Goldacres promises everything operators have asked for in a lightweight self-propelled sprayer with 4000 litres onboard and booms out to 36m
Before the upcoming roadshow events take a look at the background of the G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2 build and be armed with the information to ensure an ideal configuration for your operation.
Goldacres has been the most successful full local-build and design sprayer manufacturer and there is an obvious reason behind their high sales numbers.
It harks back to simply giving operators what they ask for at every turning point in spray evolution.
This is the required formula behind the continued advancement of the upcoming Goldacres G4 Crop Cruiser S2, self-propelled sprayer.
But first, we need to take a look at the evolution of the G4 Series.
The G4 Series 1 Crop Cruiser was initially introduced in 2014 to address the need for a lightweight and cost-effective sprayer, particularly for demand coming from the promising cotton industry.
Now, if you have ever dealt with cotton growers, you can just imagine the stress Goldacres engineers were about to endure in getting everything right for this select market segment.
Foremost, Goldacres would need to qualify how cotton growers could evaluate and ensure this capital equipment purchase would give them a solid return over their current operation.
Goldacres was confident it offered the best value sprayer through its mechanical driveline system, that it ensures is the best option to save serious money on operating costs.
In Goldacres’ favour, when compared to imported models was that our local spraying applicants vary substantially from that of North America and Europe due to higher spraying speeds, lower water rates and generally harsher weather conditions.
Taking these factors into account, the Goldacres G4 Crop Cruiser had to be developed to operate with maximum efficiency and reliability in sometimes difficult conditions.
Goldacres engineers knew they had an ace up their sleeve by adapting their mechanical driveline into the design to reduce overall maintenance costs, save on fuel and run across cotton fields with low noise levels and reduced heat. When compared that is, to hydrostatic drive models, according to Goldacres.
In addition, the G4 Series 1 machines would be able to operate at lower engine rpm with less power required, while providing more torque at the wheels and delivering a much longer component life.
Cotton growers agreed and took the Goldacres G4 Series 1 sprayer to heart. They had what they wanted a hard-working well-built sprayer that could get across the ground quickly.
Power was gained from a Cummins QSB 4.5-litre engine with Tier 3 emissions, peaking at 121kW (165hp). Coupled with wide TriTech boom widths from 24 to 36m, the G4 Series 1 could deliver high outputs, with low inputs.
Using the now successful G4 Series 1 base technology Goldacres went on to release a specialist model for horticulture in mid-2017.
Armed with the same 121kW (165hp) engine the lightweight G4V Crop Cruiser was a 4WD 4-wheel steer model, with up to 16 track widths ranging from 1810 to 2366mm.
The G4V was considered at most efficient spraying off a 4000-litre tank with a 30m boom. And could run at typically lower speed ranges coupled with high-capacity hydraulics to operate a large spray pump for high flow rates.
By 2019, firmly entrenched in cotton fields and running down vineyard lines the natural
progression for the G4 Series 1 sprayer came from general farm operators and contractors.
The takeaway appeal came from this 4000-litre capacity sprayer well suited to booms out to 30m being one of the lightest in its class. Operators could spray most paddocks without leaving bog marks.
Also, fuel usage savings bobbed up quite often with some operators claiming 11 to 12.5 litres/hr. Even under heavy operation the 300-litre fuel tank lasted two days before a refill.
By this time there were also several improvements made to boom circulation with a three-tier system (3TS). It used two types of nozzles.
Depending on the speed and rate, the Raven controller selects one nozzle or the other, or both, giving three overlapping ranges. It maintained a very consistent spray pattern at varying speeds
The Goldacres G4 Series 1 was catching on, it was locally made and a simple machine to run.
But as Goldacres has always found since its inception in 1978, the demand for ever improved spraying appears to have no bounds, and as a result, the G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2 will be released with every conceivable enhancement in 2024.
Goldacres G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2
Operators have plugged away at Goldacres engineers and for the past three years, they have been developing what is a remarkable self-propelled sprayer characterised by a 4000-litre tank capacity and versatile boom sizes and configurations extending out to 36 metres.
With the release of the G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2 is a model that has evolved into a robust and adaptable spraying solution that is capable of working across all applications.
Throughout its history, the G4 has witnessed a series of enhancements and updates, including hydraulic track adjustment options, the introduction of 4WD with a fixed 3m track width, and an updated cabin design that prioritises operator comfort.
A roadshow across the country will highlight the launch of the G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2.
Goldacres has taken the premise of a medium capacity self-propelled sprayer to the greatest heights possible in the current market.
These are the key upgrades operators have been asking for and fitted to the G4 Series 2.
Enhanced engine and driveline
Equipped with a Cummins B Series Tier 2 4-cylinder engine rated at 147kW (200hp), this is a significant power upgrade from the engine fitted into the G4 Series 1 that tapped out at 121kW (165hp).
The G4 Series 2 engine upgrade ensures the power and efficiency many operators are seeking. Paired with a 6-speed automatic Allison transmission with revised final ratios, there is also much improved drivability.
With a tare weight ranging from 10 to 11 tonnes, depending on configurations, the G4 stands out as one of the lightest mid-sized self-propelled sprayers in the market.
While its mechanical driveline further enhances cost-effectiveness.
Versatile wheel track options
The G4 Series 2 now offers a range of wheel track options that make these sprayers suitable for all broadacre and horticultural applications.
Among more options requested from operators are the choice of 2 and 3m fixed 2WD, 2 to 3m and 3 to 4m manual track adjustment and a 2 to 3m hydraulic track adjustment. And in addition, for very particular operations are 3m 4×4 configurations.
Comfortable Cab and ergonomics
The introduction of the CLAAS X10 cabin, borrowed from the G6 and G8 Series models, takes the G4 Series 2 to the top of their segment with substantially enhanced operator comfort.
The cabin design encompasses a spacious interior, reduced noise levels, ergonomic controls, a larger training seat, storage facilities, climate control, electric mirrors, Bluetooth-enabled audio reception, and a UHF radio.
G-Hub system efficiency
The G4 Series 2 integrates the G-Hub fully integrated sprayer control system, comprising a 305mm (12-in) cabin display for critical machine operations and an external display for streamlined fill, clean, and induction functions.
The G-Hub system further offers onboard diagnostics to quickly identify and address issues.
The Fast Fill 76mm (3-in) induction system enhances filling capacities and is also conveniently managed through the 110mm (4.3-in) G-Hub external display, automatically shutting off when the desired tank volume is reached.
Minimised downtime
Goldacres addresses the issue of downtime during reloading by offering more innovative filling solutions.
These solutions include integrated water and chemical transfer pumps, as well as fast-fill 76mm (3-in) systems.
The 60-litre chemical induction hopper streamlines the transfer of liquid and granular products into the main tank. An optional high-flow 76mm (3-in) fill pump allowing rates of up to 1150-litres/min is also available.
The integration of a chemical venturi probe further enhances precision in chemical transfer.
TriTech Boom enhances Spraying
G4 Series 2 sprayers aim for total efficiency and as result are fitted with a TriTech boom, available in widths ranging from 24 to 36m.
Designed to meet the demands of operators seeking top-tier performance, reliability, and control, the boom offers hydraulic yaw control to minimise over and under-application of chemicals.
Centre section suspension links and tuned damping characteristics isolate chassis movement over rough terrain and ensure precise roll control, maintaining an optimal and consistent nozzle height.
An optional radar boom height controller, called the Raven AutoBoom XRT, is also available, with five sensors functioning to ensure accurate height measurement, and be resistant to spray drift, dust, and mud.
Advanced Chemical Application
The G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2 provides various chemical application systems, including RapidFlow for more quantified boom recirculation, along with the 250mm 3TS (three-tier nozzle system), and RapidFire.
These functions are standard in 10 sections, with options to expand to 16 sections, offering 3TS Pro and Hawkeye PWM (pulse width modulation) for additional capabilities.
Finished production line models of the G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2 are set to commence in the first half of 2024. While pre-production models will be on display and available for full demonstration at a series of nationwide roadshow events.
For more in-depth information, go to: Goldacres.com.au and discover how this innovative sprayer model can elevate your agricultural operations to extra performance heights and cost efficiency.
For more information on the cost-effective Goldacres G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2 and details of the upcoming roadshow, see more on this link.
Goldacres G4 Crop Cruiser Series 2
