The futuristic-looking iXter sprayer range from Vicon is the industry’s first tractor mounted sprayer series to be offered with full Isobus compatibility.
This means that any tractor which is Isobus 11783-equipped can upload the spray computer program onto its own terminal and with the addition of a Vicon switchbox to control boom sections, the sprayer’s functions and hydraulic controls can be operated through the tractor’s terminal.
“Isobus dramatically reduces in-cab clutter and control box requirements,” Vicon crop care manager Cliff Buck said. “However, the iXter range is not exclusively for Isobus-equipped tractors – these sprayers are available with FlowMate and Focus II control systems for those who do not favour the Isobus system.”
The Vicon iXter range is available in four tank sizes – 1,000, 1,300, 1,600 and 1,800 litres – and each can be equipped with boom widths from 15-24m, from four different boom families. These include the HC and HPT steel booms and the all-new Alu-Liner vertically folding HCA and HOSA series.
Vicon’s aluminium boom structure avoids a welded construction in favour of aircraft manufacturing technology that sees aluminium components assembled using bolt-together clamps and glue. This innovative construction enables individual pieces of the Alu-Liner boom to be individually replaced – on-farm – in the event of damage.
“The HCA Alu-Liner boom cleverly integrates all spray lines, hoses and nozzles in a closed profile,” Mr Buck said. “It has the advantage of being very easy to clean and offers 100% protection of all hoses against rain, dirt and ultra-violet rays.”
Simplifying hitching and unhitching, Vicon has also developed an Easy Hitch quick coupler that uses an innovative telescopic pto design that enables the operator to make all connections – electric, hydraulic and PTO – before finally reversing the tractor up to the sprayer. Visual indicators inform of the operator about the status of the hitch locking mechanism.
ENFO – ENvironmental Focus – is part of the iXter’s standard specification and manages prime, purge and rinsing of the sprayer’s plumbing system, plus return to tank agitation that can be diverted to the suction side of the pump rather than back to the tank. This enables the spray tank to be virtually emptied of pesticides and maximises efficiency while minimising waste and tank washings.
Options include programmable tank filling via ASV (auto suction valve) and Autoset electrical suction and pressure valves. The iXter range can also be equipped with parallel guidance and automatic nozzle switching from DGPS positioning using the Starguide II controller.
Prices for the Vicon iXter range start at £17,400 (correct at November 2009).
For more information visit: www.vicon.eu.
