Chafer Spray Packs, based on those previously used on the RoGator 418 chassis (Mirage) and 618 MultiCarrier, are now being sold in an exclusive arrangement through the Challenger dealer network in the UK.
"Challenger has worked closely with Chafer since 1999 when we began supplying the RoGator 418 chassis for the Chafer Mirage sprayer," explains Richard Shelton, National Sales Manager, Challenger UK & Eire. "Now we are simply extending this relationship to also include sales of the two machines that use Chafer's purpose-built spray packs."
Previously the RoGator-based self-propelled sprayers were sold direct by the Gainsborough-based, Chafer Machinery. "The new arrangement will bring big benefits to our customers," says Rob Starkey, Chafer Sales Manager. "This is an exciting development. Challenger has a tremendous reputation for service and back-up with fast and efficient parts supply.
"Challenger dealers will give us more access to key customers. The self-propelled sprayers are a natural fit with the highly mechanised farms using Challenger tracked tractors and machinery. Moreover, customers will benefit from prompt, local back-up and service they have come to expect from the premium brand."
The single sales route will also allow both companies to now concentrate on their specialist areas. The 418 and 618 RoGator vehicles are produced in Challenger's Applications Division's Grubbenvorst, Netherlands factory. Here the firm will now focus its research and development attention and expertise on is renowned chassis and engine technology. Chafer will continue to develop its high-spec spray packs for these vehicles, further enhancing the application efficiency of these well-regarded machines.
Although the spray packs will continue to carry clear identification as a Chafer product, they will now feature a new Challenger livery to reflect the two firm's closer relationship. Chafer's range of trailed and demountable sprayers will continue to be sold direct from its Gainsborough headquarters. Challenger's existing Spra-Coupe, high-speed/low volume, machines will also continue to be sold by its dealers.
The RoGator-based machines, now sold exclusively by Challenger's UK dealers, are designed specifically to match the demands of discerning large-scale farmers and contractors. They offer unrivalled features in cab comfort, engine power, chassis design, transmission operation and spraying technology.
The Challenger RoGator 418 is powered by a 157hp, six cylinder Caterpillar engine, through a three-speed Poclain hydrostatic transmission. The chassis has permanent four-wheel drive and foot-switch selection of two- or four-wheel steer with automatic realignment. The front axle features automatic hydraulic suspension, along with AEON block suspension on the rear.
The spray pack is equipped with a 3,000 or 3,500 litre capacity tank with 5% extra capacity and a 10% (of nominal volume) integral clean water tank. The tank wash system uses aggressive nozzles and the sloping floor offers complete draining for optimum hygiene.
The boom is available in widths of 18-36m with hydraulic tilt and stainless steel spraylines as standard along with a prime and purge system and triple nozzle bodies. The centrifugal pump provides up to 7 bar pressure and quick filling at up to 400 litres/min, with all filling and mixing controlled by large easy-to-use rotary valves. Up in the cab a single multi-function controller operates all the sprayer functions.
The powerful RoGator 618 MultiCarrier, powered by its Caterpillar 225hp, six cylinder engine and equipped with luxurious cab and high specification spray pack is the most advanced production self-propelled sprayer on the UK market. Booms are available in widths from 18-36m and tank capacities up to 5,000 litres.
The three-speed Poclain transmission provides permanent four-wheel drive and a programmable 'cruise control'. Full power steering to all four wheels offers foot-switch selection of two- or four-wheel steering. Fully automatic self-levelling suspension is fitted to the front axle, with AEON block suspension on the rear.
The specially-designed Chafer spray pack offers the highest specification with an electronic rate controller and multi-function lever incorporating all the spray sections and boom lift and tilt. Tanks are available in capacities from 4,000-5,000 litres and come with sloping floors for complete emptying along with a 5% extra room for foaming and an integral clean water tank with aggressive cleaning nozzles.
The boom has hydraulic tilt for hillside work as standard and features stainless steel spraylines that are fully protected within the framework. Precise applications at high speeds are ensured by the fully damped suspension system and high quality bearings on all joints to minimise friction and cut wear and maintenance.
Two large rotary valves ease spraying and filling through the stainless steel chemical hopper with water and chemical self-fill induction unit, which is equipped with a bowl flushing and container rinsing system.
Excellent all-round vision is provided by the top quality cab, which is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration and is fully air conditioned with triple carbon filtration and dehumidifier. The ergonomic layout of the cab controls ensures high comfort and ease of operation with electro-hydraulic control of boom lift, tilt and fold.
