For David and Marshall Hargreaves of Mere Farm near Preston, upgrading from a trailed sprayer to a self-propelled machine has made their crop spraying operations faster, more efficient and more accurate. And by purchasing a second-hand, entry-level machine and subsequently upgrading its spray circuit and electronics from a 5-section manually controlled system to an automatic 11-section machine, they have a completely future-proofed machine for the fraction of the price of a similarly specced new machine.
The Hargreaves farm 1000 acres between Preston and Blackpool. Their mixed farm comprises 250 fattening beef cattle, 370 breeding ewes, 140 acres of permanent pasture and 860 acres of arable land on a wheat-barley-oilseed rape rotation.
The entry-level, 5-section, 24m sprayer was purchased with 800 hours on the clock. It has subsequently been upgraded by LH Agro to convert it into an 11-section, fully automated machine
The Hargreaves have historically used a trailed sprayer and secondary front tank on their arable land, but found that the combined 11 tonne weight of tractor, sprayer and front tank made it difficult to spray when ground conditions were anything other than perfect. After a 12-month hunt to find a good quality, low-hour self-propelled machine, the Hargreaves purchased a 24m, 5-section Househam Spirit. It has subsequently been upgraded by LH Agro to convert it into an 11-section sprayer with fully automatic section control.
The sprayer is now equipped with a top-of-the-range Topcon X35 console which provides automatic section control and auto-steer capability. Other functions available via the X35 include variable rate spraying and individual nozzle control.
The upgraded machine enabled the Hargreaves to work more efficiently during the spring’s catchy weather, with the added sections making the sprayer more accurate and reducing chemical usage at headlands and overlaps. At approximately 6 tonnes fully loaded, it is also considerably lighter than the trailed machine it replaces, enabling spraying operations to be carried out even when ground conditions are still quite wet.
The entry-level, 5-section, 24m sprayer was purchased with 800 hours on the clock. It has subsequently been upgraded by LH Agro to convert it into an 11-section, fully automated machine
A Topcon AGI-4 GPS receiver and steering controller has been roof-mounted using a bespoke, quick-release LH Agro bracket. The receiver is currently using a free EGNOS signal to control the sprayer’s 11 sections, but it is RTK and auto-steer enabled, thereby making the sprayer 100% future-proofed.
Topcon’s Apollo CM-40 sprayer application ECU links to the X35 console to control the sprayer: as well as automatic section control, it is also capable of controlling individual nozzles and can be used to control automated tank filling and washing functions.
After the conversion: Nick Abbey of LH Agro installed six additional electric section shut-off valves, converting the entry-level 5-section machine into a modern 11-section machine.
The new Apollo ECU communicates directly with the sprayer’s original flow meter to maintain target rate at all times.
Topcon’s xTend app allows the sprayer to be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet. This feature is especially useful when cleaning the sprayer or carrying out maintenance work, but it also provides the option to use a tablet or phone as a secondary screen within the sprayer’s cab.
Left to right: David Hargreaves, Marshall Hargreaves and Nick Abbey of LH Agro. As well as making it faster, more accurate and more efficient to complete their own work, the upgraded sprayer also enables the Hargreaves to offer a local spray contracting service.