NEW HARDI WA self-propelled boomsprayer specialist CLAAS Harvest Centre (CHC) is gearing up for a major demonstration program of its flagship SP, the Rubicon.
According to CHC regional WA general manager Andrew Johnston, the HARDI SPs are a perfect fit to complete the dealership’s product range for its Geraldton, Northam, Katanning and Esperance branches.
“We are very happy to be associated with HARDI, they understand broadacre farming requirements and are leaders in spray technology” Andrew said.
“That expertise will be available to our WA customers through our branches and supported by HARDI technical support staff based in WA”.
“HARDI’s range of SP product offering meets the needs of medium and large broadacre operators who want a cost-effective sprayer that can perform through a range of conditions to consistently hit targets.”
The Rubicon is powered by an 8.9 litre Cummins Tier 3 engine developing 276 kilowatt (370 horsepower) and comes with a 1000L fuel tank.
HARDI’s figures show fuel consumption at 42L an hour, depending on conditions, which would be enough to nearly complete a 24 hour shift, or more sensibly, filling up every two days.
According to HARDI territory manager Tom Slayter, the Rubicon has hit the mark for large operators wanting to capitalise on spraying windows.
“Most of our owners can operate the machine averaging 30 kilometres an hour using the 160 foot (48.5 metre) boom,” Tom said.
“Some have reported to us speeds up to 35km/h, so at those speeds it’s a real test for boom stability.
“A stable boom at the right height is the key to successful spray target deposition.
“That’s what the Rubicon delivers.”
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Rubicon owners also comment on productivity with increases from using the 48.5m boom with a 9000L tank of up to 700 hectares a day, depending on conditions, compared to 300ha a day using the 36.3m boom.
Concerns about boom whip at 48.5m are quickly allayed by a patented pivot pendulum centre, which controls boom stability and sensitivity to varying ground contour conditions.
It can be hydraulically-controlled on-the-go, to adjust for tight, soft or crabhole country.
Another feature of the Rubicon is a two-fold design meaning you can spray at full width – 36m or 24m.
The Saritor comes standard with a 6000L tank and a 36m Pommier TR5 tri-fold aluminium boom (several width options up 42.5m) with a AutoTerrain boom height and stability control centre.
This has been the workhorse in the HARDI stable over several years and is a well-proven sprayer.
