CROPLANDS has gone to great lengths to develop WEEDit kits for John Deere R4045 self-propelled boomsprayers.
Selling through an exclusive dealer contract with AFGRI Equipment, Croplands used a computer scanner to determine the best positioning of the cameras across the boom to ensure correct spacings and operating height as well as ensuring there was no camera damage when folding the boom.
According to Croplands territory manager Gavin Merritt, the R4045 was the ideal platform for the WEEDit kit because of ease of fitment and boom fold.
“We did a lot of homework to ensure the kit is easy to install and easy to set up,” Gavin said.
“We can offer kits for different boom sizes from 24m to 36m.
“Since we took over the distribution of WEEDit from Total Precision Systems two years ago, we have increased market share substantially.”
“Inquiry has been very strong this year and that has led to an increase in sales as more farmers understand the benefits.
“It’s not just about saving money by spot-spraying.
“The whole focus is on reducing weed seed banks and because you’re not blanket spraying, you can afford to use the more expensive chemical mixes that really blitz the weeds.”
Summer spraying generally ramps up in January and depending on frequency of thunderstorms or cyclones, it can mean multiple sprays.
The idea of spot-spraying is to hit weeds and melons while they are small and using WEEDit technology enables accurate targeting and a higher kill rate.
According to AFGRI Equipment marketing coordinator Timothy Roberts there already is strong interest in the kits from SP owners.
“It’s all about combating herbicide resistance,” Timothy said.
“We see the WEEDit as the ultimate weapon.”
WEEDit uses near-infrared sensors spaced at one metre intervals along a boom which detect plant chlorophyll in paddocks.
Each sensor activates a solenoid which controls the release of tank-mixed chemical through a bank of five spray nozzles per sensor onto the target.
WEEDit sprays only where there are weeds – on average only 10 per cent of the paddock – thus allowing the use of chemicals normally considered too expensive for blanket application.
The WEEDit controller also has the advantage of displaying live feedback of sensor operation so an operator can see if sensors are functioning correctly in real-time.
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According to Timothy, some of the key features include speed and turn compensation with the fitment of two speed sensors.
These supply boom speed information to the operating system so that it can compensate for varying speeds, including varying boom tip speeds in turns.
A WEEDit electrical system has been upgraded with the use of a 24-volt system to cater for high demand when required.
“This reduces current draw by four times compared to a 12 volt system,” Timothy said.
“With our WEEDit boom and robust chassis, we also can offer trailing models with an in-cab hydraulic folding boom in 24 and 36 metres.
“Trailing models come with a three metre air suspension axle and automatic ride height valve.
“All sprayer boom wheels are fitted with new responsive air ride suspension.”
