Crop protection is rapidly evolving as new ways of tending crops emerge – whether by compact robots on the ground or drones in the air – yet there is still the need for blanket application of pesticides, and John Deere is intent on fulfilling it.
The company has just introduced its latest pair of self-propelled sprayers, the 540R and the 550R – the former having a 4,000L capacity while the latter can carry 5,000L.
Both are powered by a John Deere industrial engine of 285hp, with a choice of 30m or 36m steel two-part folding booms.
Yet these basic specs are not what the the latest machines are about, for Deere is placing as much emphasis on operator comfort as it is on performance and the cab is the focus of its sales pitch.
Cab contentment
The advantage of even weight distribution through placing the cab right at the front of the machine is not lost on the designers, who have firmly shed the idea of a long bonnet obscuring vision and needlessly extending the length of the machine.
In addition to the enhanced views, the cab itself is fully pressurised with Category 4 filtration protecting the operator from exposure to chemicals during spraying operations.
John Deere claims long days in the field are catered for with ample storage options, including armrest compartments and behind-seat storage for smartphones, keys, and larger items, plus dedicated holders for beverage cups.
Full connectivity and crystal-clear sound quality – with smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allow operators to make calls, handle messages, access music, and use voice commands, according to the designers.
Big screen
Once settled comfortably into the seat, the G5 CommandCenter boasts a 35% larger screen and 75% faster performance compared to previous displays, presenting a high-definition 1080P resolution and a familiar Google Maps-like satellite view.
As with the company’s tractors, a corner post display provides the essential machine information while the new CommandArm groups buttons by functionality, including engine, transport and chassis, and lights.
There is also a multifunction joystick by which operators can control speed and the park brake with a simple push or pull movement.
Essential spraying functions are also controlled by the joystick through intuitively placed buttons, though designers should bear in mind that the intuition of operators does vary, both naturally and through past imprinting.Â
Deere aim for accuracy
There are three systems fitted as standard which work to achieve a claimed 98% accuracy in spraying applications.
The dual circuit pump system has, as its Its key component, a direct rate controller on the spray pump that can change output from minimum to maximum in less than three seconds, maintaining a consistent application rate irrespective of forward speed.
The combination of individual nozzle management giving up to 11 different rates across the boom, coupled with pulse width modulation that maintains a constant droplet size, ensures application quality throughout the range of ground speeds claimed by the company.
