FEW growers know HARDI’s RUBICON 9000 self-propelled boomsprayer better than Matt Davies, who farms north of Pooncarie on the lower Darling River, New South Wales.
Mr Davies, who just clocked up a full year with his RUBICON, was one of HARDI’s first customers following the flagship model release in July 2016.
“When we were looking to buy a new sprayer, we were seriously looking at purchasing a rival model, but it just didn’t stack up in terms of the specs,” Mr Davies said.
“We were specifically seeking width, tank capacity and reliability, so when he learnt about the RUBICON 9000, we knew it was right for our requirements.
“We have always been HARDI customers and the RUBICON 9000 was just a far better machine.
“It ticked all the boxes and HARDI was willing to work with us to spec the sprayer we wanted.”
The RUBICON 9000 is the largest self-propelled sprayer on the Australian market.
Its huge capacity – 9000 litre spray tank, 1000L fuel tank and 630L rinse tank – is matched in scale by an ultra-wide, front-mounted HARDI aluminium boom, available from 36.5-48.5 metres, (120-160 foot), on-the-go adjustable axles between three and four metres (10-13ft) and a huge under-frame clearance of 1.85m (6ft).
The rear-mounted 276 kilowatt (370 horsepower) Cummins engine has fully integrated electronic controls and supplies the power to a Danfoss four-wheel-drive hydrostatic transmission, which Mr Davies said delivered plenty of power with good fuel efficiency.
The front-mounted HARDI aluminium boom is a bonus in the dry conditions frequently experienced in far western NSW.
“We have very dusty country here and having the front-mounted boom is really helping us,” he said.
“I thought we may have issues with chemicals going onto the machine but we have had no problems whatsoever.
“That surprised me.”
When conditions are right, it’s not uncommon for Mr Davies to put in 12-16 hour days, so ride comfort is critical.
HARDI’s OverRide suspension, combined with the RUBICON’s unique boom ride, ensures optimal operator comfort.
“The ride comfort – and the view – is fantastic,” he said.
“I don’t have a sore neck at the end of the day looking forward, that’s for sure.”
When asked the most important factors a grower needed to make when considering a new machine purchase, Mr Davies nominated reliability and support.
“They both have to be right up there,” he said.
“HARDI has always produced a reliable machine and as far as support with the RUBICON, I could not have wished for better.
“They have looked after us.”
