The advances in the field mechanization have provided smarter and more efficient solutions to the Brazilian crop fields. Among them, self-propelled machines, that stand out for delivering autonomy, precision and high yields when planting a bunch of grain types.
This article explains what a self-propelled machine is, the advantages and how to operate this machine type, boosting your farm activities.
In addition, the Stara self-propelled machines are described here and the brand technologies which have free technical assistance from the factory straight to the machine cab.
What is a self-propelled machine in Agriculture?
A self-propelled machine is an agricultural machine equipped with an engine. In other words, it doesn’t need tractors or other pieces of equipment to move in the field. Unlike the trailed implements, the self-propelled machine has an engine, chassis and cab integrated to provide more autonomy in operations.
In practice, the self-propelled machine works similarly to a vehicle with an engine, for instance, transmission system, and steering system. Usually, they are diesel engines with 4x4 hydraulic transmission and smart control systems.
The self-propelled machine cab, in general, is equipped with agricultural technologies, allowing the operator to monitor all the machine functions easily and safely. Precision is ensured by the GPS, sensors, and other resources.
Are self-propelled machines Precision Agriculture pieces of equipment?
The self-propelled machines are considered precision agriculture pieces of equipment thanks to the on-board technologies that provide the following:
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Variable rate application
The number of inputs is adjusted automatically according to the specific needs of each crop field area. Depending on the agricultural controller manufacturer, you can send variable rate maps without a flash drive, but through telemetry. Stara is an example.
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Monitoring via Topper 5500
The sensors and agricultural GPS provide precise data about the location, speed, and crop field conditions, allowing the following up of the operations by means of the agricultural controller, straight from the self-propelled machine.
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Data analysis and mapping
The application data of the machines can be used to generate maps and reports, helping the farmer with planning and decision making.
Seven advantages of a self-propelled machine
Using a self-propelled machine in the field provides a bunch of advantages for the farmer, which are way more than decision making and autonomy. See the main advantages:
1. Higher operating yield
The self-propelled machine carries out the operations efficiently by covering huge areas in shorter time. This is possible thanks to more autonomy and operation speed. Thus, the operation day is more productive.
2. Less crop damage
Using systems such as the Smart 4-Wheel-Steering System reduces the crop damage to 45% when operating on boundaries. As a result, it boosts the crop production.
3. Application precision
The integration between the auto steering and the 2.5 cm signal correction and the Topper agricultural controller on the self-propelled machines ensure higher precision, even in bumpy terrains. It delivers a more uniform and productive crop field.
4. Lower labor cost and logistics
As the self-propelled machine executes operations with fewer stops and more autonomy, it reduces the need for frequent supplying. It means less cost per operated hectare.
5. Shorter operation time
Featuring a higher tank capacity, wider operation range, and faster steering procedures, the time spent to cover the entire crop field is considerably shorter when compared to trailed agricultural implements.
6. More visibility and safety for the operator
The self-propelled machine cabs usually provide ergonomic and the full control of the operation. Integrated systems, such as the active pneumatic suspension and agricultural monitor alerts are especially useful to increase the operator’s safety during the field operations and ensure wide visibility, even under unfavorable conditions.
For instance, a self-propelled sprayer can enter the crop field when the crop plants are tall, such as corn, allowing more operator’s visibility and ensuring a better application quality.
7. Less environmental impact
The precise application of inputs and less product waste reduce the environment impact of the agricultural activity. As a consequence, it opens doors for innovations and implement more sustainable agricultural management, such as the automatic shutdown of the spray nozzles. The agronomist engineer Lucas Luersen, Stara Product Marketing Analyst, explains that:
“The Nozzle-by-Nozzle Control System is a technology that in addition to providing farmer’s savings, it delivers sustainability, as it automatically shuts down the spray nozzles where the product has been applied to prevent a second undesired application of chemicals. Also, the Stara agricultural machine engines are economic and are according to the standards of low pollutant emission. New technologies, such as the Eco Spray can reduce up to 90% the herbicide usage.” Lucas Luersen, Stara Product Marketing Analyst.
Types of Self-Propelled Machines for grain crops
In the Brazilian agribusiness, the self-propelled machines are divided into two major categories: sprayers and spreaders. Check out the differences:
Self-propelled sprayer
It is employed to apply agricultural chemicals. They ensure the crop field protection against pests and diseases. Application is carried out by spray nozzles mounted along the length of a spray boom on an agricultural machine. They generate droplets that are applied to the plants or soil with uniformity.
The self-propelled sprayer is different from the trailed models for a bunch of reasons. The major difference between the machines is the autonomy: while the self-propelled machines are equipped with an engine, the trailed implements need to be coupled to a tractor, which limits the operation.
In general, the trailed implement models have less technology and demand higher physical effort from the operator.
Get to know the complete line of the Stara self-propelled sprayer line
Self-propelled spreader
They spread fertilizer and other broadcast inputs in the crop fields, to make sure of the proper nutrition of the plants and soil correction.
The self-propelled spreader also stands out due to its precision in relation to the agricultural trailed spreader models, which need to be coupled to a tractor to operate. This need for a tractor limits the operations, reduces yield, and increases the fuel costs.
On the other hand, the self-propelled spreaders are equipped with an engine, a comfortable cab, and a bunch of agricultural technologies that optimize the operation. They are perfect for huge farms.
Meet the Stara self-propelled spreader
Four hints to operate a self-propelled machine in grain crops
Operating a self-propelled machine requires some technical knowledge and attention to details to ensure not only the good machine performance, but safety too. See below five essential hints for operators:
1. Training about the technologies is crucial
Before using the self-propelled machine for the first time, the operator should learn about the adjustments, calibrations and how to handle the agricultural controller. At Stara, when the Dealer does the technical delivery of the machine, all details are explained to the operators, such as, according to Luersen:
“Everything is carried out by the Topper 5500 agricultural controller, which has the “Follow me” system, that help the operator to access the correct menu options to perform all the calibrations and adjustments required. There is no need for a course to operate.” Lucas Luersen, Stara Product Marketing Analyst.
2. Follow your country’s proper license to drive self-propelled machines on roadways
To operate in the crop field, you don’t need a special driver’s licence in Brazil. But always follow the driving regulations of your country. In Brazil, to drive the agricultural self-propelled machine on public roadways, you need a special driver’s license. It ensures that the operator is able to drive heavy vehicles safely when not being in the farm.
3. Get to know the agricultural monitor functions
The agricultural controller in the machine cab center-aligns the main information of the operation of a self-propelled machine, such as speed, application rate, consumption, and the general performance of the equipment. Using the agricultural monitor correctly is crucial to reach maximum efficiency.
4. Have the preventive maintenance of the pieces of equipment done
Follow the schedule of the Stara Maintenance Program of the agricultural machine recommended by the manufacturer. Components such as filters, spray nozzles, sensors, and hydraulic systems should be inspected frequently during the preventive maintenance to avoid unexpected fails during the sowing strategic steps. Stara provides the Stara Maintenance Program that helps the farmer to take better care and maintenance of the customer’s machine.
How to choose a self-propelled machine for your crop?
Choosing the ideal self-propelled machine for the farm demands a detailed analysis of a bunch of factors that directly impact yield and the investment return. See the main criteria that must be taken into consideration:
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Farm size
Larger farms require pieces of equipment with higher operating capacity, such as bigger tanks to allow more autonomy. For smaller areas, you can choose more compact models that provide good steering without giving up efficiency.
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Crop type
The farmer’s crops are important when choosing the self-propelled machine, crops in advanced stages require higher ground clearance as the ones provided by the Up & Down - Hydraulic Lift System of the sprayers in the Imperador 3000 and 4000, and Imperador 3.0 line.
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Volume of the input applications
Some crop fields need higher volume of chemical solution or fertilizer. Models such as Imperador 4000 sprayer, for example, have bigger tanks that ensure more time of operations, reducing the supplying times.
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Operating capacity per hectares
Assess the number of hectares that need to be operated a day and check the application capacity of the equipment per hour. Terrain conditions, slopes, terraced fields, and sandy soil require machines with active suspension, a good traction system, and boom stability.
The rigid chassis of the Stara models, allied to the 4x4 traction system provides comfort and safety even in bumpy areas, the best boom stability ensures quality when operating in these terrains.
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Manufacturers’ after sales service
Check the technical assistance availability, ease purchasing of spare parts, and remote support. Stara makes available the Conecta system, which allows the direct contact with the factory to solve questions and connect to the Topper monitor remotely and at no cost, and a wide dealership network always ready to provide the farmer with support.
Once considering these factors, you can make sure of a more assertive choice according to your farm needs, boosting the investment in the self-propelled machine.
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AI in agriculture: Eco Spray, for instance.
Having in the long term, one may think that self-propelled machines are the future in agriculture, especially the increasing integration of technologies such as the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation.
By means of a partnership with ONE Smart Spray - a joint venture between Bosch and BASF, Stara developed an own technology that uses cameras and Artificial Intelligence to identify weeds and apply agricultural chemicals only where there are weeds.
Results show up to 90% of savings in herbicide application and a significant water usage reducing.
“The expectation is an increase of the AI usage in agriculture, and Stara is prepared to implement these technologies when required. The Eco Spray sprayer already allows herbicide application only where there are weeds, a system with a bunch of technology that takes 15 pictures per second and assess them at the same time, indicating whether to spray or not." Lucas Luersen, Stara Product Marketing Analyst.
Stara self-propelled machines: get to know the agricultural machines
In constant evolution, Stara is considered one of the main agricultural machines manufacturer in Latin America. Its innovative DNA led it to become the first one in developing a self-propelled sprayer, Imperador, the only sprayer with central booms in the world.
Stara also innovated when manufacturing the first self-propelled spreader in Brazil, becoming a leader in sales in the category. Check out the remarkable features of both categories of Stara agricultural machines:
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Imperador Self-Propelled Sprayer
The Stara self-propelled sprayers of the Imperador line are perfect to apply chemicals with high precision and yield. Imperador available models: Imperador 2000, Imperador 2500, Imperador 3000 and 4000, and Imperador 3.0.
Imperador 3.0 is a peculiar machine: it’s the only 3-in-1 self-propelled sprayer in world, gathering the functions of a sprayer, spreader, and pneumatic seeder, which sow small seeds through the tubes mounted along the length of a boom.
The fertilizer hopper performs the broadcast spreading with the same quality of our Hércules spreaders.
See the Imperador Line features:
- Central booms: they are assembled on the machine middle. Providing more stability during applications and ensure 58% more chemical on target when compared to conventional models.
- Continuous Recirculating System: keeping the chemical solution in constantly moving in the pipes and tank, ensuring some homogeneous mixing, higher efficiency in applications and less usage of chemical residues.
- Nozzle-by-Nozzle Control System: the individual electronic control of the spray nozzles avoids overlap and chemical product waste, providing savings of up to 5% in inputs.
- Twin Row Spraying System: enabling the operation with two spraying row units with different flow nozzles, adjusting the machine to different speeds and keeping the uniformity of the droplets, minimizing drift. The technology is available on Imperador 3000 and 4000 sprayers, helping to keep the quality and the pattern of the droplets during spraying operations.
- Smart 4-Wheel-Steering System: reducing the turning radius up to 42% to ease the steering procedures and reducing the crop damages in boundaries of up to 45%.
- Up & Down - Hydraulic Lift System: allowing the machine height adjustment to two meters in ground clearance and application height up to three meters, perfect for tall crops, such as the corn tasselling stage.
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Blue Beam (optional feature): a lighting system directed to the spray booms for nighttime applications to improve visibility.
- Tanks: capacity up to 4,000 liters of chemical solution and 400 liters of clean water, with a wave breaker design.
Hércules self-propelled spreaders for fertilizer
The agricultural self-propelled spreaders are a reference in the market and a leader of sales in the category, gathering Stara robustness and technology. The self-propelled machine available models are: Hércules 6.0 and Hércules 4.0.
It is designed to deliver high load capacity and excellent operating yield for the farmer. Check out the main advantages
- Self-center-aligner conveyor belt system: ensuring higher spreading precision of the products and avoiding the system overload, prolonging the machine lifespan.
- Integrated electronic scale: monitoring the amount of product in the hopper and emitting alerts on Topper controller when the level is low. Allowing the application with a fixed or a variable rate according to the prescription maps.
- Variable rate: ensuring the exact application of fertilizer in each field zone, reducing waste, and increasing the yield.
- Smart 4-Wheel-Steering System: reducing the turning radius up to 42% to ease the steering procedures and reducing damages in boundaries.
- Twin feedgate with product flow divider: avoiding the application in areas already covered, reinforcing the input economy.
- Capacity and structure: stainless steel hopper with up to 6,000 kg capacity, spinner disks that reach up to 36 meters, and an active pneumatic suspension that ensure machine levelling and stability even in bumpy terrains.
Thanks to all these remarkable features, the Stara self-propelled machines are the perfect choice to those who are in seek of high performance, constant evolution of technologies and factory technical assistance, being on the farmer’s side at all times.
Conclusion
The self-propelled machine is changing the operations in the field, especially in grain crops, where precision, economy and yield are competitive features.
Having the Stara self-propelled machines enables the farmer to have complete and innovative solutions that integrate the technology and productivity.
Become a pioneer by having the Imperador self-propelled sprayer or the efficient agricultural spreaders Hércules 6.0 and Hércules 4.0. Investing in a self-propelled machine is betting on the Brazilian agriculture future.
Did you like the hints and want to find out the agricultural machine that best suits your crop field?
Stop by a Stara Dealer and find the most suitable equipment to boost your crop production.
