Local Ballarat-based spray manufacturer Goldacres is holding true with its flagship G8 Super Cruiser built to be versatile and for the long haul
Goldacres stamped out all broadacre farm operations as their very own patch when they released the 8000-litre G8 Super Cruiser self-propelled sprayer to an adoring group of buyers in 2016.
With obvious updates in spraying technology added to the G8 since its initial release, this model has stood the test of its design by being one of the most solid and biggest SP models that are solely manufactured here with full local factory support.
The base specifications have proven ideal for our local terrain, as set into place by Goldacres engineers to give everything expected from a design that includes a fixed three-metre axle with constant four-wheel drive.
With power from a solid six-cylinder 6.7-litre QSB Cummins engine, it’s enough to race through the toughest assignments with 194kW (260hp) and 987Nm purring through the Allison 3000 Series 6-speed auto transmission getting every drop of energy to the wheels.
Top speed is 50kph and fuel tank capacity is offered at 440 litres as standard with fill options on both sides of the rank.
Goldacres engineers are confident they offer the best value sprayer as it operates through a mechanical driveline system, and this ensures operators can save serious money on operating costs.
Whenever a comparison is made to a hydrostatic drive model, Goldacres engineers are quick to point out a mechanical driveline reduces maintenance costs, saves fuel and produces less noise and heat.
In addition, the G8 Series is 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.
Goldacres engineers also make a very valid point, our local spraying conditions 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 G8 Series has been developed to operate at maximum paddock efficiency across longer hours but still maintain the reliability expected of the all-Australian manufactured range.
Operators will also find some creature comforts in the G8 that are prevalent across the full Goldacres G Series self-propelled model range.
The cabin has been designed for comfort and with low noise levels and good ride quality, while a lower bonnet position works to achieve a 320-degree view for the operator.
And with the cabin positioned behind the front axle, it alleviates a lot of vertical movement and along with the five-link air bag chassis suspension system and an air seat, it gives the operator confidence to move firmly through the work.
Inside the cab, a multifunctional monitor displays engine and transmission information while the side console gives access to push button transmission selection and other vital machine functions.
With a buggy as adaptable as the G8 Super Cruiser it was important to give operators full control of the spray settings that can be unleashed, and that task is down to Goldacres G-Motion handpiece that offers precise palm-of-hand control.
Functions include setting individual or dual boom wing tilt, lifting and lowering while setting the auto steer and cruise control while all master spraying operations can be done without moving your hand from the G-Motion handle.
A key introduction to the G8 Series was full ISOBUS compatibility to ensure all sub-systems can communicate through one console, across every piece of precision farming technology.
The G8 can also be armed with dual screens so the operator can get access to all information available. A popular combination is for mapping and guidance to be displayed on the large screen, while rate information can readily be picked up on the smaller CR7 screen.
Goldacres engineers have gone to the end of the earth to make sure the G8 is armed with the most accurate and up-to-date spray technology.
Operators are getting the benefit of over 20 years of pioneered development of fitting lightweight aluminium in the outer boom wings to reduce boom forces in both yaw and roll.
Goldacres engineers made important breakthroughs combined with unique boom suspensions that are the most stable ride, regardless of the terrain.
TriTech 36 to 48m V booms are the result, with their contour following referencing to the sprayer chassis and not purely on gravity and as a result, allows the sprayer to transverse the sides of hills and contours and still keep the boom level to the ground at all times.
The 48m boom provides for three bi-folding spray widths of 20, 36 and 48 metres at full stretch (65, 120, 160ft), while infinite nozzle spacings further expand spraying flexibility.
Goldacres has signalled ongoing research into the latest weed-sensing technology systems and continues to develop the architecture needed to integrate a weed-sensing camera system, with their sprayer rate controller.
It is expected the G8 Super Cruiser will be used by the company to expand its farm inventory over time as the chassis has already been adapted to a spreading system with a 10 cubic metre stainless steel spreader mounted on the chassis.
And the company has also built a delivered a track version of the G8 sprayer.
Goldacres G8 Series sprayers are fully designed, engineered and built in Ballarat Vic to service our local unique and demanding conditions.
Offering an industry-leading boom ride Goldacres pays attention to how growers evaluate their capital equipment purchases, by ensuring that the return on investment is maximised.
Check for the available delivery from your local Goldacres dealer locator on this link or go to: www.goldacres.com.au
Goldacres G8 on tracks
The Goldacres flagship model, the G8 8000-litre Super Cruiser is also available on tracks, four independent Soucy tracks to be exact, with a 48 metre (160ft) tri-fold boom.
The G8 on tracks is a big capacity machine that weighs in at about 20 tonnes loaded.
Tracks give the G8 twice the contact area and that’s where the interest lies with operators seeking extra flotation when it gets too wet for wheel versions.
Goldacres engineers designed the undercarriage to allow the Soucy S-Tech 7016 track system to be fitted.
The Soucy system has a 406mm (16-inch) wide belt with a contact length of 2150mm (7ft).
This provides twice the ground contact area compared to a 520/85R46 tyre. The track width is 3000mm (10ft) and the ground clearance of the prototype is 940mm (3ft).
The G8 on tracks can travel up to 40kph, though like all track systems, operators would need to manage potential overheating and wear.
The hydraulic system is driven directly from the transmission to provide plenty of oil flow without the engine working at high RPM, keeping fuel use to a minimum and providing better hydraulic performance. As a local manufacturer, Goldacres are in a position to make to-order, and this benefits buyers that want to make changes by adding or replacing the standard build to suit their particular requirements.
Check for the available delivery from your local Goldacres dealer locator on this link or go to: www.goldacres.com.au
Goldacres GB Super Cruiser
