John Deere self-propelled sprayers

More power, higher accuracy and less weight

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John Deere’s European built self-propelled sprayer has an impressive history of success, with the 1000th machine leaving the Horst factory in the Netherlands earlier this year. Building on this story, John Deere is introducing several new features designed to increase capacity, efficiency and precision.

The exclusive PowrSpray solution system has been taken from the R900i Series trailed machines and adapted for the self-propelled range. This features two hydraulically-driven pumps. The first fills the sprayer at up to 1200 litres/min and enables filling of the R4050i model’s 5000-litre tank in less than five minutes. By using reduced engine rpm, customers are able to lower the sprayer’s fuel consumption.

PowrSpray also features a second 1000-litre/min spraying pump. This features Direct Rate Control, which provides fast changes of application rates and the highest possible spraying accuracy, adjusting the output between minimum and maximum in less than three seconds. This high level of flexibility is particularly important when entering or exiting headlands. In addition, Direct Rate Control improves the spraying accuracy necessary for variable rate applications, where wide variations in target rates may be required over small areas.

John Deere’s unique Active Pause feature also allows operators to use as much time and clean water as they need to fill chemicals and rinse chemical containers, with no race against the filling solution tank.

The new carbon fibre boom is six times stronger and 5.5 times lighter than the previous steel spray boom, providing greater durability and a longer working life. The overall weight saving of around 800kg means the boom is more reactive and offers better boom ride performance. The sprayer’s weight distribution is also more balanced, at 46 per cent in front and 54 per cent at the rear. This helps to reduce ground pressure at the rear of the sprayer and means less soil compaction.

The sprayer’s new QuadControl transmission offers several advantages for both spraying and transport. The cruise control function can be used at speeds between 15 and 40kph. After setting the speed and the engine rpm, the driver simply pushes the hydro handle fully forward to engage cruise mode.

Independent wheel slip control provides more traction and greater hill climbing ability. The system controls the speed of each individual wheel motor to minimise wheel slip in tough operating conditions, leading to higher operating efficiency.

To reduce the risk of stalling the engine, for example when operating on extreme slopes, the sprayer also automatically reduces the speed of the wheel motors while the engine and hydro pump continue to provide full power – there is no need for the operator to adjust the hydro handle to maintain engine power and momentum.