High-speed spraying is becoming increasing popular in Europe, and especially in France where operators are looking to spray at speeds of up to 30km/hr. Building on the history and success of the SpraCoupe, the 2015 version of Challenger’s RoGator 600C is easily capable of meeting these speed requirements.
On display for the first time at the 2015 Sima Show at Paris, the 30km/hr maximum field speed of the RoGator 600C is 43 per cent faster than the previous 21km/hr. To achieve this extra speed, the trio of 600C models are fitted with heavier-duty and more powerful wheel motors with increased torque. Depending on model, this results in 10-15 per cent better pulling power compared to 2014 models.
The centre frame has been redesigned with fewer parts and pivot points for improved boom stability, while the remainder of the pivot points have been reinforced and bolts replaced with hinge pins to improve the reliability.
The bottom of the machine is now of a smoother design to reduce crop damage at these faster speeds, which will be particularly useful in OSR. Travelling at faster speeds requires greater nozzle opening to allow higher volumes of liquid to travel through the sprayer to ensure the same application rate, for example 150 lit/ha at 30km/hr requires the pumping of an extra 43 per cent more liquid than 150 lit/ha at 20km/hr.
Dual Nozzle Shut Off is the name of a new technique designed to do just this. The system utilises two small nozzles that combined have the same output as one large one. The system provides the possibility to engage both nozzles when the operator wants to drive at speeds that are outside the normal range of the first nozzle.
Designed, built and tested in Europe for European conditions, the 600C features new plumbing for the clean water tank connection to reduce the loading time of the clean water tank by as much as 50 per cent. This results in quicker filling times and decreased cycle times for more productivity.
“We’re raising the bar on productivity and doing more in less time with the RoGator 600C,” Challenger sprayer senior product specialist Jim Ubaghs said. “These latest models will appeal to current SpraCoupe owners looking to upgrade.”
In the engine department, the six-cylinder Agco Power engine in the RG645C (224hp) and RG655C (242hp) already met Stage IV emissions standards, while the four-cylinder 4.9-litre Agco Power engine in the RG635C (175hp) has been upgraded to meet the Stage IV requirements by adding AdBlue; there’s no EGR.
Other 600C updates include an automatic reversing camera, that can be programmed to automatically display in the C1000 as soon as the RoGator drives in reverse. This automatic function can be switched on or off, and it’s it is possible to update the software of existing machines. Finally, there’s a new Bluetooth radio, with USB, MP3, external microphone and hands-free functionality.
