There's no shortage of equipment technology to match your customers' crop protection and nutrient management needs. In an ongoing review, we'll spotlight recently introduced models of self-propelled sprayers and other application systems. This report highlights the John Deere 4710, AGCO Willmar Eagle 8600 and CaseIH SPX 3200 B.

Big Power Boost John Deere engineers cite a flurry of percentages comparing the new 4710 self-propelled sprayer to its model 4700 predecessor. Among them: 8% more power, 20% higher spraying speed, 11% greater fuel capacity, a 7% larger solution tank and 11% more under-frame clearance (60 in.) for late-season applications. They say these and other new 4710 features allow spraying 2 mph faster, picking up an extra 21.8 acres per hour compared to the 4700, when using a 90-ft. boom. That translates to more income per day for a custom applicator.

The 4710 generates 200 hp at a rated speed, but kicks in with a turbocharged 5% power bulge when the 6.8-liter Powertech engine lugs down in hilly, muddy or loose soils. The new four-range hydrostatic transmission system permits working speeds of up to 20.2 mph, and 29.6 mph when in transport. Large struts and air springs under each wheel absorb bumps, while a scissor-type linkage keeps wheels tracking like an airplane landing gear. Vehicle control centers from a primary brake integrated into the hydrostatic master control, plus a right-foot-operated service brake.

Three independent boom suspension systems assure equidistant nozzle spacing from crops and reduce the chance of chemical drift. A hydraulic accumulator in the lift cylinder controls vertical suspension to cushion bouncing, while a center-pivot roll suspension keeps the boom level on terraces and sidehills. Yaw suspension ties the left and right wings together around a pivoting central axis to work in concert and prevent the boom from flapping in high-speed turns. Large 95-gal. fuel, 120-gal. rinse and 800-gal. solution tanks are standard.

Price: Base machine, $127,000. Boom prices range from $10,500 (60 ft.) to $19,300 (90 ft.). Contact John Deere Marketing Center, Dept. Apply superscript *, 11145 Thompson Ave., Lenexa, KS 66219, 913/310-8324.

Constant Speed The new AGCO Willmar Eagle 8600 sprayer features an exclusive Total Control System (TCS) for constant power and quick throttle response. While the TCS electronic module automatically regulates the transmissions and wheel motors, a powerful Cummins 280-hp Quantum Series diesel engine (340 hp also available) creates the torque needed for a constant, preselected speed through varying field conditions.

Four-wheel, independent AireGlide suspension smoothes bumps and maintains accurate spray patterns at different speeds. With a quick-fill 1,200-gal. solution tank, 80- or 90-ft. boom and climate-controlled, ergonomic cab, the Eagle 8600 is suited for full days.

The 8600 comes factory-prepped for installation of AGCO's Fieldstar precision agriculture system and lightbar-compatible differential global positioning system. With this technology, custom applicators can vary rates with previously recorded information or data imported from other precision systems, and can log additional data while spraying.

Price: $206,900. Contact AGCO, Dept. Apply superscript *, 4205 River Green Pkwy., Duluth, GA 30096, 770/813-6546.

Easygoing The SPX 3200 B Class III sprayer from Case IH combines a 5.9-liter, 200-hp engine with 600 ft.-lbs. of torque and a dry gross vehicle weight under 19,100 lbs. for better maneuverability in rough going. This design mix of horsepower, torque and weight puts 23% more horsepower to the ground than the former Case IH SPX 3185.

Maximum weight-to-horsepower ratio is achieved with high-strength lightweight frames and axle tubes that minimize soil compaction but aptly handle 750-gal. spherical poly or elliptical stainless steel tanks. Electronic and hydraulic controls self-center 60- to 90-ft. boom wings, with good sight lines from the rig's 36 sq. ft. of window glass located in an ergonomic, cab-forward design. The rig's 17-in.-wide cartridge-style body assembly, aided with aircraft-style trailing link suspension, leaves crops undisturbed. Three-speed gear selection tops out at 30 mph.

Other improvements include more handrail and grab points, tuck-away access ladders on both sides, improved hub and wheel motor life and O-ring face seal technology on high-pressure lines. The AIM Command spray system is optional.

Price: $143,100. Contact Case Application Equipment, Dept. Apply superscript *, 260 Hwy. 12 S.E., Benson, MN 56215, 320/843-3333.

Whether your sprayer is new or a dependable veteran, nozzle management is critical to product efficacy and customer satisfaction.

Marty Heyen, regional sales and marketing director for Spraying Systems, Wheaton, IL, recommends replacing nozzles at least once a year. On a 90-ft. boom on 20-in. spacing, that's about 55 nozzles. At $6 a nozzle, your total cost is $330, and usually well worth it.

"Busy custom applicators should also check nozzles on workhorse rigs at least once during the season," he says.

Even small misapplications are expensive and can be embarrassing, adds Heyen. "If calibration shows nozzles are wearing to a 10-percent increase from when they were new, you'll wind up applying 10 percent more chemical than you should. That ups out-of-pocket costs and might put you over the label recommendation. On the other hand, underapplication is costly as well. It can result in reduced pest control, costly resprays, mighty unhappy customers and lost profit potential. Even if automatic rate controllers are used, worn nozzles can lead to reduced efficacy of the chemical being sprayed," he says.

Contact Spraying Systems, Box 7900, Wheaton, IL 60189, 630/665-5292.

To see other application rigs available, check out this partial list of industry Web sites (in alphabetical order):

Ag-Chem Equipment www.agchem.com

AGCO www.agcocorp.com

Ag-Gressor One www.ag-gressorone.com

Case IH Applicator Equipment www.caseih.com/agricultural

GVM www.gvminc.com

Hagie Manufacturing Company www.hagie.com

John Deere North America www.deere.com

Mertz www.mertzok.com

Miller-St. Nazianz www.silverwheels.com

New Holland www.newholland.com/na

Precision Tank and Equipment Co. www.precisiontank.com

Stahly www.stahly.com

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