Techneat Engineering has launched a new high-capacity version of its popular Outcast sprayer-mounted slug pellet applicator. The new Outcast Maxi features a 380-litre front mounted tank, with capability to cover over 50 hectares per fill at five kg/ha of mini-pellets. The original Outcast, introduced last year, has a rear mounted 90-litre hopper.
The Outcast enables the accurate spreading of slug pellets during crop spraying operations with self-propelled or trailed machines of up to 36m boom width. Both the Outcast and Outcast Maxi feature Techneat-designed satellite precision spinning disc distribution heads mounted on the boom, each enabling the accurate application of mini-slug pellets across a 12m bout width. The satellite heads are now manufactured from a lightweight tough pre-moulded plastic.
The Outcast is primarily designed for potato and field vegetable growers, but will prove equally valuable for essential slug pellet applications in min-tilled autumn oilseed rape and cereal crops, according to designer, Tom Neat. "Quality potato and field vegetable production has zero tolerance for slug damage. Applying a fresh low-dose of slug pellets when weather conditions are conducive to slug activity can help to minimise overall pellet use and improve the levels of control.
"Weather conditions requiring blight and fungicide sprays usually coincide with highest levels of slug activity. Repeated application of fresh pellets offers the most effective control," he adds. "The Outcast is a quick and efficient means for spreading slug pellets, without need for an additional pass through the crop. With full in-cab controls, operators can simply switch on applications for headlands or high risk areas of known slug damage, where required."
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Hitherto most operators had been trying to spread slug pellets across 36m from a single centrally mounted distributor – which was proving extremely inaccurate. Options were to fit two distributors along the boom, with inherent problems of weight distribution and extra cost. Alternatively, mounting hoppers high up on the spray rig, in an effort to increase spread width, did little to improve accuracy, and made loading a dangerously precarious operation. The Outcast overcomes all these problems, according to Mr Neat.
The Outcast and Outcast Maxi features a single metering mechanism, fully adjustable for application rates between two and 10kg of mini-pellets per hectare. "Calibration and tray tests have shown the cyclone distribution heads provide an extremely accurate and even spread of pellets across the entire width," added Mr Neat.
Techneat is currently offering the Outcast and Outcast Maxi with a special trade-in deal for growers' existing sprayer-mounted applicators. Contact Techneat on 01353 862044 for further information.
