (15)
8.5 (32)
130 (492)
7.5 (28)
26 (98)
120 (454)
4 (15)
8.5 (32)
155 (587)
7.5 (28)
26 (98)
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
3 (11.3) concentrate
standard
150 (568)
no
N/A
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
standard
150 (568)
no
N/A
rear
90 (27)
100 (30)
120 (36)
7 on 90, 9 on 100, 11 on 120
20 to 96 (51 to 244)
35
N/A
20 (51)
15 (38)
rear
90 (27)
100 (30)
120 (36)
7 on 90, 9 on 100, 11 on 120
20 to 96 (51 to 244)
35
N/A
20 (51)
15 (38)
front
60 (18.3)
80/60 (24.4/18.3) or 90/60 (27.4/18.3))
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
N/A
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
front
60 (18.3)
80/60 (24.4/18.3) or 90/60 (27.4/18.3))
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
variable-speed hydrostatic
infinite
30 (48.3)
full-time 4WD
hydrostatic dynamic plus front calipers
wet-disc brakes, all wheels,
spring-apply
variable-speed hydrostatic
infinite
35 (56.3)
full-time 4WD
hydrostatic dynamic plus front calipers
wet-disc brakes, all wheels,
spring-apply
hydrostatic, twin pumps
3
27.2 (43.8)
4WD
hydrostatic
5
29.2 (47)
4WD
4 wheel internal wet disc, oil cooled
2-wheel
4-wheel spring applied
CAB
Cab position
Instructional seat
above & behind front wheels
N/A
leather std in premium cab
above & behind front wheels
N/A
Sprayer control
GreenStar 3 2630 display
GreenStar 3 2630 display
CHASSIS
Wheelbase, in (cm)
Steering system
60 (152)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
N/A
28 6 (8.68)
2WS, hydrostatic
60 (152)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
N/A
28 6 (8.68)
2WS, hydrostatic
Parking brake
18
above and rear of front wheels
N/A
air ride
standard
N/A
air ride
standard
Raven SCS 5000, Envizio Pro or
Raven SCS 5000, Envizio Pro or Viper Pro
Viper Pro
dual strut and air-spring
dual strut and air-spring
TIRES
Standard
Opt row-crop tire 1
Opt row-crop tire 2
Flotation tire
Opt flotation tire
retracted
extended
DRY WEIGHT
8 (203)
8 (203)
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
153 (389)
13 6 (4.11)
2WS std; 4WS opt
wheel legs w/ hyd cylinders & gas
accumulators
20 (508)
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
153 (389)
13 6 (4.11)
2WS std; 4WS opt
accumulators
20 (508)
IF or VF 380/90 R46
IF 320/90 R46
N/A
IF 420/80 R46
N/A
IF or VF 380/90 R46
IF 320/90 R46
IF 420/80 R46
520/85 R38
620/70 R38
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28 2 (8.59)
13 2 (4.01)
28 2 (8.59)
13 2 (4.01)
N/A
N/A
12 1 (3.68)
12 1 (3.68)
N/A
N/A
15 5 (4.70)
15 5 (4.70)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
MAKE
MODEL
ENGINE
Engine make
Engine model
Peak power, hp (kw)
Emission tier level
Number of cylinders
Alternator amperage
SOLUTION SYSTEM
Solution pump
OTHER TANKS
Rinse tank, gal (L)
Chemical eductor
Boom
Boom sections
DRIVETRAIN
Drive description
Parking brake
CAB
Cab position
Instructional seat
Sprayer control
MILLER
NITRO 5400
MILLER
NITRO N2XP
rear
Cummins
QSB6.7
275 (205)
275 (205)
Tier 3
730 (990)
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
rear
Cummins
QSL8.9
320 (239)
345 (257)
Tier 4 Interim
1,020 (1383)
6
543 (8.9)
160 Amp
rear
Cummins
QSL8.9
380 (283)
400 (298)
Tier 4 Interim
1,200 (1627)
6
543 (8.9)
160 Amp
Right side, between axles
Cummins
QSB6.7
215 (160)
225 (168)
Tier 3
655 (888)
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
1,200, 1,400, or 1,600 (4,542, 5,300,
or 6,057)
stainless steel
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
1,200, 1,400, or 1,600 (4,542, 5,300,
or 6,057)
stainless steel
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
1,200, 1,400, or 1,600 (4,542, 5,300,
or 6,057)
stainless steel
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
N/A
Hypro 9306C
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
standard
150 (568)
no
N/A
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
standard
150 (568)
no
N/A
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
standard
150 (568)
no
N/A
100 (379)
3 (11.4)
6 (23) concentrate
standard
100 (379)
no
N/A
front
80/60 (24.4/18.3)
90/60 (27.4/18.3) or 100/60 (30.5/18.3))
120/70 (36.6/21.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
front
80/60 (24.4/18.3)
90/60 (27.4/18.3) or 100/60 (30.5/18.3))
120/70 (36.6/21.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
front
80/60 (24.4/18.3)
90/60 (27.4/18.3) or 100/60 (30.5/18.3))
120/70 (36.6/21.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
front
60 (18.3)
75/60 (22.9/18.3) to 90/60 (27.4/18.3))
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
N/A
17 to 94 (43 to 239)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
29 (46.6)
4WD
3
30.1 (48.4)
4WD
5
31 (49.9)
4WD
3
36 (58)
4WD
multiple wet disc on 4 wheels
4-wheel
N/A
air ride
standard
N/A
air ride
standard
N/A
air ride
standard
1,000 (3,785)
above front axle
N/A
air ride
standard
Raven SCS 460, SCS 4600, Envizio Pro
Raven SCS 5000, Envizio Pro or Viper Pro Raven SCS 5000, Envizio Pro or Viper Pro Raven SCS 5000, Envizio Pro or Viper Pro
or Viper Pro
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
177 (450)
15 (4.57)
2WS std; 4WS opt
accumulators
20 (508)
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
177 (450)
15 (4.57)
2WS std; 4WS opt
accumulators
20 (508)
50 (127)
74 to 120 (188 to 305)
hydraulic
150 (381)
18 (5.5) 2WS; 10 (3.05) 4WS
2WS std / 4WS opt
8 (203)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30 3 (9.22)
13 2 (4.01)
30 3 (9.22)
13 2 (4.01)
30 3 (9.22)
13 2 (4.01)
19 8 (5.99)
12 0 (3.66)
12 1 (3.68)
12 1 (3.68)
12 1 (3.68)
11 2 (3.40)
15 5 (4.70)
15 5 (4.70)
15 5 (4.70)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
strut w/ airbag
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
177 (450)
15 (4.57)
2WS std; 4WS opt
accumulators
20 (508)
19
to
TIRES
Standard
Opt row-crop tire 1
Opt row-crop tire 2
Flotation tire
Opt flotation tire
retracted
extended
DRY WEIGHT
MILLER
NITRO 5345
Supplement
CHASSIS
Wheelbase, in (cm)
Steering system
MILLER
NITRO 5275
20
MAKE
MODEL
ENGINE
Engine make
Engine model
Peak power, hp (kw)
Emission tier level
Number of cylinders
Alternator amperage
SOLUTION SYSTEM
Solution pump
OTHER TANKS
Rinse tank, gal (L)
Chemical eductor
Boom
Boom sections
DRIVETRAIN
Drive description
Parking brake
CAB
Cab position
Instructional seat
Sprayer control
CHASSIS
Wheelbase, in (cm)
Steering system
MILLER
CONDOR GC40
MILLER
CONDOR GC75
NEW HOLLAND
SP.240F
NEW HOLLAND
SP.240F XP
front
Cummins
QSB6.7
240 (179)
250 (187)
Tier 3
758 (987)
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
front
Cummins
QSB6.7
275 (205)
275 (205)
Tier 3
730 (990)
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
rear
Cummins
QSB6.7
240 (179)
250 (187)
Tier 3
N/A
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
rear
Cummins
QSB6.7
275 (205)
275 (205)
Tier 3
N/A
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
1,000 or 1,200 (3,785 or 4,542)
polyethylene or stainless steel
2 (51)
ACE FMC-150F-206
1,000 or 1,200 (3,785 or 4,542)
2 (51)
ACE FMC-200F-HYD-304
1,000 or 1,200 (3,785 or 4,542)
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
1,000 or 1,200 (3,785 or 4,542)
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
100 (379)
N/A
opt 3.6 gal (13.6) w/ rinse
120 (454)
no
N/A
100 (379)
N/A
120 (454)
no
N/A
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
6 (23) concentrate
150 (568)
no
N/A
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
6 (23) concentrate
150 (568)
no
N/A
rear
90/60 (27.4/18.3)
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
no option beyond 100
5 or 10
20 to 80 (50 to 203)
on secondary boom wing
N/A
N/A
15 or 20 (381 or 508)
rear
90/60 (27.4/18.3)
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
120/65 (36.6/19.8)
5 or 10
20 to 80 (50 to 203)
N/A
N/A
15 or 20 (381 or 508)
front
90/60 (27.4/18.3)
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
15 or 20 (381 or 508)
front
90/60 (27.4/18.3)
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
15 or 20 (381 or 508)
Allison RDS 2500 automatic transmission
5
39.5 (63.6)
2WD rear
rear wheel hydraulic disc
spring apply, hydraulic release
6
40.6 (65.3)
2WD rear / front assist opt
4-wheel hydraulic disc
hydrostatic w/ twin pumps
5
38 (61.2)
4WD
4 wheel internal wet disc
4-wheel
5
38 (61.2)
4WD
4-wheel
behind front wheels
N/A
air ride
standard
behind front wheels
N/A
air ride
standard
N/A
air ride
standard
Raven 4600, Envizio Pro, Viper Pro
N/A
air ride
standard
42 (107) std / 48 (122) opt
120 to 150 (305 to 381)
168 (427)
15 (4.57)
front wheel steer, hydrostatic
48 (122)
120 to 150 (305 to 381)
168 (427)
15 (4.57)
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
153 (389)
15 (4.57)
accumulators
20 (508)
airbags and shock absorbers
TIRES
Standard
Opt row-crop tire 1
Opt row-crop tire 2
Flotation tire
Opt flotation tire
Overall width, ft-in (m), wheels retracted
Overall width, ft-in (m), wheels extended
DRY WEIGHT
11 (279) front; 9 (228) rear
11 (279) front; 9 (228) rear
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
153 (389)
15 (4.57)
accumulators
20 (508)
380/90R46
320/90 R50, for 1,000 gal only
380/90 R46 Michelin
520/85R38
520/85R38 front / 710/70R38 rear
380/90R46
320/90 R50, for 1,000 gal only
380/90 R46 Michelin
520/85R38
520/85R38 front / 710/70R38 rear
380/90R46
320/90R50
380/90R50
520/85R38
N/A
380/90R46
320/90R50
380/90R50
520/85R38
N/A
27 2 (8.28)
N/A
12 0 (3.66)
14 6 (4.42)
27 2 (8.28)
N/A
12 0 (3.66)
14 6 (4.42)
28 2 (8.6) boom open
13 2 (4.01)
12 1 (3.68)
15 5 (4.70)
13 2 (4.01)
12 1 (3.68)
15 5 (4.70)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
25,550 (11,589)
N/A
N/A
26,380 (11,966)
N/A
N/A
NEW HOLLAND
SP.275F
NEW HOLLAND
SP.365F
NEW HOLLAND
SP.240R
rear
Cummins
QSB6.7
275 (205)
275 (205)
Tier 3
N/A
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
rear
Cummins
QSL8.9
365 (272)
375 (280)
Tier 3 Canada / U.S. T4i
N/A
6
543 (8.9)
160 Amp
front
Cummins
QSB6.7
240 (179)
250 (187)
Tier 3
N/A
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
1,000 or 1,200 (3,785 or 4,542)
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
1,200, 1,400, or 1,600 (4,542, 5,300, or 6,057)
stainless steel
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
1,000 or 1,200 (3785 or 4542)
2 (51) std; 3 (76) opt.
ACE FMC-150F-206
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
6 (23) concentrate
150 (568)
no
N/A
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
6 (23) concentrate
150 (568)
no
N/A
100 (379)
N/A
120 (454)
no
N/A
front
90/60 (27.4/18.3)
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
120/70 (36.6/21.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
15 or 20 (381 or 508)
front
90/60 (27.4/18.3)
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
120/70 (36.6/21.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
N/A
N/A
15 or 20 (381 or 508)
rear
90/60 (27.4/18.3)
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
5 or 10
20 to 80 (50 to 203)
N/A
N/A
15 or 20 (381 or 508)
5
38 (61.2)
4WD
4-wheel
5
34 (54.7)
4WD
4-wheel
5
40 (64.4)
2WD rear
2 discs, each w/ dual calipers on rear axle
N/A
air ride
standard
N/A
air ride
standard
N/A
air ride
standard
Raven SCS 5000, Envizio Pro, Viper Pro
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
153 (389)
15 (4.57)
wheel legs w/ hyd cylinders & gas accumulators
20 (508)
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
177 (450)
15 (4.57)
20 (508)
42 (107) std / 48 (122) opt
120 to 150 (305 to 381)
manual
168 (427)
15 (4.57)
11 (279) front; 9 (228) rear
Supplement
380/90R46
320/90R50
380/90R50
520/85R38
N/A
380/90R46
320/90R50
380/90R50
520/85R38
650/75R38
380/90 R46
320/90 R50, for 1,000 gal only
380/90 R46 Michelin
520/85 R38
520/85 R38 front / 710/70 R38 rear
13 2 (4.01)
12 1 (3.68)
15 5 (4.70)
30 4 (9.2)
13 2 (4.01)
12 1 (3.68)
15 5 (4.70)
27 2 (8.28) boom open
12 11 (3.94)
12 0 (3.66)
14 3 (4.34)
28,540 (12,945)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
to
MAKE
MODEL
ENGINE
Engine make
Engine model
Peak power, hp (kw)
Emission tier level
Number of cylinders
Alternator amperage
SOLUTION SYSTEM
Solution pump
OTHER TANKS
Rinse tank, gal (L)
Chemical eductor
Boom
Boom sections
DRIVETRAIN
Drive description
Parking brake
CAB
Cab position
Instructional seat
Sprayer control
CHASSIS
Wheelbase, in (cm)
Steering system
TIRES
Standard
Opt row-crop tire 1
Opt row-crop tire 2
Flotation tire
Opt flotation tire
DRY WEIGHT
22
MAKE
MODEL
ENGINE
Engine make
Engine model
Peak power, hp (kw)
Emission tier level
Number of cylinders
Alternator amperage
SOLUTION SYSTEM
Solution pump
OTHER TANKS
Rinse tank, gal (L)
Chemical eductor
Boom
Boom sections
DRIVETRAIN
Drive description
Parking brake
CAB
Cab position
Instructional seat
Sprayer control
CHASSIS
Wheelbase, in (cm)
Steering system
TIRES
Standard
Opt row-crop tire 1
Opt row-crop tire 2
Flotation tire
Opt flotation tire
DRY WEIGHT
NEW HOLLAND
SP.333F
VERSATILE
SX240
VERSATILE
SX280
rear
Cummins
QSL8.3
365 (272)
375 (280)
Tier 4
N/A
6
520 (8.3)
160 Amp
front
Cummins
QSB 6.7
240 (178)
248 (183)
Tier 4
730
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
front
Cummins
QSB 6.7
280 (209)
291 (214)
Tier 4
760
6
408 (6.7)
160 Amp
1,200, 1,400, or 1,600 (4,542, 5,300, or 6,057)
stainless steel
2 or 3 (51 or 76), front
1,000 (3,875)
poly
3 (76)
Hypro 9306C std / stainless opt
1,000 (3,875), 1,200 (4,540)
poly, stainless steel
4 (76)
Hypro 9306C std / stainless opt
150 (568)
3 (11.4)
6 (23) concentrate
opt. 3.6 gal (13.6) w/ rinse
150 (568)
N/A
N/A
100 (378)
N/A
opt.
N/A
103 (494)
N/A
32 (121)
100 (378)
N/A
opt.
N/A
103 (494)
N/A
32 (121)
front
90/60 (27.4/18.3)
100/60 (30.5/18.3)
120/70 (36.6/21.3)
5 or 10
22 to 118 (56 to 300)
yes
N/A
15 or 20 (381 or 508)
rear
90 (27.5)
N/A
100 (30.5)
5
25 to 72 (63 to 183)
N/A
yes 5 (2.5)
N/A
15 or 20
rear
90 (27.5)
N/A
100 (30.5)
6
26 to 72 (63 to 183)
N/A
yes 5 (2.5)
N/A
16 or 20
5
34 (54.7)
4WD
4-wheel
Allison RDS2500 auto, mechanical
5
35 (57.5)
2WD rear
Allison RDS3000 auto, mechanical
5
35 (57.5)
2WD rear
N/A
air ride
standard
mid-mount
77 (7.18)
air ride
standard
Raven
mid-mount
77 (7.18)
air ride
standard
Raven
72 (183)
120 to 160 (305 to 406)
hydraulic
177 (450)
15 (4.57)
20 (508)
48 (122)
120 (304)/120-152 (304-386)
manual/opt hydraulic
163 (419)
15 (4.57)
front wheel, power
air ride
11 (279)
48 (122)
121 (304)/120-152 (304-386)
manual/opt hydraulic
163 (419)
15 (4.57)
front wheel, power
air ride
11 (279)
380/90R46
320/90R50
380/90R50
520/85R38
650/75R38
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30 4 (9.2)
13 2 (4.01)
12 1 (3.68)
15 5 (4.70)
27 (8.23)
N/A
N/A
N/A
27 (8.23)
N/A
N/A
N/A
28,500 (12,927)
28,500 (12,927)
N/A
27,300 (12,409)
N/A
28,194 (12,815)
27,300 (12,409)
N/A
28,194 (12,815)
AG SHIELD FINDS THE ROAD
TO THE DITCH
Story by Ron Lyseng
Farmers and rural municipalities
that maintain gravel and dirt
roads shudder at the bills for
grading, mowing and shrub
grinding.
“W
23
before winter, but that’s all you need,” he
said.
“The weeds and volunteer crops can all be
controlled with chemicals. That ditch grass
isn’t doing any harm until November when
the snow flies.”
Shrubs, willows and other larger forms of
vegetation generally thrive on the far sides
of ditches.
The risk of herbicides drifting into a crop
standing just beyond that shrub line prevents
most spray operators from giving these
nuisance trees their full shot. The taller the
shrubs, the greater the risk of spray drifting
into the crop.
As a result, the shrub line often requires
an expensive mechanical cutting and
shredding operation followed by hand
spraying to kill the stumps. Suffron said the
shielded boom on his company’s machine
lets operators put the third boom right up
against the crop without the risk of crop
damage.
“That third boom is also protected by the
Ag Shield cover,” he said.
“It reaches out 21 feet from the shoulder.
The challenge for the third boom is to kill
all those unwanted plants on the far side
without hurting the crop just beyond the
ditch. We think this new setup allows
operators to do just that.”
Gauge wheels under the booms let
operators control nozzle height to prevent
drift and protect the nozzles.
Prices range from $3,000 to $15,000. ❖
to
it mixes with gravel.
The operator then makes another pass to
push the mixture back to the shoulder. If the
cut edge is lower than the remaining sod on
the shoulder, it creates a dam that retains
water.
Ultimately, more gravel must be added to
ensure a safe roadway.
“If the grass on the road top was
controlled chemically, the grader wouldn’t
need to make all those passes. The operator
would only need to deal with gravel and not
with big chunks of sod,” Suffron said.
“The costs of diesel fuel, manpower,
grader maintenance, grader blades and extra
gravel would all be reduced.”
Suffron said volunteer crops from passing
trucks combine with prolific weeds such
as Russian thistle and kochia to form big
problems on the shoulders and near sides of
ditches.
He said the rules for controlling noxious
weeds and volunteer crops on road
allowances have become stricter, but the
technology to meet that legislative criteria
has been lagging.
Mowing takes care of the shoulders
nearest the road top, but it’s difficult to get
the mower into the bottom and far side of
the ditch, especially in wet years. As well,
mowers need to cover the same area three
or four times a summer.
“When you think about it, you’re wasting
all those mower passes. You need one
mower pass in the fall to drop the grass
Supplement
e had a number of customers
come to us, looking for a better way to take
care of their roads with chemicals rather
than mechanically,” said Ryan Suffron of Ag
Shield.
“They wanted to know if there was such a
thing as a dedicated road side sprayer.”
Customers wanted something adaptable
to a one ton or three-quarter ton pickup.
There were numerous assemblages of
sprayer components that could squirt into a
ditch, but nothing had been designed from
scratch just for road maintenance.
“So we decided to design something
specifically for road top, ditch and far side of
the ditch spraying,” he said.
“This had to be a multi-purpose sprayer
that performed all the tasks in a single pass
at a normal 15 m.p.h. Customers wanted it
to handle two to three different products
at the same time. The single-pass Ag Shield
Road Side Sprayer we came up with does
road top glyphosate for grasses and other
weeds on gravel and dirt roads. At the same
time, we hit the shoulders and ditches with
2,4-D for broadleaf weeds and volunteer
crops from seeds blown off passing trucks.
We also hit the far side of the ditch to get
those shrubs and low growing trees.”
Suffron said the optional wand and hose
reel allows the operator to stop and hit taller
trees or weed patches that the end nozzles
don’t reach.
Grasshoppers and other insects breed in
the protective cover of roadside vegetation,
and Suffron said additional tanks and meters
can be installed for applying insecticide
during the weed control operation.
Dust control agents can also be applied
through the top boom, but not during
chemical applications.
“The Road Side Sprayer uses the same Ag
Shield cover we’ve had for years, so you can
do your road maintenance spraying at 15
m.p.h. with crops on both sides of the road,
even in winds up to 25 m.p.h.”
Suffron said the problem with grading
is that the blade moves the same material
back and forth many times. It takes sod from
the side and brings it into the centre, where
PULL-TYPE SPRAYERS
MAKE
MODEL
Tire size
Optional tire size 1
Product tank (size in litres and material
- i.e. poly, stainless)
Optional product tank (size in litres and
material - i.e. poly, stainless)
Rinse tank (size in litres and material i.e. poly, stainless)
Product pump - type
Product pump - gallons (U.S.) per
minute
Boom (in feet)
Boom options (in feet)
Boom features
Crop clearance (in inches)
Optional crop clearance (in inches)
Axle width (in inches) (range if
adjustable)
Rate controller - make and model if
applicable
24
AG SHIELD MANUFACTURING
CART SPRAYER
16.5/16, 18.4/26
18.4/38
14.9/R46
DEMCO
50 SERIES
13.6 x 38 bias tires with 38 inch wheels.
N/A
N/A
FARM KING
850
320 (12.4) / 85R38
N/A
N/A
FARM KING
1200
320 (12.4) / 90R46
N/A
N/A
poly; 3,785
poly; 850, 1,050, 1,250 (3,230-4,750)
850 (3,200) poly
1,200 (4,500)
poly; 5,678
poly; 120 (456)
N/A
N/A
poly; 170
poly; 2.5 (5.5)
15 (57)
15 (57)
Hypro HM1 - HM 5 centrifugal
hydraulic; Hypro/Ace
Ace FMCSC150-HYD-206
114 - 212
N/A
N/A
N/A
60 - 134 (18-34)
N/A
hydraulic boom breakaway reset, wind
shields
30
N/A
60 or 80/90 (18-XX)
N/A
N/A
N/A
60
80, 90
parallelogram w/ rephasing hydraulic
cylinders, rubber torsion mounts
N/A
N/A
60
80, 90
N/A
N/A
72 - 132
yes; 90 - 144
N/A
N/A
TeeJet, Raven, MicroTrack
Raven 440, Envizio Pro
diaphragm, 3/4 inch, triple nozzle
bodies on 20 inch nozzle spacings,
equipped with secondary in-line
strainers and manual fence row nozzles.
boom height 21 - 62
rinse tank 137
N/A
diaphragm, 3/4 inch, triple nozzle bodies
on 20 inch nozzle spacings, equipped
with secondary in-line strainers and
manual fence row nozzles.
boom height 21 - 62
rinse tank 57
N/A
N/A
Other specifications 1
ground following system
stainless booms
2nd tank for spot spraying
Red Ball flow monitors
Combojet nozzles
opt chem eductor
opt 33 gal foam marker
Astro speed sensor
MAKE
MODEL
Tire size
Product pump - type
minute
Boom (in feet)
FARM KING
1600
380 (14.9) 90R46
N/A
N/A
FAST
9500
380/90R46 - 480/80R50
duals
N/A
FAST
9600
380/90R46 - 480/80R50
duals
N/A
HARMON
AUTOFOLD
16.5 R16, 21.5 R16
N/A
N/A
1,600 (6,000)
poly; 3,690
poly; 2,310
poly; 2,271
N/A
poly; 5,280
poly; 2,790
poly; 3,785
15 (57)
54 (220)
54 (220)
N/A
hydraulic; Hypro 9306C-HMI
hydraulic; Hypro 9306C-HMI
hydraulic or PTO centrifugal
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
60
80, 90
60
66, 80, 88, 90, 100, 134
60
66, 80, 88, 90, 100, 134
67
83, 93
Boom features
adjustable)
applicable
suspended boom
suspended boom
auto fold
N/A
30
N/A
30
N/A
29
N/A
N/A
yes; 80 - 88 - 120
yes; 80 - 88 - 120
108-137
Raven 450
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
boom tire 6.7 15
diaphragm, 3/4 inch, triple nozzle
bodies on 20 inch nozzle spacings,
equipped with secondary in-line
strainers and manual fence row nozzles.
boom height 21 - 62
rinse tank 57
N/A
MAKE
MODEL
Tire size
Product pump - type
minute
Boom (in feet)
HARMON
ALL TERRAIN
16.5 R16, 21.5 R16
N/A
N/A
BRANDT
SB4000
14.9R46 singles or duals
18.9R46 singles only
28.0R38 singles only
BRANDT
QF1500
18.4R26
16.5R16.1
12.5R15 tandem only (4)
BRANDT
QF2500
18.4R26
16.5R16.1 tandem only (4)
N/A
poly; 2,271
poly; 1,600
poly; 3,800
poly; 5,700
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
poly; 107
poly; 281
poly; 281
hydraulic or PTO centrifugal
Hyd - ACE 206
Hyd - ACE 206
Hyd - ACE 206
N/A
Hyd - Hypro HM1 & HM4
Hyd - ACE 206 & 310; PTO 540/1,000
Hyd - ACE 206 & 310; PTO 540/1,000
67
N/A
80
90, 100, 120, 130
80
90, 100, 120, 130
Boom features
manual fold
N/A
N/A
Axle width (in inches) (range if adjustable)
29
N/A
80
90, 100
suspended boom, four pin pendulum,
self leveling
41.5
N/A
25
N/A
25
N/A
108
72-152
84-120
84-120
applicable
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
boom tire 12.5 L 15
N/A
MicroTrak 3406FII
Microtrak 9000
Raven 450
GS2 Norac Boon Control
N/A
boom height 15-72 in.
standard equipment includes high flow
plumbing
sloped tank floor & deep sump
wind cones
MAKE
MODEL
Tire size
Product pump - type
minute
Boom (in feet)
Boom features
adjustable)
applicable
SUMMERS
ULTIMATE NT SUPERSPRAYER
480/80R38
380/90R46
dual 480 or 380
SUMMERS
ULTRA SUPERSPRAYER
480/80R38
380/90R46
dual 480 or 380
HARDI
RANGER
28
38
N/A
HARDI
RANGER
38
N/A
N/A
poly; 3,785
poly; 3,785
poly; 550
poly; 550
poly; 5,678, 6,245
poly; 5,678, 6,245
N/A
N/A
poly; 269
poly; 269
opt poly; 63
poly; 63
Hypro centrifugal 9303C
Hypro centrifugal 9303C
Ace 150
Hardi 1303, 363, 463
N/A (97-147 US gal/min
N/A (97-147 US gal/min
30-80 US gal
30-80 US gal
60
80, 90, 100, 110
60
120, 133
28
29
28
29
45
60
paralift
24, 27
N/A
45
50, 60, 66
paralift
27
N/A
67-152
67-152
60-90
60-90
Raven 450, opt Green Star, Ag Leader
Raven 4400, opt Green Star, Ag Leader
Hardi HC 2500, HC5500, HC6500
Hardi HC 2500, HC5500, HC6500
EVC remote control sections and
pressure
Turbofiller for dry or liquid mixing
cyclone filters
opt Norac boom height
pressure
cyclone filters
3 inch bottom fill
touch down skids
cam lock drains
3 inch bottom fill
touch down skids
cam lock drains
N/A
N/A
bottom fill
frost kit, wind cones
standard equipment includes deep sump
25
100 mesh strainers
N/A
N/A
standard equipment includes deep
sump
bottom fill
frost kit, wind cones
to
100 mesh strainers
Tee Jet 744
MicroTrak 3406FII
Microtrak 9000
Supplement
Tee Jet 744
MicroTrak 3406FII
Microtrak 9000
MAKE
MODEL
Tire size
Rinse tank (size in litres and material
Product pump - type
minute
Boom (in feet)
Boom features
adjustable)
applicable
T
T ee c
ch
h ss &
& SS pp ee c
c ss -- A
A pp rr ii ll 22 00 11 44
26
26
HARDI
NAVIGATOR
320R46
N/A
N/A
HARDI
NAVIGATOR
320R46
N/A
N/A
HARDI
NAVIGATOR
320R46
N/A
N/A
HARDI
COMMANDER
320/90 R46
N/A
N/A
poly; 800
poly; 1,000
poly; 1,600
poly; 1,200 (4,500)
N/A
poly; 1,200
N/A
N/A
poly; 130
poly; 130
poly; 130
poly; 132
Hardi 1303 / 363 / 463
Hardi 1303 / 363 / 463
Hardi 1303 / 363 / 463
Hardi 463-73 / 463H85
ACE 150H, 200H, 650H
ACE 150H, 200H, 650H
ACE 150H, 200H, 650H
ACE 150H, 200H, 650H
45
90-60/120-90
Eagle
27
N/A
45
90-60/120-90
Eagle
27
N/A
45
90-60/120-90 or Force 80-132
Eagle/Force
27
N/A
80
90-60/120-90 or Force 80-133
Force/Twin
30
N/A
60-120
60-120
60-120
N/A
Hardi HC5500, HC6500, ISOBUS
compatible
pressure
cyclone filters
compatible
pressure
cyclone filters
compatible
pressure
cyclone filters
MAKE
MODEL
Tire size
HARDI
COMMANDER
320/90 R50
N/A
HARDI
COMMANDER
320/90 R50
N/A
HARDI
COMMANDER
320R50
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
poly; 1,600
poly; 2,000
N/A
N/A
Product tank (size in litres and
Optional product tank (size in
litres and material - i.e. poly,
stainless)
Rinse tank (size in litres and
Product pump - type
Product pump - gallons (U.S.)
per minute
Boom (in feet)
Boom features
Optional crop clearance (in
inches)
adjustable)
Rate controller - make and
model if applicable
Hardi HC6500, ISOBUS compatible
pressure
cyclone filters
NEW HOLLAND/CASE IH
68/S1050
18.4-26R3
380/80R38
320/90R46/duals 320/90R46,
380/90R46
NEW HOLLAND/CASE IH
68 XL/S1070
480/80R38 R1
380/90R46 R1
320/90R46/duals 320/90R46,
380/90R47
poly; 2,600
poly; 1,050
poly; 1,070
N/A
N/A
N/A
poly; 132
poly; 132
poly; 195
poly; 115
poly; 116
Hardi 463H-35 / 2x463-160
Hardi 463H-35 / 2x463-160
Hardi 1303 / 363 / 467
Hypro HM1C
Hypro HM1C
ACE 150H, 200H, 650H
ACE 150H, 200H, 650H
ACE 150H, 200H, 650H
Hypro HM3C, Ace 206
Hypro HM3C, Ace 207
80
90-60/120-90 or Force 80-134,
Terra Force 120-132
Force/Terra Force/Twin force air
assist
29
80
90-60/120-90 or Force 80-134,
Terra Force 120-133
Force/Terra Force/Twin force air
assist
32
80
90-60/120-90 or Force 80-134,
Terra Force 120-134
Eagle/Force/Terra Force/Twin
force air assist
32
80
80
90, 100
90, 100, 110, 120
N/A
wheeled boom in 4 or 6 sections
33-36
33-37
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
FlexControl III or Plus III
FlexControl III or Plus III
N/A
N/A
N/A
Hardi HC6500, ISOBUS
compatible
pressure
cyclone filters
compatible
pressure
cyclone filters
compatible
pressure
cyclone filters
opt hydraulic fold
opt hydraulic fold
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
THE
TICKING
TIME BOMB
Story by William DeKay
Crops, particularly canola, can be damaged
by residue of other herbicides left in the
sprayer
M
Continued on the bottom of page 30
27
to
adjuvant. The fat can layer over the Group 2 herbicide and trap it in the sprayer’s
plumbing.
Damage can also occur several loads after the contaminant herbicide was
applied.
“Canola is probably one of the most susceptible crops to Group 2 injury, so
you’ve got the perfect storm occurring when you’re applying to LibertyLink
canola,” he said.
A common assumption is that multiple tanks of another herbicide that isn’t a
contaminant type will clean enough of the problem herbicide out of the tank so
that no cleaning is necessary before going into a sensitive crop.
“That’s not necessarily the case,” he said.
Brenzil said he saw a scenario last year in which several tanks showed no
injury and then one tank “completely obliterates the canola in that area and then
subsequent tanks are fine.” It was the first time he had ever seen that occur.
Lab tests determined that the tank load that caused the injury had sat for a
significant time with Liberty inside the sprayer.
“It’s got more time to do more cleaning and so it pulls out a very concentrated
amount of that contaminant herbicide and goes out on the field and it completely
kills the canola,” he said.
The late start to seeding and variable weather combined to cause significant
problems last year. As a result there were sporadic periods when sprayers operated
for a day or two and then sat for two or three days.
Supplement
ore awareness of the potential for carryover during
crop spraying could result in fewer injured canola crops,
says a weed control specialist.
Clark Brenzil of Saskatchewan Agriculture said an
increasing number of cases have come through the Crop
Protection Lab in Regina in which producers apply one
herbicide and see injury symptoms from another.
The lab says that sprayer contamination caused all of the
cases last year.
“The key sign about tank contamination is when you’ve
got injury that runs in a straight line, and only equipment
runs in a straight line,” he said.
Sprayer contamination becomes a bigger problem in
diversified cropping systems with different sensitivities to
different groups of herbicides.
“That means that we have to be really on the ball about
making sure our sprayers are cleaned out when we go from
one crop to the next,” Brenzil said.
Contamination occurs when herbicide deposits form in
the sprayer, whether in the tank, screens, nozzles or the
overall plumbing during previous applications.
“There may be successive layers that build up over time.
It may be even two or three crops beyond the one that
you’re treating is the one that ends up showing injury, but
it tends to be in crops that are very sensitive to herbicide
injury,” he said.
“That’s a ticking time bomb for when you get one of
those cleaning type herbicides or adjuvants that come into
the system and flush all that stuff out and injure the crop.”
Most lab cases in the past five years have involved
Liberty applied to LibertyLink canola. The adjuvants in
Liberty are soapy and act as detergents in the tank, which
break down fatty substances.
Other herbicide applications involving solvent based
adjuvants, such as Merge or Turbocharge, can also clean
fatty substances out of the tank.
Brenzil said a Group 2 herbicide is the contaminant
herbicide in most cases, but it isn’t what necessarily
causes the deposit. That usually occurs when it is applied
in association with something with an oil or fat based
WHEN BIG BOOMS NEED TO
GET BIGGER
Story by Ron Lyseng
Jay Mercil had to tighten up his thinking cap three years ago when
Ron Sylte ordered a 3,100 gallon sprayer with a 150 foot boom. Then
the farmer wanted to go bigger
M
28
ercil, who co-owns Sprayflex in Detroit
Lakes, Minnesota, said his family has built
truck style sprayers since the late 1990s, and
Sylte has been buying their truck sprayers
since the first one rolled out of the shop.
“But we had never tackled anything this
big,” he said. “Our biggest sprayer up until then had been
the 120 foot model with a 2,000 gallon tank
and single rear axle. It’s a regular item in our
product line.” Sylte had just bought one of the Sprayflex
120 foot, single-axle truck sprayers with a
2,000 gallon tank. “But 120 feet wasn’t big enough. Ron
wanted to cover more acres per day and get
out of each field as fast as possible so he can
get on to the next one, ” said Mercil. Custom building the one-off giant sprayer
in time for spring spraying was a challenge, he
added. Mercil said there are critical factors to
consider when building a 150 foot boom and
a 3,100 gallon tank. The water alone weighs
26,000 pounds. “You have to look at the leverage factors
associated with such a big boom: how will it
react to things like bounce and turning? You
don’t just build things bigger,” he said. “We didn’t go to school for engineering.
We’ve been building sprayers long enough that
now we can just figure these things out for
ourselves. Our whole background is building
bigger and better sprayers. That’s just what we
do.” The company was known as Mar-flex
when it was started by Mercil’s father, but
Mercil and his brother changed the name to
Sprayflex when they took it over in 2010. International trucks have been the basis
of their sprayers since day one. Mercil feels
International has the strongest chassis, with
frame wall thickness of 7/16 inch. They started Sylte’s project with a new
International powered by the standard 330
horsepower Maxforce diesel. Mercil figured
the truck would be shy on power with that
engine, so they increased it to 390 h.p. They installed a heavier transmission
because of the extra power and payload,
stretched the frame by 12 feet and installed
twin screw differentials. The first differential
stays in the normal location and the second
differential is 10 feet back. The 150 foot boom uses the same unique
box design employed on the smaller Sprayflex
aluminum booms. The formed boxes bolt
together to form a light weight, rigid arm. “You have to look at
the leverage factors
associated with such a
big boom.”
—JAY MERCIL
Sylte took delivery in mid-April, just in
time for spring spraying. The sprayer worked
well throughout the 2012 season, racking up
25,000 acres. However, he had trouble matching the
unit’s 150 foot spray swath to his quarter
section fields in a manner that didn’t result
PREVIOUS PAGE: The Sprayflex 150.
TOP: Rather than use a welded box like
some big booms, Sprayflex bolts its booms
together. Boom repairs can be made without
cutting or welding
ABOVE: Jay Mercil says he can extend the
boom up to 25 feet. | PHOTOS BY RON LYSENG
Continued on page 30
29
to
field that’s a square half mile by a
half mile.”
Although Sylte concedes that
his sprayer is already the biggest in
the world, he stills wants to up-size
to 165 feet so the math works
properly on quarter section fields.
“If I can get the guys at Sprayflex
to build me a sprayer with a 165
foot boom, then we’ll be all set for
efficient spraying,” he said.
“My brother and I run the whole
farm. We don’t have any hired
help, so we look for efficiency in
everything we do.”
High wages in the oil fields of
western North Dakota are only a
stone’s throw from their farm,
making it next to impossible for
them to attract anyone capable of
operating equipment.
As a result, Ron and his brother
analyze every decision to make
sure every change increases their
efficiency.
The big Sprayflex is a good example.
They took delivery of the new machine last
spring and put 25,000 acres on it before fall
spraying wrapped up three months ago.
Their north farm is 24 kilometres from
the home yard, while their south farm is 10
km away. They could feed a sprayer with
their 6,000 gallon tanker semi if they had a
reliable hired hand, but they have no choice
but to put up with the inconvenience of
driving the Sprayflex back to the yard for fills.
Supplement
in wasted partial half-mile passes as he
finished the fields. So the next step for the
Sprayflex team will be to build the 165 foot
sprayer that Sylte wants for this coming
spring. Mercil said many producers don’t
understand that a truck sprayer can carry
a bigger payload and handle bigger booms
because the machine is lighter than a high
wheel sprayer. This weight factor translates into less
compaction in susceptible soils. The twin screw configuration further aids
in distributing the load over a larger area. The twin screw setup is outfitted with
lockers and combined with the mechanical
driveline it helps keep the machine from
burying itself in the mud. Mercil said the price tag for a new
sprayer like the one they custom built for
Sylte would sell for about $325,000. But after a year Ron Sylte decided to
up-size his year-old 150 foot self-propelled
Sprayflex to a more convenient 165 foot
sprayer.
The combination of a 3,100 US gallon
tank and 150 foot boom width allows Sylte
to spray 600 acres in four to five hours nonstop.
He seeds 10,000 acres, but many of the
fields are managed as quarter sections.
And that’s where the 150 foot boom width
becomes a mathematical nuisance.
“When I’m covering 150 feet per swath
in-crop, I always finish at the wrong end of
a quarter section field,” says Sylte.
“150 feet doesn’t divide very well into a
Sylte said it’s not so bad because he can
drive the sprayer on the road at a comfortable
45 m.p.h. High-wheel sprayers, on the other
hand, can put the operator into a white
knuckle situation, even at speeds below 35
m.p.h.
Efficiency would be better if he used the big
tanker as a tender, but that’s not an option.
Instead, he uses the tanker to haul sprayquality water back to his yard. He buys water
from a local irrigation well or from the city
of Williston, N.D. Back at the yard, he mixes
chemical into the Sprayflex tank as he fills.
Their quest for efficiency also includes
operator comfort and operating costs.
“I can spray my first 600 acres of the day
in four or five hours. I can do that twice a day
and feel pretty good. We can do it three times
a day, but then that’s a pretty big day,” he said.
“The main factor here is that I have to stay
a few steps ahead of the seed drill. Another
factor is cost of diesel fuel. In a normal trip to
the field and back, spraying 600 plus acres, I
burn less than 40 gallons of diesel. You’ll never
do that with any brand high wheel sprayer.”
Sylte thinks the hydrostatic drive used on
most sprayers consumes too much fuel and
allows the machines to get stuck more often
than mechanical drive sprayers.
As well, getting stuck with hydrostatic drive
burns out hydraulic drive motors.
Sylte’s special order 3,100 gallon truck
relatively level throughout all our spraying.
We’re in no-till and some minimum-till. We
have a JD 1835 with hoe type openers on
nine-inch spacing, so our fields can be pretty
rough sometimes, but that didn’t seem to
bother the 150 foot boom. Our screen didn’t
show any significant bounce, even at our
normal spray speed of 15 to 16 m.p.h. and
higher.”
Sylte said a Sprayflex with twin screw
differentials at 150 or 165 foot booms and
—RON SYLTE a 3,100 gallon tank has to be the ultimate
sprayer for big-acre producers who grow
sprayer with 150 foot aluminum boom isn’t his small grain cereals.
“It has potential for one man to spray
first Sprayflex.
“I’ve had truck sprayers for 20 years now. 1,800 acres in a long day and stay ahead of
In 40 years of spraying, this new Sprayflex is the seeding rig.”
He said all that weight and extended
the best ride I’ve ever had,” he said.
leverage
at the boom tips haven’t been a
“I bought my first Marflex (now Sprayflex)
truck sprayer about 15 years ago. Because of problem in wet conditions.
“When we started this project, I talked
the weight factor, these truck sprayers give
me greater tank capacity than a high wheel to the guys at Sprayflex about adding a
drive system to the front, but that’s a deep
sprayer.”
Sylte said his previous Sprayflex was a expenditure of $20,000 or more no matter
2,000 gallon unit with a 120 foot boom and how you do it,” he said.
“We have full lock on both rear
single rear axle. It was the biggest sprayer
differentials.
I only engaged it once this year
Sprayflex had built.
With 25,000 acres under his belt, he said (2012) when I was pulling out of a ditch. It
picked the front tires right off the ground.
the new 150 foot machine handled well.
“We saw very little boom bounce, which So I would say we get plenty traction and
was a surprise for such a wide boom,” he said. torque transfer from those four rear tires.
“We installed a Raven boom height Right now, I don’t think we need front
control. It told us that the boom remained assist.” ❖
“It has the potential
for one man to spray
1,800 acres in a long
day and stay ahead of
the seeding rig.”
30
“That’s not only going to contribute to more layering on the front
end of the contaminant but it’s also going to contribute to those
really catastrophic removal events where you get complete death to
that one tank load.”
Brenzil said many farmers also assume that spraying glyphosate
will alleviate the problem.
“There’s an assumption out there that glyphosate will clean
things out of tanks after you’ve got Group 2 combination ahead of
time,” he said.
Brenzil said the new glyphosate formulations are oily and
easily layer on tanks. This may coat more fat over the top of the
contaminant and trap it even more.
Prepass and Priority products also stood out last year as some of
the primary contaminant sources by forming solids and settling.
Good sprayer sanitation is the key. Brenzil said the sprayer needs
to be cleaned out with at least water but preferably a full cleanout
after any prolonged period of inactivity.
“Don’t let that stuff sit in the tank and layer things on the inside
of the sprayer,” he said.
As a short-term solution during the summer, Brenzil advised
letting water sit in the tank after it’s been emptied and cleaned
before resuming spraying.
Using an ammonium based cleaner is recommended for Group 2,
but it is not a strong enough grease cutter.
“Don’t be afraid to add detergent into that ammonia rinse or even
use one of the commercial tank cleaners that have both of those as
a component,” he said.
“The detergent breaks down the oil, the ammonia solubilizes the
Group 2 and they all go out in the rinse.” ❖
Growing with
farmers for
90 years.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013
VOL. 91 | NO. 40 | $4.25
Tough sell?
Larger than expected
volumes of grain cause
price slump | P. 6
GROWING WITH FARMERS FOR 90 YEARS
| WWW.PRODUCER.COM
CLASS FIELD TRIP
Grades 4 and 5 students from Delisle Elementary School walk out of a 200 acre wheat field being harvested for Delisle Crops for
Community, Sept. 10. Students observed a part of the crop, which had no fertilizer applied, to see the effects and how the yield
compares. The project is a fundraiser for recreation facility upgrades in Delisle. The town owns the land and agreed to let a group
of volunteers farm it for the next four years with all proceeds being turned back to the community. Agrium and Cervus Equipment in
Saskatoon are major sponsors. | WILLIAM DEKAY PHOTO
FIELDS OF DREAMS: Our annual
harvest photo feature begins on page 24
40
‘Game changing’ breeding nears
Crop breeding’s holy grail | Pollination would no longer be required in seed production
BY SEAN PRATT
SASKATOON NEWSROOM
Scientists are making strides on the
“holy grail” of crop breeding and
canola is the crop where the new
technology is the most advanced.
“This would be the single biggest
revolutionary change created by biotechnology for crops,” said Paul Arni-
son, president of Botanical Alternatives Inc., an agricultural biotechnology consulting firm.
The technology centres on a process known as apomixis, where the
female reproductive system of certain plants occasionally produces
seed without pollination.
Scientists have known about the
process since the dawn of crop breed-
ing but they haven’t been able to get a
handle on it until recently, said Wilf
Keller, president of Ag-West Bio Inc.
“It has been too hard to manage
and understand but now with whole
genomic sequencing we can maybe
get at those complex genes that trigger the process,” he said.
“It could revolutionize the way we
develop hybrid vigour.”
That’s because pollination would
no longer be required in the seed
production process.
Arnison said Tim Sharbel, a Canadian researcher working for a German
plant genetics company, has made
huge strides in understanding how the
apomixtic process works in canola.
SEE ‘GAME CHANGING’, PAGE 2
»
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OCTOBER 3, 2013
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The sprayer issue - The Western Producer

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