HARDI UK will be launching at Cereals a new version of the COMMANDER sprayer introduced last year. The COMMANDER i version is a semi-automatic sprayer in which up to seven of the main functions are computer controlled, leaving the operator free to concentrate on other tasks.
As with the existing COMMANDER range, the COMMANDER i is available with 3,200 litre; 4,400 litre and 6,600 litre capacity tanks, and steel booms up to 36 metres or air-assisted TWIN FORCE booms up to 30 metres wide.
Up to seven different automated functions can be specified on the COMMANDER i intelligent sprayer, enabling the farmer to adapt the sprayer to his specific needs.
• HeadlandAssist controls the boom when turning
• AutoSlant automatic boom levelling ensures the boom stays parallel to the ground
• PrimeFlow circulates and primes the boom before spraying
• AutoFill avoids overfilling
• AutoWash automates sprayer cleaning
• AutoAgitation controls agitation dependent on tank level
• AutoSectionControl automatically controls boom sections to avoid double dosing
HC6500 Controller
At the heart of COMMANDER i models is HARDI's new HC6500 Controller. All the main sprayer functions, such as boon on/off, boom height and slant control are all operated using the main HARDI GRIP joystick.
The HC6500 Controller incorporates a large, easy-to-read colour screen which is sub-divided into six smaller windows, five of which are user defined. Information is colour coded and there is a large format screen that highlights the required data for quick and easy viewing. Data for up to 98 fields can be stored on the controller, which is also GPS compatible and can be upgraded to ISOBUS.
AutoFill
Using the AutoFill function, having entered the required fill volume into the HC6500 Controller and connected the hose, the operator can safely leave the sprayer to fill and then shut itself off when the required volume is reached.
AutoAgitation
Using an electronically operated flow valve and tank contents sensor, the HC6500 Controller will automatically vary agitation according to tank contents.
During filling and with a full tank, maximum agitation is engaged, then reduces as the tank empties to prevent foam and reduce liquid residues. The system can be manually over-ridden and different programmes can be accessed for optimal agitation.
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PrimeFlow
Ahead of activating the sprayer, PrimeFlow circulates and primes the boom to avoid sedimentation and enables flushing of the boom lines without spraying liquid onto the ground. Each nozzle body incorporates a small electric motors, sourced from the car industry, to give fast, positive engagement of the nozzles. Compared to a vacuum based system, this is far simpler and has the advantage that any leaks can be quickly traced.
HeadlandAssist
As its name suggests, HeadlandAssist automates boom operation whilst turning at the headland. As soon as the operator turns off the sprayer at the headland, the boom is automatically lifted and at re-entry for the next bout will return to the set height. The system also incorporates angle sensors so that on sloping fields the boom will also automatically mirror the slant angle of the previous bout.
AutoSlant
AutoSlant is a hydraulic boom management system which on hills will automatically slant the boom to keep it parallel to the ground. In addition, at the headland the system will also avoid the inner side of the boom dipping whilst turning.
AutoSectionControl
Using a GPS receiver to automatically record areas that have already been sprayed, as these areas are reached on a subsequent bout, for instance on angled headlands or spraying round pylons, AutoSectionControl will automatically shut off and then turn on up to 13 sections of the boom, and has been found to cut chemical wastage by at least 3%.
AutoWash
A total of three different internal cleaning programmes are available at the press of a button on the HC6500 Controller. Lasting about 1 minute, 'BoomFlush' will quickly rinse the spray lines. 'FastFlush' is a quick, basic wash lasting about 3 minutes and would potentially be used in the evening when the sprayer will be using the same product the following day. "MultiRinse' is a thorough 15 minute wash that would be used when changing product or crop.
The new HARDI COMMANDER i is immediately available, and prices start at £40,000 for a COMMANDER i 3200 with 24m FORCE booms.
