Chosen for its mechanical simplicity and generous output, a Multidrive M420 is earning its keep for one farming business, as Geoff Ashcroft reports.
Over the years, TS Arable, based at Matching Hall Farm, Bishops Stortford, Essex, has run all manner of Chafer- derived self-propelled sprayers.
But with the demise of Chafer's Mirage, the contract farming business turned its attention to a different power unit, as company director Will Streeter explains.
"We looked at many different options but settled on the Kellands Multidrive for its combination of mechanical simplicity and generous output," he says.
"It is one of those machines which we are able to sort out pretty quickly if we ever need to.
"And where else could I get such a high output machine for much less than a hydrostatic self propelled? It is such good value for money."
The 2,000-hectare contract farming business which Mr Streeter runs for farming partnership TS Arable with his brother Tom and business partner Dave Tinney, is one which operates with a keen eye for detail.
Margins
"We choose kit which can improve our efficiency and also help to maintain our margins," he says.
"So cost and productivity are huge considerations for us."
With more than 200 fields ranging in size from 1.4-38.4ha and working on heavy clay land close to Stansted Airport, Essex, spraying demands a considered approach to application timing.
With a 5,000-litre, 24-metre Chafer spray pack, the M420 combines a modest blend of sophistication with an old-school approach to power and traction. Beneath the skin of the machine is a Deere power unit delivering 195hp and driving all four wheels through a six-speed powershift transmission.
Locking differentials and multimode steering add to the go-anywhere charm, and a mid-mounted cab retains a tractor-like feel for sprayer operator Dave Barlow.
Reflecting on his 36 years of experience, he says: "I must admit, after years of sitting out front on a self-propelled, the Multidrive was quite a change, but you soon get used to it. The cab is roomy, offers a good view and is comfortable.
Transmission
"And while I have had other sprayers stuck in the past, I have never struggled to get the Multidrive across a field, nor have I needed to reach for the diff-locks."
He believes mechanical drive does not suffer the same power losses as a hydrostatic transmission, so the wheels will keep turning until they slip.
"Tyre technology has improved enormously too, so it will go pretty much anywhere," he adds. Wheel and tyre equipment includes Michelin 650/75 R30 flotation tyres and a set of row crops. The latter provide just enough underbelly clearance for oilseed rape.
"Ground clearance is a compromise, but it is not a deal breaker," says Mr Barlow. "Row crops do lift the chassis that little bit more."
In terms of output, his best day has seen 190ha pass beneath the boom.
"Our average field size is about 30 acres and it has covered 75,000 acres in three years."
Service and backup from Kellands was impressive, and Mr Barlow is expecting similar under its new McConnel branding.
Service work has been carried out locally and is only needed every 500 hours.
"So far, the M420 has been very reliable, though the cruise control switch needs attention as it no longer cancels when you touch the brake pedal - I am sure it is related to the brake light switch," he says.
When it comes to on-board technology, Mr Barlow says applications are managed through a Teejet controller in combination with its Matrix Pro to deliver auto start/stop of six sections across the 24m boom.
"I do not need the sprayer to be an all-singing, all-dancing machine. I like levers and mechanical simplicity. So why over-complicate things in the cab?"
Headland
Cruise control lets him set engine revs and forward speed and a selector switch lets him toggle between four-wheel steering for tight headland turns and two-wheel steering when sat in tramlines.
He says the selectable steering is also handy for some tight manoeuvres on narrow local roads.
"There are just three places where I cannot negotiate a tight turn in two-wheel steering. The 4.2m wheelbase does not help the machine's manoeuvrability, so a flick into four-wheel steering avoids having to make a shunt."
He says the Multidrive's air brakes and self-levelling air suspension make for a safe, comfortable and secure environment, both on-road and in-field.
"There is little on-farm which provides the same level of ride comfort."
He says in-line filters have been fitted to the boom and a toolbox has been built to fit at the back of the sprayer between the rear mast's uprights. In addition, Mr Barlow has installed a sheet of chequer plate to the nearside boom to protect nozzles from prevailing hedgerows when folded for transport.
"I have been caught out before in narrow lanes and this is a useful modification which does not interfere with the sprayer's performance. Importantly, it saves me some hassle."
He adds the Multidrive has yet to be equipped with auto-steering and the arrival of John Deere Greenstar guidance system is likely to happen in 2019.
"I still take pride in driving straight, though tramlines make it easy anyway. Auto-steer might be useful on pre-em applications, but the drill markers do give me a good head start.
"I would have another Multidrive given the choice, though I would also hope this one stays on the fleet for quite a while - it is barely run-in."
Verdict
The Multidrive 420 forms the basis of a very competent self-propelled sprayer with good power efficiency and traction from the mechanical drive train, a comfortable ride and the ability to swap spraying kit for a lime or fertiliser body.
