Application of Sprayer Technologies in Field Equipment Dustin Simmons BAE 4213 April 23, 2001

Objectives To introduce you to some of the new sprayers on the market and the technology they utilize related to precision agriculture. To give you a look at some research relating to sprayers.

John Deere 4710 & 6700

J. D. Parallel Tracking Pinpoints the sprayers location to an average accuracy that’s within 10 inches. Uses a monitor and audible beeps to guide you across fields Allows you to spray at night or when visibility is limited.

J.D. SprayStar Allows the operator to set and choose from three programmable rates on-the-go. Pre-set rates can range from 4 to 94 gpm. Allows you to vary agitation rates from the cab. System records area, volume, and time spent spraying. Stores up to six job summaries.

John Deere SprayStar

J.D. Suspension System Independent strut system with adjustable air springs at each wheel based on the F-18 fighter jet suspension.

J.D. Boom Suspension Three separate systems keep the nozzles an equal distance from the crop resulting in uniform spray coverage. An accumulator cushions the boom vertically. Center pivot roll system allows the boom to follow the same altitude of the machine on hillsides and terraces. Yaw suspension resists boom flap.

John Deere “Since the average annual use for sprayers is approximately 600 hours per year, that 2 mph difference could increase your earnings by $28,800.

Case 3200B

Case AIM system Ag Information Manager (AIM) Utilizes a Pentium 133 processor with Windows 95 operating system. Guidance module provides sub-meter accuracy when used with DGPS. Multiple sets of guidelines can be established within a field to accommodate for irregular boundaries.

Case AIM system cont’ Navigation System will direct the operator over a set of selected parallel swath lines using a light bar. Uses pulse width modulation to manage droplet size. Nozzle pulses are timed to alternate along a boom providing abundant opportunity for spray from individual nozzles to blend for consistent deposition on the target.

Case ARM System Application Rate Management (ARM) combines swath guidance and multiple product variable rate application

Case ARM System cont’ Communicates with GPS ready rate controllers and automatically adjusts the rate of application. “Auto Spray” feature reduces over spray. An agrochemical prescription map can be created using a compatible GIS package.

Case 3200B

Ag Chem Rogator

Equipment technologies Cherokee

Price comparison

Questions