WITH LOW low commodity prices putting the brakes on machinery buys, refurbishing existing kit could provide a way of extending machine life, improving efficiency and benefiting from the latest upgrades, according to a self-propelled sprayer maker.

Although it reports a quieter time for machine orders, Sprayranger manufacturer, Alanco, said the work of its refurb' service has doubled in recent months. The company's Keith Wood said some owners are requesting an 'ordinary' full service, while others are investing in a full rebuild and repaint.

"New machine enquiries have undoubtedly slowed lately, due to continued low grain prices," pointed out Mr Wood. "But we've seen an increase in the number of existing sprayer owners seeking to upgrade machines to keep them performing optimally for a longer timescale than they planned.

"Others are updating components to bring them up to the spec' of a current model, for considerably less than the cost of a new machine. In short, we're being asked for everything from a serious service to a full nut-and-bolt refit and upgrade, incorporating many updates introduced since the machine was new, such as boom strength modifications and suspension improvements, and bringing used machines up to the latest spec', at considerably less than the cost of a new machine.

"Recently, we've had an owner from Cornwall deciding that, in the current environment they'd prefer to hold off from buying a new machine but instead have their current model transported back to our factory for this sort of refurbishment."

While engine or gearbox upgrades are generally uneconomic on a self-propelled sprayer, pretty much every other sprayer component can be renewed for reasonable cost, added Mr Wood.

"Our most common requests are for boom and pump rebuilds. Booms cost around £2000 to refurbish and £5000 to replace.

"Fuel systems are another area where engine performance can be improved through replacement of hoses and injectors. We can also fit an improved oil cooler and uprated water cooling circuit - essentially most of the components fitted to the latest Sprayrangers."

For those who want their sprayer completely stripped down and subjected to a full rebuild and repaint, it's possible to spend anything up to £30,000, said Mr Wood, whose firm has built more than 300 Sprayrangers.