CHAFER has made a number of upgrades to its range of Sentry and Guardian trailed sprayers to ensure they remain at the forefront of crop sprayer technology for 2018.

Featuring on the latest versions of the sprayers is the advanced ePlumbing system which has been updated to use CANbus valves that offer operators real time information of the valve's status and position, which Chafer says is essential during automatic filling, rinsing and general plumbing functions. Unlike other systems available, this gives ePlumbing the ability to alert the operator if a valve does not reach its intended target position, therefore removing the chance of cross contamination.

Variable tank agitation with automatic shut-off at low tank volumes to eliminate foaming also features and the move to intelligent valves has reduced dead volumes by cutting the number of components in the system, reducing wash out time and total washings that require disposal.

The steering system on E-spec sprayers has also been updated to increase steering sensitivity and to assist tractor following, moving from a potentiometer and linkage between the tractor and the sprayer, to sensors mounted to the sprayer itself. No connection to the tractor is required, reducing time taken to hitch and unhitch as well as improving reliability. Additional room has been created around the mudguards to ensure this steering system can perform with even the largest diameter wheels and tyres.

Improvements to the boom suspension offers better contour following and allows the boom to run closer to the ground (below 50cm) on the largest diameter wheels, to ensure maximum spray efficacy. The new sliding frame is equipped with an additional set of rollers and can now pass the extremities at both the top and bottom of the mast, allowing for an increased range of travel whilst improving crop clearance under the mast itself.

All rollers feature sealed bearings to ensure smooth, reliable vertical travel, isolating the boom from tramline undulations and ensuring spraying target heights are maintained. The reaction time of the lift and lower hydraulic functions have been reduced, further improving boom control.