Cruising through spraying challenges

Goldacres manufactures its machines in Australia to suit local conditions and has set new market standards, underpinned by incorporating user feedback and latest engineering technologies.

The new G6 Crop Cruiser Series 2 self-propelled sprayer features Goldacres' innovative G Hub.

This is an integrated system for advanced sprayer control and was developed to make operation easier - putting all controls and information at the driver's fingertips.

Improvements have been made across the entire machine, including better performance of the number one boom.

The previous Goldacres TriTech boom had already set new standards with its three-way suspension system that meant top-class boom ride and stability.

Its new Tritech RivX boom - which comes in a range of sizes from 36 to 48 metres - is set to further revolutionise the market, having even more stability and rigidity.

This is mostly due to the design and construction of the steel inner wings, and aluminium-steel composite outer wings.

The inner, outer and breakaway structure of the sprayer boom are a symmetrical construction.

Left and right wings are the same on either side, helping to generate manufacturing efficiencies and stocking of parts by dealers.

RivX outer wings are constructed using a mix of steel and aluminium sections, and use high strength structural rivets to improve fatigue strength.

Tests have demonstrated the RivX outer wings can withstand 300 per cent more flexes than an equivalent welded boom.

A hydraulic-operated outer boom wing folding system replaces the cable drum fold mechanism on the 36m and 42m booms. It includes a hydraulics breakaway to protect the boom from collisions.

Boom plumbing - including delivery and boom recirculation - is 25 millimetres and the design of inner and outer wings incorporates a single nozzle spray bar.

Nozzles mounted below the main boom structure allow any combination to be used.

Goldacres has included latest advances in boom height control, known as AutoBoom XRT, as an option.

This has innovative radar sensing technology for simultaneous ground and crop detection and maintains an optimal spray height for maximum spray coverage and product efficacy.

The AutoBoom XRT is not affected by temperature, spray drift, dirt, dust or mud and has five non-contact sensors for accuracy. Pressure-based control allows for smooth boom movement and quick reaction time, with built-in machine chassis roll control sensing. A centre section rack stability is fitted and uses variable dampeners that can change viscosity for stiffer or softer boom roll control.

The AutoBoom XRT is ISOBUS compatible and increases boom longevity and, ultimately, boom control.

For intuitive and easy display and on-board diagnostics, the new G-Hub integrated system has a control screen to display all relevant machine data for the operator in an ergonomic and robust package - including help and diagnostic functions.

External machine filling and rinsing functions are operated using a five inch display and 10 button key pad, located in the side pod filling area.

Live product and rinse tank volumes can be viewed on both internal and external displays.

Goldacres has fitted the new sprayer model with an operator workstation area and fill system that significantly reduces sprayer refill times. It has more than twice the fill rate of the previous model.

All induction systems, including the hopper, have increased capacities and all fill and flush functions are now controlled with electric valves at the push of a button via the G-Hub external display.

A three inch transfer pump is now fitted as standard and, combined with high-flow plumbing, provides flow rates of up to 1150 litres per minute.

Mounted after the fill pump outlet is a pressure transducer and electric three inch ball valve, which are used by the G-Hub system to control the fill rate and tank level soft shut-off. Product tank filling features 'clean' and 'dirty' three inch connection points and an auto tank filling capability.

All other manual valves are used to direct the chemical from the transfer pump and the probe connection points.

Neat chemical transfer is now done using a pneumatic twin diaphragm high capacity pump, which is fitted as standard.

The pump features large diameter diaphragms to create high levels of suction. This is ideal for high viscosity chemicals.

The neat chemical can be delivered directly to the product tank, or diverted to the chemical induction hopper where it can be measured and then transferred to the product tank.

Tests have shown 40L/min of high viscosity chemicals can be transferred.

The Goldacres Series 2 G6 has a bigger 550 litre rinse water tank fitted for increased rinsing capacity. Its fuel tank is 50 per cent bigger - at 450L - to make for fuel-efficiency and greater spraying range.

The hydraulic system on the Series 2 G6 has a closed centre variable stroke hydraulic pump with load sensing to deliver more peak flow capacity.

The latest Goldacres sprayer has evolved from 40 years of on-farm research and development. Production started in September and deliveries will be from November.