Robotic Carrier Spreads And Sprays

Robotic Carrier Spreads And Sprays FERTILIZER APPLICATION OMNiPOWER 3200 is the new improved implement carrier from Raven Industries With 200 hp and a hydraulic system that has been optimized for 50 percent more power the 3200 can carry its load faster with more power to the ground The latest version offers two operating speeds with up to 6 mph in low gear and up to 12 mph in high gear Not only is a driver not needed but no operator platform even exists It can run autonomously or remotely from an operator’s tablet “We had two machines mainly spreading dry fertilizer this spring and will be applying herbicide in Canada this summer ” says Ben Voss director of sales North America and Australia “So far most of the work has been done in the U S ” The autonomous platform is equipped with front rear or 4-WD steering It can be driven forward backward or sideways The 3200 can be equipped with a New Leader NL5000 G5 applicator spreader It has a 287-cu ft capacity and 16-section swath width control with independent spinner control Liquid applications are delivered with a Pattison Liquid Systems Connect sprayer It has a 1 600-gal stainless steel tank and 120-ft booms with individual nozzle control Voss indicates the dry and liquid units are just the first of an array of implements to be introduced for use with the 3200 platform Research teams at Olds College Olds Alberta Canada have used the OMNiPOWER platform for three years They have spread fertilizer and air-seeded with the SeedMaster DSR 30 ft air seeder as well as worked with Pattison and New Leader systems Others are working with the platform as well “We’ll be getting as many hours in the field this year as we can for final validation ” says Voss “Then we’ll move to increase production Of course that will be supply-chain dependent ” Voss reports that farmer interest is not restricted to large versus small Some see it as a way to resolve the difficulty in finding workers Others see it as a stepping-stone to using autonomy in other machines “I had one customer not a huge farmer who got very emotional ” recalls Voss “He was five years from wanting to retire and had been trying to get his son interested in taking over the farm He couldn’t do it until he got this machine ” While the machine is autonomously capable putting it to work is not a turnkey operation warns Voss “A lot of planning is needed ” he says “You need good connectivity in the field whether to the internet or via cellular coverage You also need detailed mapping and RTK guidance ” Other preparation includes long-term cropping plans and the ability to integrate all aspects of precision agriculture “Only then can you get the full benefits of autonomy ” says Voss Unlike earlier versions Voss expects the 3200 to be leased at a per acre rate similar to custom farming rates “We want to give customers an incentive to commit to the machine without being burdened financially ” he says Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Raven Industries 205 E 6th St Sioux Falls S Dak 57104 ph 605-336-2750; www ravenprecision com

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