'Great big' demo days

Some of the world's most advanced spraying, spreading, cultivator and tractor technology will be put through their paces at a series of demonstration days to be held in WA this month and next.

The events are being hosted by European farm machinery manufacturer Amazone in conjunction with the company's Australasian distributor, the CLAAS Harvest Centre network.

CLAAS Harvest Centre regional general manager WA Andrew Johnston said the events would provide an opportunity for producers to learn about new technology in a friendly, low-pressure environment.

"These are must-attend events for all producers who are looking for new ways to improve productivity and efficiency," he said.

"Everyone will have the opportunity to discuss their machinery requirements with international and national product specialists, watch working demonstrations or arrange a test drive.

"We think this format represents a welcome change from traditional field days, where sometimes it can be difficult to get the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion or inspection."

International guests include Amazone international sales manager - sprayers Ulrich Bucher and Amazone Australasian service support Steffan Schmees.

They will be supported by product specialists and demonstrators from Landpower and the CLAAS Harvest Centre network, including Craig Hopkins, Amazone product manager. Spraying technology to be demonstrated includes the Amazone Pantera 4502 W self-propelled sprayer and the Amazone UX112000 trailed sprayer.

The Pantera boasts fully adjustable track width, speed-regulated all-wheel steering, automatic hydro-pneumatic suspension, electronic traction control and a 36m boom.

The UX112000 features a 12,000-litre spray tank, 36m boom, 3m wheel spacing, auto steering and hydro-pneumatic suspension.

Both machines incorporate speed-spraying design principles found in all Amazone sprayers.

"Efficiency does not just refer to the actual spraying operation but to the amount of time it takes to prepare, travel and clean up," Mr Johnston said.

"Amazone sprayers are designed to maximise spraying time by minimising unproductive down-time.

"Last year, a UX11200 established a world record for the application of crop protection products, covering a staggering 1032ha in 24 hours under commercial operating conditions."

Spreading technology to be demonstrated includes the high-performance Amazone ZG-TS trailed and ZA-TS linkage twin-disc centrifugal spreaders.

Both machines, which incorporate weighing scales, tilt sensors and automatic calibration, are capable of accurately spreading a range of fertilisers up to 54m.

"They're incredibly easy to operate - you simply enter the desired spreading rate and fertiliser type and then drive off," Mr Johnston said.

"The two on-board weighing cells detect any deviation between the desired application rate and the amount being discharged.

"The onboard tilt sensor measures any deviation in the centre of gravity, both front to back and left to right.

"The processor then automatically adjusts the electric metering shutter slides to ensure an even, three-dimensional spreading pattern, regardless of the terrain."

Cultivation equipment includes the new 12m Amazone Catros 12003-2TS disc harrow and 6m Amazone Cenius 6003-2TX mulch cultivator. The implements will be paired with a selection of CLAAS Axion 900/800 advanced technology tractors, which feature continuously variable transmission, four-point cab suspension and smart on-board technology.

A top-of the-line Axion 850, equipped with CMATIC continuously variable transmission and CEBIS operating system, was named 2014 Tractor of the Year.

CLAAS Harvest Centre Big Demo Days will be held in Esperance on Thursday, February 25, Katanning on Monday, February 29, and Geraldton on Thursday, March 3. For more information, visit www.claasharvestcentre.com .