The path taken in the field by a self-propelled sprayer allows us to see how the agriculture operation in the grain crop is optimized by Precision Agriculture.
Reducing the losses and the less compaction of the soil, using the machine not only to speed up the application of the chemical solution, but to enable a more sustainable and safe management for farmers.
In this article, it is explained the technical resources, the main pieces of equipment and what you must consider when choosing the best agricultural sprayer model for your farm.
What is a self-propelled sprayer?
The self-propelled sprayer is an agriculture machine engineered for the precise application of chemicals, fertilizers, and other inputs in the crop field.
Unlike conventional sprayers, that are trailed by tractors, the self-propelled sprayers feature their own traction system and power.
Thus, as the own name suggests, the self-propelled machine moves by its own. It is equipped with an engine, travels in the field independently without the need of a tractor to trail it.
The machines also have plenty of agricultural technologies associated, which ensures the application of agricultural chemicals, fertilizer application and, in some models as on Imperador 3.0, the seeding.
This versatility ensures the maximum usage of the products, reducing losses and environmental impacts.
Spray nozzle: what is it and how to choose the ideal one?
The spray nozzle fragments the chemical solution in drops and direct them to the crop plant. In practice, they determine the size of the drops and volume of the chemical solution application, enabling an efficient spraying.
Choosing the right spray nozzle is essential to avoid drift losses, which occurs when the spray drops are moved to surrounding areas and not to the desired target, jeopardizing the cover and causing failures in product application, and contamination from other crop fields.
Setting the ideal drop
To make the choice for the right spray nozzle, you need to know what the application target is. Thus, it is possible to have an idea of the ideal drop size, that is, finer or thicker.
When it is the time to calculate the equipment efficiency, consider the following factors:
- Type of applied product
Choose whether the chemical solution is systemic-acting or product contact. Contact products demand a uniform cover, making it easier for spray nozzles that provide smaller drops.
- Crop type
Canopy crops demand nozzles with wider angles and twin fans to improve penetration.
- Weather conditions
Avoid spray nozzles that produce too fine drops in wind conditions, high temperature, or low humidity.
- Drift control
If drift control is a priority, choose nozzles such as the Stara Twin Fan SDL or the Stara Ultra Low Drift-SUB that provide optimum drift reduction.
- Pressure and flow range
Each nozzle has an ideal pressure range. For lower volume, nozzles such as the Stara Hollow Cone-SCV can be more suitable.
Would you like Stara help to choose the spray nozzle?
Download the Stara Spraying application
After downloading the application developed by Stara on your phone, follow these five steps:
- Choose the agricultural sprayer.
- Then, select “Choose the Nozzle.”
- Indicate the application type, whether it is single row or twin row.
- Enter the application rate in litre per hectare (based on the farm reality).
- Enter the application speed.
Based on this data, the app shows better nozzle choices to obtain positive results in your crop field. The Stara app is available for Android and IOS.
How many hectares a self-propelled sprayer applies per hour?
The spraying efficiency depends on a series of factors that need to be considered when assessing the average operation capacity of a sprayer. There’s no exact rule, but a logic.
For this reason, according to the agronomist engineer Thomas Liska, Stara Product Marketing Coordinator, you need to consider previous applications and tests. “The farmers choose to apply 50 litres or 100 litres per hectare, depending on the product they are using inside the sprayer, as this volume varies. But the machine size, which is what we talk about capacity of litres in the tank is directly related to the size of the customer area,” explains Liska. “So, in the case of Stara, we recommend machines of 4000 litres for larger farms, machines of 2000 litres for smaller farms, this is the logic”.
Therefore, to calculate the efficiency of a self-propelled sprayer per operated hour, you need to consider the following factors:
1. Size of the booms
The wider the operation width, the wider the sprayed area in each pass.
2. Application speed
The spraying speed directly influences the covered area per hour. Increasing the speed increases the system pressure significantly and vice-versa. It is important to always apply at speeds when the spray nozzle ensures the best performance, without losing quality.
3. Time for steering procedures and supplying
The time spent in steering procedures at the end of the spray row units and the supplying time of the chemical solution tank impact efficiency in general.
4. Terrain conditions
Bumpy terrains demand lower speeds, which can reduce the sprayed area per hour. Whenever possible, it is important to keep the agricultural machine stability and the boom at the ideal height during applications, avoiding oscillations caused by the terrain conditions.
5. Practical test on the terrain
To set the efficiency, it is a good idea to do a practical test in your crop field, considering the specific conditions of your farm.
6. Weather conditions
It is recommended to avoid spraying when the temperatures are too high, to prevent the evaporation of the drops. High speeds of the wind also interfere with the results.
One of the Stara sprayer remarkable features is in the weather condition sensors installed on the machine. The equipment warns the operator data such as the wind direction and speed, and the temperature. Thus, the farmer can decide safely whether it is a good day to spray the crop field or not.
The best sprayer for your crop: learn how to analyse
Choosing the best self-propelled sprayer model for your crop field depends on questions such as:
Farm size
Plan the area size to be sprayed and the product type to be applied.
Crop type
Each crop has its own particularities in relation to the spraying. There are specific models for crops such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and pasture. Choosing the proper model avoids damage to the plants.
Tank capacity
The tank capacity varies according to the farm demand and frequency of spraying. It is important to avoid sudden stops for supplying.
Terrain topography
For bumpy terrains, it is essential to choose an agricultural sprayer with 4-wheel-steering system and good stability.
After-sales technical assistance
It is crucial to ensure the good operation of the sprayer over time. Choose companies that provide specialized technical assistance such as Stara Conecta.
Cost-benefit
Assess the cost-benefit of the sprayer, considering the initial investment, operational costs and gains the new equipment may provide.
Technical specifications and resources of the sprayers
The self-propelled sprayers are equipped with plenty of resources to ensure positive results in agricultural operations that vary according to the model and brand. Learn some of the main components:
- Engine: the power must be compatible with the sprayer size and terrain topography. Choose engines with low fuel consumption to reduce operational costs. Additionally, choose engines with low pollutant emissions to minimize the environmental impact.
- Transmission: transmits the engine power to the wheels, allowing the sprayer to move. Analyse the transmission type, number of gear shifts and the maximum speed.
- Chassis: consider the type of chassis and suspension, as the ground clearance and load capacity for good machine stability.
- Spray booms: the boom size influences the operational yield per hectare of the machine. It also determines the paths the machine leaves in the crop field. The Stara self-propelled sprayer features spray booms of 27, 30, or 36 metres. To reduce the path impact, the brand provides the Zero Crop Damage solution.
- Operator’s station: it features a cooling system and is ergonomic. It provides comfort and safety to the operator during the operation. The acoustical upholstery and the control panel are also to be considered. In terms of safety during operations, the pressurized cab and the air filtering system protect the operator from the direct contact with chemical products, ensuring more safety during applications.
- Precision Agriculture: make sure the sprayer has a GPS system, an agricultural controller such as the Stara Topper 5500, the automatic control of sections, and Telemetry to optimize the operations.
Stara self-propelled sprayer: Imperador 3.0
The Stara Imperador 3.0 is the only 3 in 1 self-propelled sprayer in the world, and is developed in Brazil. It stands out in the market because it gathers spraying, spreading and fertilizer spreading and pneumatic seeding system on a single agricultural machine.
The Stara agronomist engineer Thomas Liska summarizes the versatility in three advantages:
"The farmer doesn’t need three machines, one for each resource, they can assess these three resources on a machine instead. When storing the machine in the barn, it needs just a spot, not three spots. In addition, the machine doesn’t require a specialized operator for each machine, only one is enough."
Remarkable features of Imperador 3.0
1. 3 in 1 versatility
It enables multiple operations by keeping the same path, which increases the efficiency and reduces operational costs.
2. Advanced spraying technology
Spraying system with central booms, which ensures more stability and precision during applications. Additionally, it features an exclusive continuous recirculating system that keeps the chemical solution in constant circulation, avoiding residues and ensuring homogeneity in application. On the other hand, the Nozzle-by-Nozzle Control System automatically shuts down the nozzles in sprayed areas, avoids overlaps and saves up to 5% of chemicals.
3. High spreading efficiency
Precise spreading capacity with a stainless steel hopper of a capacity of 2,700 litres, using fixed rate or variable rate for optimized fertilizer application, as the prescription maps, which ensures inputs economy and higher yield. In addition, the pneumatic seeding system with high operational yield uses the same spray path, which reduces the damage losses.
4. Development and sustainability
Electronic engine with a capacity of 223 cv turbo, with low emission of pollutants and lower fuel consumption, especially when the Eco Mode is enabled, which can reduce the consumption up to 12%. The machine weight distribution is balanced (50% on the front axle and 50% on the rear axle) during spraying, which improves the stability and development on bumpy terrains.
5. Easy operation and maintenance
The Up & Down - Hydraulic Lift System enables to increase the machine ground clearance up to 40 cm, eases the applications when crop plants are tall such as corn, in addition to the weed and pest control.
Another advantage is the self-supply pump, which fills the chemical solution tank in less than 5 minutes.
6. Agricultural technologies connected
Telemetria Stara provides the management of the operations in real time, allowing the monitoring and adjustments directly on Topper 5500 VT to ensure maximum efficiency. The signal correction has a precision of 2.5 cm, essential for operations with auto steering, reducing failures and overlap.
If you want a self-propelled sprayer that combines innovation, technology, and efficiency, the Stara Imperador 3.0 is the perfect solution for those who want to reach better results in the field.
Summary
Investing in a self-propelled sprayer may result in plenty of advantages for your crop field. Among them: more autonomy, precision, agility, comfort, safety, and less soil compaction. To choose a model, consider the technical characteristics, the brand support, and the specific needs of your farm.
In this complete guide, you understood what a self-propelled machine is, how the agricultural machine works in practice, and tips for efficient spraying and safe operations.
Did you like the suggestions and want to learn more about agricultural machines?
Go to a Stara dealer and find out the technologies and agricultural implements that meet your crop field needs.
