The new ALPHA Plus self-propelled sprayer from HARDI incorporates many new design and functional features to provide operators with greater output and ease of operation.
Central to the changes has been an increase in power output compared to the model it replaces, plus a new multi-way valve and fluid system, an integrated tank design and a comfortable, modern design of cab with the latest electronic control systems.
New engines
The ALPHA Plus is powered by the latest TIER II compliant 2012 Deutz engines with the option of either 179hp or 210hp units, which represents a considerable increase on those available previously.
The ALPHA Plus is fitted with a hydrostatic 40km/h transmission using Poclain dual displacement wheel motors with hydraulic braking. As standard, all models offer four-wheel drive and selectable four-wheel steering with mechanical track-width adjustment from 1.8 metres up to 2.25 metres.
To provide greater operator comfort, ALPHA Plus is fitted with all-round suspension, having two coil springs on the front-axle and a single high capacity coil spring at the rear.
Cab environment
The central position of the cab on the ALPHA Plus, combined with the new design of tank, ensures excellent all-round visibility.
The cab is accessed via automatically operated hydraulic folding steps, leading to a sliding door. As standard, all models are fitted with an active carbon filtration system, heating, air-conditioning and a pneumatic seat complete with arm rests and seat belt.
All the main operating controls are contained within a multi-function joystick that also controls the hydrostatic drive. Aside from forward and reverse, grouped within the joystick are the primary spraying function controls that open and close the boom and boom sections; the controls for boom height, angle and variable geometry, and additional controls for bout markers and air speed where the Twin Force air-assisted boom is fitted.
The ALPHA Plus is fitted with the latest HARDI NOVA spray computer, which is fully compatible with data transfer, printer and GPS systems.
Central to the NOVA unit is a large 8cm x 8cm liquid crystal display which uses easy to read white lettering on a blue background. Graphically displayed on the screen is information relating to the active boom sections; spray volume rate; bout marker status and forward speed.
A further user defined display can be used to show information such as the area worked; total area worked; distance covered; work rate; total flow; flow per nozzle; volume applied; volume left in tank and pressure.
The display unit is backlit for night work, incorporates both a visual and audio alarm function and has a non-volatile (no battery) 10 year memory
The Nova Set unit is used to control all the secondary functions, such as calibration. Multi-function thumb operated buttons on the right of the panel are used to increase, decrease or enter settings. User defined function buttons are used to control auxiliary functions, such as sprayer lighting, and pre-set buttons can also be used to store specific user settings.
Smart-Valve fluid system
ALPHA Plus is available with either a 3,500 litre or 4,100 litre capacity polyethylene tank, which is shaped to integrate into the whole design of the sprayer. Incorporated into the tank is a 410 litre rinse tank and the sprayer is also fitted with a 15 litre clean water tank.
The new Smart-Valve control system ensures easy operation of the main fluid control system and uses conveniently grouped multi-way valves to limit the number of operations needed to pass from one function to the next. The fluid system is driven by a HARDI 463/12 diaphragm pump and is fitted with quadruple filtration and a 25 litre chemical induction bowl.
HPZ or Twin Force booms
For the UK, ALPHA Plus can be specified with either the HARDI HPZ or the air-assisted TWIN FORCE boom for more specialist applications.
The high strength steel HPZ boom is available in seven widths from 24 metres up to 36 metres. There is the ability to half fold the boom where needed and it has anti-yaw mechanical and self-levelling pendulum suspension. Each boom section incorporates a spring loaded breakaway and the boom offers individual tilt each side and hydraulic slanting. All booms are fitted with stainless steel spray lines with Triplet nozzles.
The air-assisted HARDI TWIN FORCE boom is also available in seven widths from 18 metres up to 30 metres. Central to the design of the boom is the ability to alter the angle of the air curtain to achieve improved crop penetration and increased drift reduction.
The standard specification for the new HARDI ALPHA Plus also includes all-round cab mounted lighting, improved engine access and a large 180 litre capacity storage locker.
