What Upgrade Makes This High Tech Orchard Sprayer Even Smarter
The Munckhof VariMAS three-row orchard sprayer now has even more capability thanks to new load sensing technology. Photo courtesy of Munckhof Fruit Tech Innovators
The Munckhof VariMAS three-row orchard sprayer was developed to spray large areas of fruit trees quickly, cost efficiently, and accurately. The piece of equipment designed to make spraying easier for growers just got an upgrade. According to Dutch-based Munckhof Fruit Tech Innovators, load sensing is a new option that allows fruit growers to save on fuel consumption and tractor maintenance costs.
How It Works
Load sensing helps use hydraulic energy more efficiently to save fuel. The system has long been common on large agricultural tractors, forklifts, excavators, and cranes. Load sensing is now increasingly used on tractors for orchards and vineyards. Here too, much work is done with hydraulic implements such as sprayers and pruners. Load sensing as a new option on the VariMAS sprayer responds to this development. With load sensing as an option on the orchard sprayer, fruit growers can save 10% to 30% on fuel. The system causes less heat generation, reducing the load on the pump, valves, pipes and cooling system. It helps reduce wear and maintenance costs.
Big On Savings
In a traditional hydraulic system, the pump continuously delivers a fixed flow, regardless of whether it is fully needed. The VariMAS orchard sprayer uses hydraulic energy when folding, unfolding and raising the spray arms. The system is especially active at the end of each row. The operator then folds the airbags manually or at the push of a button to the correct position, in order to turn quickly and auction to the next row. With load sensing, the VariMAS orchard sprayer works together with the smallholder tractor by automatically adjusting the pressure and hydraulic flow to match the VariMAS sprayer’s demand.
A signal line, a small hydraulic circuit on the VariMAS sprayer, measures the required pressure and regulates just the right amount of hydraulic power via the pump. If, while spraying in the rows, the spray arms stop moving, the pump switches itself back, possibly to a standby mode. Less hydraulic oil is pumped. As soon as the spray arms start moving again, the pump immediately adjusts to the need.
MORE BY GLOBAL AG TECH INITIATIVE
Ground Breaking Podcast Episode #10: Seeding a Healthier Plant Through Light Activation
Tech Hub LIVE Marks 5 Years of Ag Tech Innovation in Des Moines This July
Ground Breaking Podcast Episode #9: Satellite-Enabled Water Usage Monitoring
Even More Options
Sprayers with an option for load sensing can also simply be combined with a traditional narrow-gauge tractor. They therefore remain freely usable. Other new options for the VariMAS include semi-automatic movable air bags, automatic tank filling, and Smart Machine control for the cranes. The VariMAS also is available for lease.
For more information, visit munckhof.org.
Subscribe Today For
