For those running mixed farms or contracting over multiple small and awkward-shaped fields, high-spec mounted sprayers can offer an attractive mix of compact agility and reduced capital costs, but with features to rival or exceed trailed and self-propelled counterparts. Farmers Guardian looks at several options in this arena.
Typically associated with lower spec, smaller machines, several manufacturers of mounted sprayers offer high-end control technology and total capacities well above 3,500 litres with some versions.
Combined front and rear tanks can offer a high capacity set up, with some suppliers front tanks integrated to allow uniform emptying of both front and rear to maintain the balance of the machine, or the option to carry two different tank mixes to improve application efficiency.
The operator also benefits from tractor cab technology and comfort, particularly when spending long periods on the road.
Amazone
The German manufactures UF02 range extends across four models with tank capacities of 1000, 1,300, 1,600 and 2,000 litres.
Boom sizes from 12 to 30 metres are offered in range of working widths. In addition two front tanks are offered with capacities of 1,000 and 1,500 litres respectively, offering a maximum machine capacity of 3,500 litres.
Both front tanks can be specified with integrated fill controls, allowing simultaneous filling and emptying off both tanks, or the transfer of liquid between tanks to balance machine. Other options include road lighting, work lights and a camera kit.
The range can be supplied with boom recirculation and can be fitted with up to 13 sections or individual section control for each nozzle body at 500mm.
Quad bodies and 250mm nozzle spacing can be supplied and all section control systems can be automated with a GPS connection and are IsoBus compatible.
Individual LED nozzle lights cab be specified and these are designed to illuminate each spray fan. Automatic boom height control and boom suspension is also offered.
The 60 litre induction bowl with an intake of 150 litres/minute and valve controls are housed inside a large cabinet, which is claimed to offer improved protection and cleanliness.
The range is offered with hydraulic or pto pump drive, with pump capacities of up to 300 litres/min.
Hardi
Danish manufacturer Hardi has a long pedigree in manufacturing mounted sprayers and offers a wide range of machines, from 400 litre compact units to the MEGA range shown here.
Covering tank sizes of 1,200, 1,500, 1,800 and 2,200 litres, it offers boom widths from 15-28m offered in two designs depending on the working width required.
Both boom options are vertical folding and include boom suspension. Automatic boom height control is an option.
Spray control is managed with up to 13 section controls or using the optional AutoNozzleControl system individual nozzle control can be operated. The system is GPS actuated from a Hardi HC terminal or through an IsoBus connection to the tractor.
The system can operate with prescriptive maps, offering variable rate or targeting application based on crop area.
Two pto driven diaphragm pump options are available with either a 194 litres/minute or 280 litres/minute respective capacities.
Chemical induction is achieved using a fixed-height 25 litre plastic induction bowl with 120 litres/min intake. Mixing and fluid control is operated from a grouped layout of manual valves close to the induction system.
Two front tanks are offered in capacities of 1,200 and 1,500 litres with a separate 135 litre wash tank.
These can be integrated to allow either an increase in capacity for the whole system with the operator selecting to draw liquid from the front or rear, or operated as a clean water tank to allow for second tank mixes. An optional 12 v electric agitation and wash pump is available.
Unique to the MEGA, all models include air suspension with truck-type bellows mounted between the three point linkage and the main chassis.
The system is designed to reduce shock loads from the tractor and maintain stability of the boom when working, as well as improving road travel.
Horsch
Newcomers to the mounted sprayer market, Horsch launched its Leeb CS range in September 2021. Offered in tank sizes of 1,400, 1,800 and 2,200 litres, with a promised front tank range to follow.
The CS range draws its design and function from the established trailed and self-propelled models and includes the companies active boom control system.
Claimed as a unique feature to the mounted class, the system is designed to allow each boom to pivot in relation to the floor, in addition to the centre section. Automatic height control above the crop is managed by four sensors across the boom assembly.
Nozzle spacing of 250 or 500mm available with GPS linked individual section control, alongside spray recirculation and the manufactures CCS Pro cleaning system, which is an automated cleaning system operated from selectable programmes using the filling control screen.
The full specification and options list has yet to be announced, however the models will include hydraulically driven pumps as standard, and use an A frame mounting system, which should improve attaching and removal of the unit.
Kuhn
French implement giant Kuhn offers a wide range of mounted sprayers including compact units for the amenity market, however the range of most interest to UK buyers is the Altis 2, which spans three models from 1,500, 1,800 and 2,000 litres with boom widths of 14 to 28m.
Aluminium or steel booms are offered dependant on width and are mounted to the chassis using a parallelogram linkage. This incorporates the boom suspension and is claimed to offer an improved response when compared to vertical mast designs.
The unit is attached to the tractor using a separate linkage frame which allows for the fitment of the pto for the 265 litres/minute pump before mounting the main sprayer.
In addition, the range can be supplied with two integrated front tanks from the PF range. Supplied in sizes of 1000 and 1500 litre, they incorporate full lighting, additional hand-wash tanks and electric transfer pumps.
When used in conjunction with the largest Altis model, the maximum spray capacity is 3,500 litres. Both models of tank can be connected with the in-cab controller and operated as a complete system.
Spray control systems include IsoBus integration, automated boom height control and spray circulation systems. Section control can be suppled as individual nozzle control or a breakdown of 11 sections. Both can be GPS signal actuated.
Chemical mixing is carried out using a 35 litre induction hopper offering 200 litres/min intake. The induction system folds away inside a protective cover next to the control valves. Three specifications for induction and filling control can be chosen, including full manual values and automated filling and intake shut-off.
An optional CCI A3 touch screen joystick is available, which incorporates a colour touch screen on the joystick face.
Knight Farm Machinery
Rutland-based Knight Farm Machinerys Xtra mounted range is suppled in three tank sizes of 1,300, 1,600 and ,1,900 litres. Booms from 12 m to 30 m are offered in V-fold or gullwing configuration.
The models can be supplied with either a 260 litres/minute diaphragm or 300 litre min centrifugal pump depending on applied products, with the option of high-volume fast filling
A folding 25 litre stainless-steel induction hopper with 95 litres/minute intake is supplied with the manufacturers MAXImiser plumbing system.
This system primes the spray lines prior to spraying and purges them with clean water after use, which is claimed to reduce water wastage and wash out times. An additional automated control to manage the filling and washout functions is also offered
Additional options include under boom lighting, remote nozzle blockage alert and automatic clean water tank re-filling.
Air actuated individual nozzle switching is offered, managed through a Muller-sourced in-cab controller. This unit is IsoBus compatible and offers GPS switching and variable rate application for liquid fertiliser.
The company offers three front tank of capacities of 1,300, 1,500 and 1,900 litre. The largest tank is an introduction for 2022 and allows a maximum combined capacity of 3800 litres. All tanks are supplied with parking stands, road lighting and hand wash facilities.
A 300 litres/minute hydraulically driven centrifugal pump is supplied with the front tank range, and can be operated to fill, agitate or transfer to the rear tank to maintain the balance of the machine.
Kverneland Group
Offered in the UK through Kverneland and Vicon dealers, the iXter B range is supplied in three tank sizes of 1,300, 1,600 and 1,800 litres with Domex steel booms from 18 to 30 m.
The boom systems are designed for half boom with folding, allowing one side of the machine to be operated with the opposite folded up; a potentially valuable feature for vegetable or root growers.
Automatic boom height control is available with up to three ultrasonic sensors across the working width to lift or lower each boom. Boom suspension is standard across the range.
Supplied with a 260 litres/minute diaphragm pump the machine is available with the optional iXflow-E circulation which is claimed to prevent any sedimentation in the lines and includes individual nozzle control.
The iXclean option is offered to allow automatic rinsing and cleaning of the machine.
Chemical mixing is achieved using a 30 litre venturi induction bowl and slides into the body of machine and is protected along with the control values with a folding cover.
All models can be supplied with the manufacturers IsoBus Geocontrol which allows GPS integration to automate the individual sections
A 1,100 litre front tank is offered in two model variations of Comfort and PRO.
The PRO version with an electric agitation and rinsing pump is IsoBus compatible and connects with the main spay controller to automate transfer between the two tanks when filling and spraying to maintain balance, and allows separation of the two tanks for different products or as an additional fresh water tank for a secondary mix.
Landquip
Manufactured in Suffolk, two ranges of mounted sprayer are offering with the Cropmaster and Rear-Fold supplied in five tank sizes from 1,300 to 2,000 litres with two designs of all aluminium booms.
The gull-wing design is offered on the Cropmaster is supplied in widths of up to 28m with the Rear-Fold version being supplied in widths up to 30 m. All booms are manufactured by Pommier to Landquips designs.
All machines are supplied with a 235 litres/minute pump and include a folding 30 litre induction hopper with a 180 litres/minute chemical intake. An automated filling system is available.
Boom suspension is supplied as standard with optional automatic height control. Spray control and regulation is managed through the companies Poziflow recirculation system with ARAG air-actuated section controls. Units can be specified with individual nozzle control, with optional IsoBus and GPS connection.
A range of three front tanks if offered for both models in sizes of 1,100, 1,500 and 1,900 litres offering a maximum machine capacity of 3,900 litres.
Tanks are supplied as standard with a hydraulically driven agitation and transfer pump, handwash and separate wash tanks, full road lighting and convex mirrors for improved visibility.
