Not long ago, “bigger and more powerful” were the buzzwords in new machinery marketing. Today, “smarter, faster and connected” seem to sum up what manufacturers are emphasizing in new equipment offerings. New Holland has improved all of those features in its updated line of Guardian front boom sprayers.
The newest lineup of Guardian sprayers, announced last fall, which includes the SP310F, SP370F and SP410F models, incorporates precision technologies that include Slingshot from Raven and IntelliSpray II.
The data generated from these systems can now be collected and aggregated by Raven’s Connected Workflow system. The Connected Workflow system works by syncing data from the office to the field and back again for what the brand says is simplified management of work, idle and transit time.
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The data can be used to create programs and herbicide rate prescriptions for individual fields and is now accessible by the operator through the Slingshot mobile app.
“The advancements made to the Guardian front boom sprayer are really elevating the operator experience in the cab while improving application accuracy and the quality of data collected,” said Sally Johnson, vice-president for New Holland Agriculture North America.
“These upgraded units are connecting many components of operation and data points for owners and operators to find more efficiency and profitability, as well as empowering them to make more informed agronomic and logistical decisions.”
With the incorporation of IntelliSpray II, the Guardian sprayers now offer more precise nozzle control and improve droplet coverage accuracy. These enhancements should help operators optimize coverage, minimize skips and overlaps and reduce input costs, according to NH.
The IntelliSpray II pulse width modulation system offers a broad range of applications that include Standard, Bypass, Variable Pressure, High Flow, High Flow VP and On/Off, as well as up to 17 per cent higher flow rate and operating pressure. It can also ensure a greater level of delivery accuracy due to its 20 hertz pulse rate.
The advantage of putting Slingshot on the Guardian sprayers, says the brand, is it empowers operators and farm managers to make more data-driven decisions in and out of the field. Slingshot generates a “high-level view” of data from the beginning through to the completion of a job, including traceability reports, application records, fleet efficiency track edits and transferable work orders.
In addition to the Slingshot telematics is the brand’s VSN Visual Guidance, which uses an image sensor and processing technologies to deliver a faster steering response, better overall sprayer control, reduced operator fatigue and improved data collection.
These components have been shown to improve efficiency in the field by 20 per cent, according to NH. The visual guidance system uses cameras and radar to guide the boom and sprayer. NH claims that improves guidance accuracy and minimizes the amount of potential crop damage.
“We strive for operators to have complete peace of mind while in the cab of the Guardian sprayer,” says Alex Caldwell, product marketing manager of self-propelled sprayers for New Holland North America.
“The integration of the VSN system allows drivers to operate the sprayer at three to four miles per hour faster to cover more acres per day without risking crop damage.
“Not only does the basic VSN system follow the rows with cameras, but the VSN+ system allows operators to better see hidden waterways and other obstacles. This alleviates a lot of the compounded fatigue and stress operators experience when spending long hours in the field.”
Of course, Guardian sprayers are available with NH’s other precision technology features, such as IntelliView 12 and Viper 4+ displays. They allow operators to monitor a machine’s vital functions, including suspension information, liquid management control, auto rinse functionality, four-wheel steering, tread width adjustments, and others.
Both IntelliField and Slingshot visualize where other connected machines are moving in the field and provide data on the productivity of all of them. And IntelliSteer Auto Guidance includes direction control and T3 terrain compensation.
