A mid-mount and high-volume sprayer have strengthened the Croplands self-propelled spray line for the coming season
Croplands currently has its most impressive line of self-propelled sprayers for the past 50 years available this season with the addition of the Stara Imperador 4000 with a mid-mounted boom and the high capacity simple to operate RBR Vortex 390.
When Croplands unveiled the Imperador 4000 specialist sprayer built by Brazilian company Stara it was enough to get growers to take notice.
But not satisfied with just one new contender for this season, Croplands has now revealed a major coup with the release of the 9,400-litre product capacity RBR Vortex 390 that will also be part of its line-up coming into an expected boom season in many growing regions.
Both the Stara and RBR Vortex will quickly find favour with specialist growers looking for the most cost-effective models to suit their specialist requirements.
Take for instance the Stara Imperador 4000, this model gives growers the choice to add the world’s only SP sprayer with a mid-mounted boom, 50/50 weight distribution and 4WS to their specialist operations.
While the RBR Vortex 390 offers a high-capacity solution that will suit some of the biggest broadacre operations.
Just last year Croplands celebrated its 50th anniversary and during a half-century of involvement in the farming industry has built up a depth of spraying expertise.
To the point where growers or contractors that invest in a self-propelled sprayer from Croplands are also investing in proven expertise from people who know spraying.
Whether the issue is technology or application, the Croplands team has the experience to
provide unparalleled service and ongoing technical support.
Stara Imperador 4000
This mid-mounted 4000-litre model comes standard with a 36m boom, 1.6m underframe clearance, four-wheel steer and tiered booms with recirculation.
The Stara badge has been in business for over 60 years and is Brazil’s largest agricultural equipment manufacturer. The company has a wide understanding of farm equipment as it also produces spreaders, chaser bins, planters, seeders and precision farming tools.
Stara is regarded as a quality manufacturer and adds a high level of customer support that includes the development of their own remote access system that gives access to factory-based technicians to connect and help an operator solve issues in real time.
Before Croplands decided to take the Stara into its line-up, National Sales Manager Jeremy Rennick and the product development team, did extensive testing in Australia with Stara staff, “We are confident that the Imperador 4000 will stand up to our demanding conditions.
“It is a very attractive option for row crop applications, but it will also be very handy in many broadacre operations.
Jeremy Rennick also wants to point out, “Another of the Imperador’s unique features is the mounting system for the boom. It sits midway between the front and rear axles so, unlike a boom mounted over the rear (or front) axle, it is less affected by any up and down movements in uneven ground.”
This benefit is backed up by Brazil’s Agrarian Foundation of Agricultural Research that conducted tests showing 58% more chemicals reach the target with the Imperador’s mid-mounted boom.
Jeremy Rennick continues, “The boom’s ride and accuracy of the application are pretty amazing, and because it is mounted at the midpoint of the chassis, the operator has a much better view of the boom under application.
“Safety is also a further point of consideration and the Imperador’s boom does not spray on or under the cab or chassis. The wings only spray out to the sides and a separate boom at the rear of the machine sprays where the wheels and chassis have already passed.
“An additional benefit of mounting the boom in the middle of the chassis allows for a 50-50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles. This reduces compaction, which is often a major concern to many local farmers,” Jeremy adds.
Stara Imperador 4000 package
The cabin on the Imperador 4000 will satisfy the fussiest of operators as it’s one of the most comfortable in its category with the topper 5500 offering precision control in a single device.
With plenty of space and good forward and all-round vision including rear cameras, it takes away any unnecessary operator strain.
With a single button press on the joystick, the sprayer speed can be adjusted from steering mode of 10kph, up to work mode at 35kph or transport mode of 55kph.
With full boom recirculation, the operator can prime the system on the way to the first paddock, and with the tiered boom, the Imperador is always automatically spraying at the ideal rate, and pressure, regardless of forward speed.
The Imperador 4000 comes standard with a Trimble GPS receiver on the roof, and Stara’s telemetry system for exclusive remote monitoring and troubleshooting.
This communication package allows the operator to talk to a Croplands technician or even a technician at the Stara factory.
See more at Croplands with the full options list on this link and look for a dealer on the locator here or call for customer service Australia-wide on: 1800 999 162.
RBR Vortex 390
The very latest Self-propelled spraying entrant from Croplands this season is the high-capacity RBR Vortex 390 with a 9400-litre stainless steel product tank as standard equipment.
Engine power is provided by a Cummins QSL 9-litre Tier 4F engine that can muster 287kW (390hp), with an option of 316kW (430hp) available.
Power is transferred through an Allison Automatic 3000 RDS transmission combined with a Marmon Herrington 2-speed transfer case for a 5-speed low range or 4-speed high range. The overall gear combination gives the RBR 390 a top speed of 80kph.
The advantage of longer shifts and increased travel speed between application sites and remote water points is sure to catch growers’ attention.
Operators will also appreciate the simple mechanical drive system on the RBR 390 that flows through driveshafts to solid front and rear axles.
There are no hydraulic driveline motors on this machine and many operators prefer this conventional drive system coupled with a rear differential lock as they believe it delivers the traction of a true four-wheel drive. That can be expected to traverse all paddock conditions without any issues.
The RBR Vortex is built strong from the start with high-strength frames fabricated from 255 by 102mm high-grade material, boxed with secondary reinforcement plates for added strength.
In addition, the frames are coated with a polyurea armour coating to maximise work life.
The Vortex 390 is designed to cover more crops in a day. It starts with the product carrying capacity of the 9400-litre stainless steel tank coupled with a Millennium aluminium spray boom of either 36 or 40m.
Along with the versatility of a 7500-litre main tank and 1500-litre dual-purpose tank the sprayer is ready for spot or selective spraying and able to handle more than one chemical in the one application.
At the centre of the boom configurations available are 25cm stainless steel boom plumbing and recessed nozzle bodies which complement either the standard 9 section, PWM or 3-tiered nozzle control systems on offer.
Add to that sprayer tech in the form of a Raven Viper 4+ field computer, auto section control and XRT auto boom leveller as standard equipment on the Vortex model.
The Vortex 390 is also equipped with a strong centre section design able to withstand the most severe paddock conditions. With mechanical dampeners installed to reduce the rigours of cornering and to help cushion the centre rack.
The added display at the loading station allows for a one-touch operation, it controls load station valves and the cleaning system.
Spot spraying is also catered for by the Vortex 390 with Croplands offering a unique “spot spray ready” option whereby the stainless steel 9400-litre tank can be ordered as a split unit offering a 7500-litre main tank, 1500-litre spot or ‘hot” tank and 400-litre fresh water tank.
Bracket kits have also been designed to fit a Croplands industry-leading WEED-IT optical spot spraying system as well as other makes of GoB and GoG technology.
Up in the ISO-ready cab, there is everything an operator could hope for from a ride that is enhanced by gas shocks and air suspensions that provide an all-day work environment, even across the toughest terrain.
Tinted windows and auto climate control keep the cab at an ideal temperature while the quality operator seat is within easy reach of a 100mm (7-inch) touch screen with interactive diagnostics, while the operator can give full attention to the application underway.
Controls and information are easily accessible and intuitive, providing all the information necessary to assist the operator with effective machine operation with an ergonomic floating console with easy-to-read and use soft-gel controls.
The Vortex 390 is fitted with a redundant hand throttle for more precise speed control when operating in rough and rugged paddock conditions.
The RBR Vortex 390 is a high-capacity self-propelled sprayer that can run at a high speed and take advantage of sometimes limited time to get the job done much quicker. See full product details on this link.
For the full options list and nearest dealer locator go to: croplands.com.au or call for customer service Australia-wide on: 1800 999 162.
Stara Imperador 4000 specifications
Engine Cummins 6.7-litre
Power kW/hp 191/260
Top speed 55kph
Main tank 4000-litre
Boom width 36-metre mid-mount boom
Boom weight 50/50 distribution
Wheel tracks 3-metres
Clearance 1.6 or 2 metre option
Wheel drive Four-wheel drive standard
Recirculation Continuous tiered booms standard
RBR Vortex 390 specifications
Engine Cummins QSL 9.0-litre
Power kW/hp 287/390 or optional 316/430
Top speed 80kph
Main tank 9400-litres or 7500/1500-litre dual tank
Boom width 36 or 40-metres
Boom weight rear distribution
Wheel tracks push button adjustment
Clearance n/a
Wheel drive Two or Four-wheel drive
