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Dec 28, 2023

Spray Boom Accessories: Key Components Designed for Application Accuracy, Efficiency

The technology that every self-propelled sprayer takes into the field is quite

The technology that every self-propelled sprayer takes into the field is quite impressive. From cabs equipped with the latest precision ag solutions, to liquid systems that support crop safety and minimize waste, there's seemingly an endless array of technological advancements in every facet of today's sprayer models.

Case IHGet the most out of every tankful, every hour and every acre with AIM Command FLEX advanced spray technology. AIM Command FLEX delivers consistent, flexible, and accurate application, regardless of speed or terrain. Independent rate and pressure control, turn compensation, 36 virtual boom sections for more precise on/off control, and an ISOBUS-compliant single interface rate controller provide the dependable technology you need for high-efficiency spraying. For superior accuracy, AutoBoom XRT automatic boom height control detects changes in terrain and automatically adjusts the boom to maintain a consistent, level height above the ground. AIM Command FLEX and AutoBoom XRT are available as a factory-equipped option on all Patriot series sprayers and Trident liquid/dry combination applicators.

WilgerThe Combo-Rate Boom End Flush Valve (releasing Fall 2021) is a robust powerhouse of a sprayer boom fitting. It integrates a number of critical boom features into a robust and more importantly compact fitting. It integrates the last nozzle body with a full flush port directly below, and a recirculating port directly above, for a powerhouse of function in an easy-to-use valve. Using Wilger's new QF100 line of products it can be adapted to either a flanged end boom or "over the pipe" version, giving ability to use the same fitting on any sprayer to remove all dead space in the boom that can accumulate at the end of a boom pipe. It also has the means to passively purge air from a sprayer which dramatically reduces nozzle run-on. Any Combo-Rate stacking turrets or nozzle bodies can be stacked from the valve body giving flexibility to adapt to any sprayer or spray application, including the newest PWM and spot spraying systems.

HagieFirst introduced on 120-foot booms for model year 2018 sprayers, Hagie has expanded its Hybrid boom line-up with a full range of boom widths that offer improved stability, reduced weight, and AutoFold. Working widths are available in 60/90-, 60/100-, 60/120-, and 70/132-feet. Booms now have the option to fold horizontally. The booms feature hydraulic main boom breakaway in addition to the three-way spring applied end boom breakaway. Optional Norac with Active Wing Roll is also available. John Deere AutoTrac Vision and RowSense are now available on Hagie STS and DPS sprayers. Both can be field- or factory-installed. This gives operators the ability to use AutoTrac for post-emergence applications in row crops during early row crop stages or use AutoTrac RowSense in later-season corn.

Raven Applied TechnologyRaven's latest advancement in boom control is AutoBoom XRT. The industry-leading radar sensor technology uses simultaneous ground and canopy detection to maintain optimal spray height for maximum product efficacy. Pressure-based control allows for smooth movement and quicker reaction time while center rack stability technology with optional dampers gives the operator complete control, maximizing boom life.

TrimbleWeedSeeker 2 is Trimble's next generation spot spray system. The sprayer component helps grow-ers become more efficient by utilizing advanced optical sensors and powerful processing that detects and sprays plants smaller than a dime, up to 25 miles-per-hour. When a weed passes underneath the WeedSeeker 2 sensor, the linked spray nozzle is signaled to turn on and precisely deliver herbicide to kill the weed, reducing the amount of chemical applied by up to 90%. This means farmers see immediate cost savings on chemical bills without slowing down, not to mention less weeds with chemical resistance and more high yielding crops. Simply put, WeedSeeker 2 saves you money, reduces the presence of resistant weeds, and maximizes your crop yielding potential, the company says.

Diamond MowersThe Integrated Boom Control (IBC) system was created to give the operator single hand control, enhanced safety features and an optional, industry-leading Smart Screen — making this boom control system more capable than ever. The IBC Joystick, although not compatible with certain tractor models, is built into a custom armrest and provides full control of the machine, as well as an emergency stop button, right at the operator's fingertips. The IBC Smart Screen is available as an upgrade option that tracks and feeds data, provides detailed diagnostics for troubleshooting in the field, and allows the operator to customize boom speeds and joystick sensitivity. Finally, the custom armrest includes five adjustment locations and allows the user to position the joy-stick for their preferred operating style.

John DeereJohn Deere ExactApply nozzle control systems help ensure solution gets to the crop at exactly the right rate and droplet size across a wider range of speeds. ExactApply is a six-nozzle turret with multiple modes of operation that helps maintain target rate and pressure and is avail-able as a factory-installed option, or as a retrofit to Deere 400, 600, and 4 Series Sprayer models. All model years of Deere R4030, R4038, R4044, R4045, and R4060 Sprayers can be upgraded to include ExactApply intelligent nozzle control. ExactApply performance upgrade kits are compatible with steel and carbon fiber booms. Additionally, the sprayer requires stainless-steel plumbing and nozzle spacing of 15 or 20 inches. ExactApply performance upgrade kits are compatible with the Deere GreenStar 3 2630 Display, 4600 CommandCenter Display, and the 4640 Universal Display. By maintaining a target rate and pressure over a wide range of speeds, ExactApply can cover up to 20 more acres per hour (based on a 2-mph increase in operating speed) with more consistent spray deposition, saving on input costs and preserving more of the crop's yield potential.

WilgerReleased through 2021 and 2022, the Quick Flange 100 (QF100) sprayer plumbing system makes a better boom, easily adapting to current issues in spray plumbing management (e.g., boom hygiene/rinsing, recirculation, nozzle run-on, boom weight, high-flow requirements, PWM adaptation) as well as provides the common flanged fitting plat-form that is future-proofed for future development or technologies (e.g., spot spraying, dual boom spraying, etc.) The spraying system removes all traditional threads from the sprayer, which are typical maintenance or failure points, replacing them with a common 1-inch flange fitting line-up built from the ground up for better boom flow, hygiene, and superior performance and flexibility. It can be retrofit to existing booms, ensuring it to be a viable option to improve any sprayer booms today. Stay tuned for future versatile QF100 fittings planned for released into 2022.

And the spray boom is no exception. View a sampling of how manufacturers are delivering the latest tech accessories to help growers apply products more effectively in the slideshow above.

CropLife IRON® digs deep into product features, news, and specifications – about sprayers, tenders and trailers, nozzles and valves, and fertilizer blenders, and more – that plant and application managers crave. See all author stories here.