Lemken unveiled its Vega sprayer concept at Agritechnica 2011. Since taking over sprayer makers Jacoby and RTS in 2005, the company has already successfully developed and introduced the Sirius mounted sprayer range to the market, but the Vega is the first trailed sprayer designed by the firm’s engineers.
At first glance, the new tank shaping catches the eye, but there are also important technical details. Besides the 5,000-litre version presented at Agritechnica, models with 3,000- and 4,000-litre tank volumes are planned. Inside, the tank is centrally divided by a baffle to ensure constant weight distribution even when the tank is part-filled. A large ladder with a broad platform provides easy access to the tank. The chassis is integrated in the frame leaving extraordinarily large ground clearance to protect tall crops.
Many features of the Vega are completely new. It provides fully automatic valve blocks, arranged in a row similar to that of a hydraulic valve block. All valves, on the suction and pressure side, are electrically switched, so there is no longer the need to place them physically at the operation centre. With Vega, all valves are integrated into the hoses in a way that reduces overall hose length and minimises spray residue. The valves are operated remotely, either from the cab or from a remote terminal adjacent to the induction hopper and water connections.
A new combination of parallelogram and vertical mast serves to lift the boom. Lifting height can be adjusted from 0.5-3.0m enabling the Vega to suit even extremely tall crops such as maize or rape. The parallelogram connection optimises ground clearance in the field as well as the centre of gravity for transport.
The new rear-folded SEH aluminium boom is designed with minimum weight but maximum strength, and uses a completely new rectangular aluminium profile. Its construction height provides sufficient space for multi-nozzle holders with three or five nozzles. All nozzles and nozzle bodies, as well as all electric and hydraulic lines, are protected within the boom profile. Lemken engineers have used rivet technology from the aircraft industry to save weight in the boom and much heavier bolt connections are avoided. Automatic locks fix joints rigidly, once unfolded, on booms from 15-30m.
Inside the boom, a circulation line provides fast reaction after switching the valves on or off with minimal residue quantities. With the El-Tec electric individual nozzle control, all nozzles are switched with separate valves to increase application precision. It can be upgraded with the El-Tec Pro electric field sprayer flow monitor that was awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica 2011.
The two separate boom arms are centrally supported by the vertical axle of the sprayer. They are connected to specially arranged packs of spring cushions that cushion horizontal movements. Rotation sensors enable electronic control of the boom arm angle from -8-15 degrees. With the new vertical pendulum suspension, the boom quickly adapts to the different slope conditions.
Providing it performs successfully during a trial period, market introduction for the Vega sprayer is planned for 2013.
At first glance, the new tank shaping catches the eye, but there are also important technical details. Besides the 5,000-litre version presented at Agritechnica, models with 3,000- and 4,000-litre tank volumes are planned. Inside, the tank is centrally divided by a baffle to ensure constant weight distribution even when the tank is part-filled. A large ladder with a broad platform provides easy access to the tank. The chassis is integrated in the frame leaving extraordinarily large ground clearance to protect tall crops.
Many features of the Vega are completely new. It provides fully automatic valve blocks, arranged in a row similar to that of a hydraulic valve block. All valves, on the suction and pressure side, are electrically switched, so there is no longer the need to place them physically at the operation centre. With Vega, all valves are integrated into the hoses in a way that reduces overall hose length and minimises spray residue. The valves are operated remotely, either from the cab or from a remote terminal adjacent to the induction hopper and water connections.
A new combination of parallelogram and vertical mast serves to lift the boom. Lifting height can be adjusted from 0.5-3.0m enabling the Vega to suit even extremely tall crops such as maize or rape. The parallelogram connection optimises ground clearance in the field as well as the centre of gravity for transport.
The new rear-folded SEH aluminium boom is designed with minimum weight but maximum strength, and uses a completely new rectangular aluminium profile. Its construction height provides sufficient space for multi-nozzle holders with three or five nozzles. All nozzles and nozzle bodies, as well as all electric and hydraulic lines, are protected within the boom profile. Lemken engineers have used rivet technology from the aircraft industry to save weight in the boom and much heavier bolt connections are avoided. Automatic locks fix joints rigidly, once unfolded, on booms from 15-30m.
Inside the boom, a circulation line provides fast reaction after switching the valves on or off with minimal residue quantities. With the El-Tec electric individual nozzle control, all nozzles are switched with separate valves to increase application precision. It can be upgraded with the El-Tec Pro electric field sprayer flow monitor that was awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica 2011.
The two separate boom arms are centrally supported by the vertical axle of the sprayer. They are connected to specially arranged packs of spring cushions that cushion horizontal movements. Rotation sensors enable electronic control of the boom arm angle from -8-15 degrees. With the new vertical pendulum suspension, the boom quickly adapts to the different slope conditions.
Providing it performs successfully during a trial period, market introduction for the Vega sprayer is planned for 2013.
For more information visit: www.lemken.com.
