Sprayer-spreader right vector

Designated the Vector 300, it comes standard with a 6000 litre tank and boom options of 30m and 36m (100 and 120ft).

Bigger tanks (up to 7000 litre) are in development for 2015.

Powered by a Cummins 8.3 litre Tier 3 engine developing 228kW (305hp), the engine is linked to a mechanical drive, four-speed Allison Hi-Lo transmission, with a Marmon Herrington drop box, giving eight forward speeds.

According to company manager Brad Hudson, the Vector can be optioned according to buyer wishes.

"For example, one farmer may want 710/70R42 tyres for better floatation on his farm while others want even bigger tyres or just row crop for controlled traffic," he said. "We think the standard model will have plenty of appeal because there are a lot of farmers with properties where larger tyres and boom widths may not be practical.

"And it has been proven that even with a smaller width boom like 30m, you can still achieve a high degree of productivity."

Another added bonus is the slide-on, slide-off spraying module which can be replaced with a spreader.

The standard controller is a Raven Viper which provides variable rate application, auto-boom shut-off, boom switching and auto-levelling among its features. Pairing the Viper with Raven Smartrax also provides for accurate auto-steering.

A stand-out on the new Vector is the boom designed by Stoll's Spraying Systems in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

According to Mr Hudson, the boom is perfectly in tune with the Vector's theme of simple, robust and dependable.

"It's a rugged truss-style boom that has been tested and proven over the years, and has been proven to be a valuable addition to the Vector line," he said.

The new spacious cab is fixed on air bag suspension and comes standard with air suspension seat with a console that moves with the seat.

The cab is made by the same company that manufactures cabs for Caterpillar and incorporates a cab-operated entry ladder for added safety.

A safety platform also allows inspection of the main tank, fresh water tank and fuel tank.

The pillar-less glass wrap-around cab provides outstanding fore and aft visibility and is 400mm (16in) wider than standard cabs.

The chassis is a hollow section rectangular box – the same as the Case Titan floater – which doubles as an air tank for both the brakes and the fast-response air bag suspension.

It also features the same Hypro pump as used on Case IH sprayers.

All plumbing is conveniently located on one side complete with a drop-down granular mixing system.

It incorporates the commonly used Banjo fittings.

The mechanical drive means no hydraulics on the wheels, so no cooling is required, reducing parasitic power loss and giving improved fuel economy.

Daily walk-around checks are easy and the battery is easily accessible, alleviating any sour moods.

According to Mr Hudson, AgImports, which is the Australian distributor, is actively building an Australia-wide dealer network.

"We've already signed up Stoll Spraying Equipment and Pastro Custom AG in New South Wales and Cummins AG in South Australia and we are now seeking WA dealers," he said.

"At this stage, we're open to discussions with all dealers on franchise arrangements."