Sprayer the complete performer

The three side mounted DCI units allow Leo Casey to apply multiple chemicals in one pass, saving time and money.

The variable 4m wheel spacing on Leo Casey's new GoldAcres Crop Cruiser gives it a commanding presence - it clearly means business.

But it's the extra front-mounted tank and bank of three direct chemical injection units along the side that suggest this is no ordinary sprayer.

In fact, the Gunnedah-based contractor believes his machine's capacity to apply so many different chemicals at variable rates makes it unique.

"I don't know of any other sprayer produced anywhere in the world that can do what this machine does," Leo said.

"It can apply four chemicals simultaneously with two through each of the two boom lines.

"One comes mixed from the front tank while the other three are injected directly at the boom lines using the DCI units. And they could all be going on at different application rates.

"With each main tank and the three DCI units each having their own pump, it's actually possible to apply five products at variable rates."

However, a more typical operation involves combined spot and blanket spraying, applying three chemicals in the one pass.

"For example, I would have Starane mixed in the front tank being spot-sprayed through the Weed Seeker line, while injecting Atrazine and glyphosate into the other line for blanket coverage," Leo said. "That would take two passes with a normal sprayer."

In addition to the capacity to apply multiple chemicals at variable rates, wheel spacings are adjustable on the go to either 3m or 4m settings, making it the first of its kind produced by the Australian manufacturer.

"I knew exactly what I wanted and they produced it for me," Leo said.

Leo believes there are real advantages in buying locally-made sprayers designed for Australian conditions. He says imported machines come with just the basic essential components of frame, tank, pump and boom.

"Then you have to spend big dollars to bring them up to spec. With GoldAcres you get exactly what you want straight from the factory and their service and support is absolutely magnificent."

Leo says farmers are increasingly recognising the benefits of direct chemical injection over tank mixing.

They believe chemicals are producing faster results and that it may be possible to reduce application rates, although there is still some caution that the improvement could be due to drier conditions.

"It certainly overcomes the problem of glyphocines being broken down by clay suspended in bore and dam water.

"And of course, you can stop and start depending on the weather without worrying about chemicals going off in the tank.

"From a contractor's point of view the big advantage of DCI is cleanliness and ease of use. Loading is quick and easy and you aren't mixing every hour.

"And it's very accurate - much more so than by hand."

The new Crop Cruiser is one of five sprayers operated by Leo and his brother, Mick, who have built up their combination contracting and rural supplies business over 15 years since leaving the family farm. NFS Agribusiness now employs 22 staff.

With a wide variety of cropping systems and increasing use of controlled traffic around Gunnedah, the hydraulically-operated variable wheel spacing feature is very handy.

Changing between 3m and 4m spacing takes less than a minute as the machine rolls slowly backwards or forwards.

Three metre is still the most popular setting for most clients but Leo said there was an increasing trend towards 4m.

• For more information on the Crop Cruiser, contact GoldAcres on (03) 5342 6399, or go to www.goldacres.com.au

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