Improved efficiency in all aspects of sprayer operation is the inspiration behind the new range of Chafer trailed sprayers to be launched at Cereals this year, according to the company.

This specialist sprayer manufacturer’s primary market is the tillage sector. Chafer sprayers have a standard specification, with steering axles and stainless tanks.

While not mainstream in Ireland, the range has a popular following in the UK. This segment of the market is highly competitive with John Deere, Hardi, Amazone and Berthoud among others.

Added to this is the fact that Agco Challenger will also be selling trailed sprayer models in the UK market soon.

For the first time, there will be two specification levels for the new Guardian and Sentry models – standard and high-spec “e” machines.

The standard specification features all the options currently available from Chafer with the addition of some new options, while the “e” machines will benefit from Chafer’s own CANbus operating system – eControl – allowing new levels of machine control from both inside and outside the cab.

Improved tank design

All models will benefit from a reduced centre of gravity, which has been achieved by optimising the shape of the stainless steel tanks to allow more of the liquid’s mass to sit lower down in the tank. Chafer claims this will give a significant improvement to the sprayer’s stability in the fields and on the road.

A 65km/h axle has been added to the options list with appropriate braking and load-carrying capacity to keep up with higher road speeds in a safe manner.

Chafer has added internal baffles, which prevent liquid surging up and down which can upset the balance of the sprayer.

More output

Chafer has also fitted a higher-capacity hydraulically driven centrifugal pump, which provides a 50% increase in filling speeds to over 600 litres per minute.

The increased plumbing capacity makes the Guardian and Sentry perfectly suited to liquid fertiliser application at higher forward speeds without compromising accuracy when applying chemical at lower rates, according to the company.

Chafer’s Joe Allen explained that the new 45-litre chemical induction hopper can be stowed away when not in use. This will improve the operator’s filling station.

Twin wash optics are fitted as standard, with clean cans then left on the draining lid of the hopper to ensure the liquid is removed. All wash functions for the hopper are controlled from the fingertip control station on the right-hand side of the hopper.

‘e’ spec developments

To complement the standard specification plumbing system, the new models also feature an electronic ePlumbing option that uses a manifold system of valves to control the flow of liquid around the sprayer.

This features Chafer’s eClean software that allows automated dilution and rinsing of the sprayer for cleaning using the minimum amount of clean water. Another part of this new software is the eFill system, which can be used to automatically fill both the main and rinse tanks.

Wider booms

Two new boom designs and centre frames mean wider widths are available for the new trailed sprayers.

The smallest of the booms is the new F-Series boom with widths up to 30m (over 24m are now triple-folding). Chafer claims the new boom design has reduced transport heights without increasing folding time. On the larger Sentry sprayer, the G-Series boom offers triple-folding from 30m to 40m.

At the top end of the Sentry ranges and available in widths of up to 42m is the new H-Series boom. The H-Series is supported by a new centre frame featuring an air suspension system.

Air springs for both the tilt and bounce suspension allows the boom to be isolated from shocks transmitted through the chassis, according to Chafer.

Boom development has been heavily focused on for the new models.

Chafer’s Contour automatic boom levelling is expected to remain a very popular option, with the “e” models also benefitting from booms that can now drop below horizontal, ensuring correct boom height is maintained regardless of the field contours.

Agricare in Skerries, Co Dublin, is the main agent for Chafer in Ireland and Kenny can be contacted on 087-1934008.

The sprayer will be on display at the Crops and Spraying 2015 event at Teagasc, Oakpark.