Goldacres is testing its new G4V Crop Cruiser self-propelled sprayer in Victoria, writes Tom Dickson
Australian spray equipment manufacturer Goldacres is in the final stages of testing a new self-propelled sprayer and, if all goes to plan, will launch the new G4V spray rig within the next couple of months.
The new lightweight narrow-track-width sprayer is specifically designed for use in the horticultural industry, but results from top-secret testing conducted in the Ballarat region are indicating that it is quite capable right across the farming spectrum.
Boasting a completely new design, the G4V Crop Cruiser features a 165hp, 4.5-litre Cummins engine coupled to a unique hydraulic and mechanical drive line system. The dual drive line combines hydraulic drive from a Danfoss Hydraulic Transmission Pump to a two-speed transfer case, and mechanical drive from the transfer case to the wheels.
The machine has inboard hydraulic brakes, LSD diff centres front and rear, constant four-wheel drive, and computer-controlled four-wheel steering which gives a minimum turning radius of 3.2m.
Wheel tracks from 1.84m-2.39m can be achieved by adjusting the bolted rim and disk configuration to allow up to 16 track width variations.
The interior of the premium five-pillar cabin features a Grammer air ride seat, fold-away passenger seat, climate control with active carbon filtration, a fully adjustable steering column, Bluetooth sound system and a variety of charge points for electronic devices.
All of the sprayer’s function control switches are conveniently positioned on a fully moulded operator side console.
The G4V’s speed, direction and braking is managed by a single joystick lever mounted for comfort and convenience on the side console.
The standard 4000-litre solution tank on the G4V can be matched to a selection of fully hydraulic folding booms ranging in width from 18-30m. A multi-stage centrifugal pump delivers high flow rates of up to 400 litres per minute.
A variety of ISOBUS controllers including John Deere GreenStar, Trimble, TopCon and Ag Leader are compatible with the systems on the G4V.
According to Goldacres sales and marketing operations manager Stephen Richards, the machine is being tested by Shaun Breen, who trades as Western Ag Spraying. Breen also runs G6 (6000L) and G4 (4000L) sprayers and covers Ballarat and surrounding districts in some boggy, demanding conditions.
“Shaun is a great tester for us as he has used and helped develop our machines for the past 10-15 years and has a solid understanding of them,” Richards says. “He only sprays broadacre crops but has been really impressed with how the G4V has performed in these conditions.
“The machine currently has around 400 hours on it,” he adds.
With initial testing now in its final stages, the G4V is set to be rolled out within the next couple of months. Farms and Farm Machinery will have a full product review and video as soon as the new sprayer is launched to the public.