Case IH and Wilger Industries are joining forces to bring custom applicators spraying tools that allow simultaneous multiple rates and dramatically reduce drift.

The Combo-Rate nozzle body system and Combo-Jet DR (drift reduction) nozzles will be available at Case IH application equipment distributors early this year. With the Combo-Rate system, applicators can use more than one nozzle body at each boom location, enabling greater flow and more flexible applications. Combo-Jet DR nozzles focus the droplet spectrum to deliver the most efficient droplet sizes for the most effective spray coverage with minimal drift.

Multiple nozzles. The ability to use up to three nozzles at each boom location gives custom applicators greater flexibility than conventional systems. By turning on and pairing the nozzles in various combinations, as many as seven application rates can be sprayed with the same three nozzles. The Combo-Rate system provides 400% greater flow through a single nozzle body than conventional bodies. It also allows higher application speeds of up to 15 to 20 mph.

"In conventional spray systems, you increase the flow rate by increasing the pressure, but it changes at an exponential rate," says Wilger president Mark Bartel. "In other words, in order to double the flow rate, you have to quadruple the pressure. To triple the flow rate, you need nine times the pressure. At some point, you can't increase the pressure enough to reach the flow rate you want. Combo-Rate overcomes that limitation." Using the new system, you can apply crop protection chemicals at low volumes, or high application rates of other sprays, such as liquid fertilizer, with the same set of nozzles. Fertilizer rates can be varied depending on conditions. An option on new Case IH sprayers, Combo-Rate can also be retrofitted on most other machines.

Reduced plugging. Wilger designers say Combo-Jet DR nozzles offer the largest range of flow rates available, from 0.05 to 2.5 gpm at 40 psi. With an enlarged tip and turbulence chamber, they are less apt to plug up because they don't take in air like other drift reduction nozzles to create good spraying action. By cutting the number of driftable fine drops as well as large, ineffective drops, more optimum-sized droplets are created. DR nozzles also are available in an 80 spray angle, allowing faster travel speeds and higher boom clearance. They are compatible with the AIM Command spray system. In the event a nozzle does plug up, the design allows you to take the nozzle apart and clean it while wearing rubber gloves.

Prices range from $23.03 for a single Combo-Rate nozzle body at each boom location with one Combo-Jet DR nozzle to $54.69 for three nozzle bodies at each location with three nozzles. Contact Case Tyler Business Unit, Dept. Apply superscript *, 260 Hwy. 12 S.E., Box 249, Benson, MN 56215, 320/843-3333.

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