John Deere introduces new mounted & trailed sprayers
13/06/05

A new line of mid-specification mounted and trailed sprayers will be available in limited numbers from John Deere this summer, and will be seen in public for the first time at Cereals 2005, incorporating Sprays & Sprayers.

Featuring a compact and light design, the 400A Series mounted sprayers replace the existing 410 and 412 models, and are aimed at smaller arable, livestock and mixed farms, as well as vegetable growers. The range comprises the 410A and 412A machines, with tank capacities of 1000 and 1200 litres respectively, and a choice of horizontal (12 to 15m) and vertical (18 to 24m) rear folding spray booms.

Vertical folding booms are a new feature on John Deere sprayers, and provide a more versatile boom folding system for operating at different spray widths. The centre of gravity on the machine remains close to the tractor, for extra stability, while the hydraulic lift mast provides a range of boom heights from 50 to 200cm.

Different coupling systems are available for attaching the sprayer safely and quickly. An optional automatic coupling system with a three-point hitch triangle allows ample room to connect the sprayer, while the tilted frame avoids the need to readjust the top link after lifting.

Designed for medium sized arable farms, the 700 Series trailed sprayers complement the existing 800 Premium Series, and include the 724, 732 and 740 models. These offer tank capacities of 2400, 3200 and 4000 litres respectively, and a choice of either 18 to 28m double folding booms, with a transport width of 2.5m, or 24 to 28m triple folding booms, which feature a reduced folding height and 3m transport width.

John Deere's brand new Z-Bar linkage on the trailed models ensures that the boom always remains close behind the sprayer's wheels, increasing stability and optimising weight distribution at all spraying heights.

The chassis design of these trailed sprayers features a low centre of gravity for extra stability in the field and maximum weight transfer to the tractor. Among the various drawbar options available, an automatic steering drawbar allows the sprayer wheels to follow the tractor's rear wheels exactly. This reduces crop damage during headland turns and improves the sprayer's manoeuvrability.

An optional double link axle suspension system allows the sprayer to be driven at higher road speeds up to 50kph, and provides increased operator comfort and productivity while maintaining boom stability and spraying height in the field.

Both ranges feature a new boom suspension and integrated yaw dampening system, based on a central pendulum with shock absorbers and polyurethane dampers. This offers all the benefits of the suspension system found on higher specification machines, but in a lighter and simpler design.

Established spray controllers from the existing John Deere sprayer range are used on these new models. They include the basic EL-4 unit with automatic rate control for both ranges, and the EHB-2 with tracking drawbar control for trailed machines.

A central operator's station on the left hand side of the sprayers groups the induction hopper together with protective lockers for clean and dirty clothing, separate rinse and handwash tanks, and the filling and transfer connections. All the sprayers feature high capacity, heavy duty piston diaphragm pumps with capacities of up to 280 litres/min.

Full production of the new John Deere 400A and 700 Series sprayers will start in November 2005.