The Spra-Coupe may look decidedly different compared with the usual European self-propelled sprayer, but the distinct appearance is due to its unique design and operation, which can bring huge savings, says Dorus Van Esch, Sales Director
Ag-Chem.

“Don’t be deceived by the Spra-Coupe’s appearance. It is the best-selling self-propelled sprayer in it class in North America and is increasingly attracting the attention of forward-thinking European farmers, too,” he adds.

The reason the Spra-Coupe looks like it does is because it is designed specifically to help growers make huge gains from high-speed, low-volume applications. The machines are lighter, feature a very high ground clearance and independent suspension on all four wheels to allow them to work reliably at speeds of about 20km/hr or more.

Switching to the Spra-Coupe technique is proven to bring big savings in:
• Agrochemicals
• Fuel
• Labour
• Maintenance
• Reduced crop damage

“The main gains come from speed and lower application volumes – typically between 50-100 litres/ha. This allows the Spra-Coupe to cover more than twice the same area in the time, which means pests and diseases are treated at the optimum time. This increases the efficacy of the application and provides an opportunity to reduce dose rates – with big savings in agrochemical costs,” says Mr Van Esch.

Moreover, the wide operating speed can be used to target the application more precisely in the crop. Research in Germany proves how forward speeds have a considerable influence on the spray droplets’ penetration into the crop. At about
5-10km/hr, for example, more than half the droplets strike the plant at between 60-80cm down, whereas if speed increases to 18km/hr this rises to between 20-40cm down the plant.

“The agronomist who carried out this research, Dr. H. Schönberger from  N.U. Agrar GmbH Schackenthal, now not only recommends a dose rate and water volume, but also an application speed most appropriate to the target area,” adds Mr Van Esch. “This has brought savings of up to 30% in chemical costs.”

Coupled with the established agronomic benefits from using Spra-Coupe are the operational cost savings and other advantages. The outstanding ground clearance – of up to 1.25m on 4000 and 1.22 on 7000 models – offers a tremendous reduction in crop damage, particularly in sensitive crops such as oilseed rape.

“Yield loss due to low ground clearance in tramlines can cost up to €30/ha in oilseed rape. Depending on circumstances, lower damage from the Spra-Coupe’s high clearance can save up to 30-40% of the yield in rape,” he explains.

Also, by covering more ground faster, the machine offers the tremendous potential to save fuel and labour costs. Basically, covering the same area in half the time results in costs falling by about the same amount. Moreover, Spra-Coupe offers better fuel economy from the start because it considerably lighter than a normal self-propelled, carries less water and has a straightforward mechanical transmission.

Indeed, one German farmer who recently switched to a Spra-Coupe from a tractor and demount unit saved more than 2,000 litres of fuel in a single year. The time he spent spraying also fell by a third from 350hr to less than 100hrs (see Table 1: Fuel and time efficiency).

“We calculate a switch to the Spra-Coupe system can save a typical 1,000ha European arable farm up to €12,000 – a figure based on actual savings being made by current users,” says Mr Van Esch (see Table 2: Potential Savings Table).

Table 1 : Fuel and time efficiency

Table 2: Potential Spra-Coupe Savings

Spra-Coupe updates for 2007:

Enhanced comfort for Spra-Coupe 4000 operators

Additional sound proofing reduces cab noise levels by a significant 3dB(A) in the Spra-Coupe 4000 models.

A new seat offers height control with fore and aft and adjustment, isolator as well as back tilt and adjustable armrests. Together with the lower cab noise this further enhances the operating environment.

Externally these latest machines gain the same modern rounded bonnet and roof cap of the Challenger ‘family feel’ styling. With these changes come new models numbers, which are now 4455 and 4655.

Other updates see a change to Raven plunger-type on the 40/60 and 40/80 booms, which provide a rapid response time of 0.7secs for fully open or close. These valves are a proven, reliable design that is easy to maintain, particularly now all components can be removed from the cluster by simply releasing a pin.

Many Spra-Coupe operators work in early morning or late at night to ensure products are applied in optimum conditions. Helping here is the addition of six new work lights mounted in the front of the units.

On the new design the air intakes have been moved to the top of the bonnet. Here it is less prone to ingress of dirt and dust, reducing servicing times.

There is also now the option to specify a new drive shaft on the 4455 machines, allowing it to work at track widths of 2-2.5m.

ENDS
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About AGCO
Founded in 1990, AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AG) (www.agcocorp.com) is a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements, which are distributed through more than 3,200 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries worldwide. AGCO products include the following well-known brands: AGCO®, Challenger®, Fendt®, Gleaner®, Hesston®, Massey Ferguson®, New Idea®, RoGator®, Spra-Coupe®, Sunflower®, Terra-Gator®, Valtra®, and White™ Planters.  AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. The company is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, and in 2006 had net sales of $5.4 billion.

CONTACT: 
Roel Franssen, Marketing Manager
+31 (0)77-3278400

Paul Lay, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
+ 44 (0)2476 851209