High output liquid fertiliser sprayer
SAM (Sands Agricultural Machinery) has developed a 4000 litre high-output self-propelled sprayer suitable for applying large volumes of ammonium sulphate (AS) liquid fertiliser at much lower cost to alternative methods.
Based on the latest conventional SAM SLc 4000 litre sprayer it is capable of applying 1000 litres per hectare of ammonium sulphate liquid fertiliser at 10.5 kmh and 1500 litres per hectare at 7.5kmh in addition to standard crop spraying.
Larger diameter plumbing has been introduced to cope with the high rates and fertiliser delivery is through Billericay dribble bars, which, according to SAM, proved to be more accurate than alternative dribble bars.
Non standard specifications include twin AR250 l/min 6 diaphragm pumps, twin speed control to reduce returns on normal spraying, twin lines – front 1/2in c/w triplet nozzle bodies and rear – 1in single body line, for high applications. There are twin feeds into the12m sections; twin suction filters, twin pressure filters and a fast fill port.
For 20m work a flip over hinge has been introduced at the break back. A 7-section boom configuration with individual control of each section means there is reduced overlapping and double dosing. During early applications the SAM machine runs on 800 section Alliance flotation wheels to keep compaction to a minimum. Once conditions allow the standard rowcrop tyre is a 380 section Continental that has the capacity to carry the extra weight of liquid fertiliser.
The SAM machine can easily apply up to 100 tons of AS covering 80ha (200ac) per day. Whereas most other contractors with 3000 litre machines achieve around 75t a day, according to Ian Griffin, SAM's sales manager.
"In addition to savings of approximately two thirds compared to the price of sulphur enriched prilled nitrogen application, the main benefits are increased output through a bigger tank capacity, higher forward speeds and fast filling of loads and a reduction in application time," said Mr Griffin, who added that bowser back-up as close to the fields as possible is essential to reduce travelling time.
Standard spraying of 100-200l/ha with speeds up to 18kmh means daily outputs of 200 to 250 hectares per day are easily achieved, according to SAM. The big 4000-litre tank means less fills per day, the main restriction in gaining high daily outputs.
The first machine was designed and built to meet the requirements of Halnaby Contractors at Melsonby, Scotch Corner, who farm 600 hectares (1500 acres) of their own and 800 hectares (2000 acres) on full farm contracts comprising OSR, wheat, barley and potatoes. The machine will also be applying AS on an extra 400 hectares through a Darlington fertiliser supplier.
Halnaby decided to purchase the SAM machine after a successful demonstration with a 3000 litre machine and subsequent visit to see an existing customer running a standard 4000. SAM was also one of the few companies to offer a 4000 litre capacity sprayer at an acceptable gross weight and at a price significantly less than other machines. SAM was also prepared to design a machine to suit the customer's exact requirements.
Their previous machine, a CASE Emerald with a tank capacity of 2000 litres was unable to cope with the increased hectares and if applying AS would have been travelling at around 4kmh.
Halnaby's fertiliser policy was to treat all crops to a first application of N in prilled form, as often with AS applied early there can be an incidence of scorch on the crop during frosty, windy conditions. All combinable crops then receive 1000l/ha of AS. Any top up applications are then done with prilled N.
Halnaby's total workload this season is expected to be around 9-10,000 hectares (23-25,000 acres) with a daily output of liquid fertiliser of up to 80 hectares (200 acres) at 1000l / hectare. Bowser back-up in the form of two 13t tractor-drawn tankers reduces travelling time and increases efficiency. First applications began in the 1st week of March.
Their fertiliser supplier is Rootwise Limited, that supplies 13,000 tonnes of liquid fertiliser to six contractors covering Yorkshire and County Durham. The product's main constituents are ammonia and sulphuric acid. This is then mixed by an independent chemical company who guarantee the specification of 8% nitrogen and 9% sulphur. Ph is guaranteed at between 6 and 7.5. The usual application rate of 80units per acre equates to 996l/ha.
The main reason to use the liquid ammonium sulphate is for the sulphur content. The equivalent sulphur enhanced prilled fertiliser is approx 33% more expensive. The application cost to customer is approximately £3/acre, according to Rootwise.
The SAM SLc 4000 equipped with liquid fertiliser application is from £80,000 depending on specification.
