BIGGER tractors, bigger three-point linkages (3PL) and a penchant for getting the job done fast.
That about sums up the growing 3PL market which now sees the addition of the new HARDI MEGA lift-mounted sprayer.
It’s HARDI biggest model in this category with a 2200 litre tank volume, with all the technological “goodies” to handle the pressures of maximising spraying windows.
The MEGA is following a new design concept with a large rinse tank using the empty space between tank and tractor.
This brings the centre of gravity closer to the tractor with obvious advantages.
Five models are available in the MEGA range with tank capacities of 1000 litre, 1200L, 1500L, 1800L and 2200L.
Category 2 or 3 linkage is all you require at the back with the MEGA frame boasting air-ride suspension, with polyurethane dampers absorbing movements.
The dimensions of the dampers ensure that they do not get over-compressed when the tank is empty and during road transport, the MEGA and consequently the boom will not be pushed so hard.
HARDI also says in field conditions, the boom suspension allows the boom to operate at optimum height over the crop.
The MEGA has been designed with a strong focus on user-friendliness and ease of operation, with all primary functions placed in easy to reach positions and everything is designed to be simple and logical to operate.
A traversable ladder is fixed in the WorkZone on the left side of the sprayer to facilitate access to the tank lid and access to the electronic system behind the right side cover.
To aid in service accessibility, the majority of electronic components and connections are weather-proofed.
The polyethylene tanks of the MEGA are produced as one part.
They have a very flat surface, no inside walls, and they rest freely in the frame on a large contact area.
To make the sprayer as stable as possible, the tank is completely integrated in the frame design and is fully supported by the frame.
Agitation is performed by a set of up to 24 venturi nozzles which are positioned to give optimal agitation everywhere in the tank.
The output of the venturi nozzles are about four times the input, meaning 280 litres a minute agitation with an input of only 70L/min.
Less use of pump capacity means more capacity available for spraying.
The sprayer is completely emptied even on slopes up to 10o – uphill or downhill – while the absence of sharp corners prevents sedimentation build-up.
All primary functions needed to operate the sprayer when filling chemicals or cleaning were built into two main valves on the left side.
The HARDI TurboFiller is standard on the MEGA and is designed to handle large quantities of powders and liquids.
Its high capacity is achieved through a combination of high vacuum and liquid rotation produced by a TurboDeflector inside the hopper.
Liquid at high pressure is used to create a powerful rotation inside the hopper which powerfully mixes powders and liquids as they are drawn into the sprayer.
The highest capacity is achieved when the TurboFiller is more than half-filled with water.
The ElectricFastControl feature is a modular system with a positive-drive motor valve for each section and a single pressure dump valve.
When all sections are off, the pressure in the line to the nozzles is relieved.
This results in instant shut-off at the nozzles.
Boom options are available in working widths from 15 to 28 metres (50-92ft).