Frontier Agriculture based at Ingham, Norwich required a replacement ‘Suspension’ applicator to join their fleet of SAM self-propelled sprayers and Sand’s modified JCB based de-mount units that have completed over 10 years service. To increase the efficiency of the machine it was specified that the skid unit should have two de-mountable packs. A 3500 litre capacity (with an extra 600 litre rinse tank) suspension fertiliser applicator with 30m booms and a 4000 litre / 24m standard spraying pack.

As suspension fertiliser is extremely heavy, typically 1.5 times heavier than water, this machine was manufactured with the design and features of the Sand’s 5500 litre self- propelled, the 5:5. Heavy-duty axles and Poclain wheel motors are used and the machine is totally ‘drive by wire’. The transmission ECU controls the wheel motor displacements, drive motors and the engine. For roadwork the machine drives just like a car with the engine rev’s increasing as the joystick is moved forward. In fieldwork constant engine revs are used. The wheels motors always start in full displacement – 1st gear, and change automatically into 2nd gear for field work and 3rd gear for road work up to the maximum of 40 kmh. Anti-stall and cruise control are standard features on this machine.

Power is provided by the latest Tier 3 Deutz 6 cylinder turbo intercooled diesel engines giving a true 207 DIN hp (238 SAE hp) at 2300 rpm with torque to match. Because of the potentially high ‘all up weight’ of this machine independent dynamic disc brakes are fitted to each wheel motor and operated from a cab mounted brake pedal.

Larger than standard 14.9/34 are fitted for row crop work and Michelin 710/55 – 30 spread the load for flotation work.

On the ‘suspension’ fertiliser pack, a 316 grade stainless steel tank is fitted with lots of ‘slope’ and a bunded lid. Coupled with the large stainless pipework, a new high capacity centrifugal pump, purpose made filter and a pinch valve regulator gives the machine an output of 2000 litres / ha at 14 kmh – with a 30m boom.

The boom itself is a 3 fold 30m, slightly modified from our standard 30m spray boom. 10 anvil nozzles are fitted at 3m spacings plus a ½ rate nozzle at each end for headland work. Large pipework and pneumatic control ensures accurate and reliable performance.

This machine is carried on standard SAM hydra/pneumatic self-levelling suspension, which provides an excellent ride under all conditions. However as it is common practise to apply this fertiliser onto ploughed land the machine is fitted with the optional ‘Dual Ride’ suspension which softens the front end and enables more shock to be absorbed thus giving the operator a smoother ride.

With the ability to be de-mounted in around 40 minutes the versatility of this machine is extended to ‘normal’ crop spraying with the mounting of a 4000 litre / 24m spraypack. The machine has similar overall dimensions to the standard SAM SLc 4000 so retains it’s excellent manoeuvrability and relatively low weight when operated as a crop sprayer

For more details contact:
Ian Griffin on 07787 504413
Or
Bari Cotter on 01692 580522