Chafer has launched a trailed sprayer to replace its 10-year-old E-series design.

Due to be officially unveiled at the LAMMA machinery show early next year, the new Guardian can be specified with 3000-4000-litre tanks and booms from 18-30m.

A stepped chassis means the square-profile stainless steel tank sits as low as possible, reducing the centre of gravity by 35% when fully laden. Stability on steep ground is further improved by the use of a steering axle rather than drawbar.

The Guardian shares many features with Chafer’s larger Sentry machine, launched earlier this year. Farmers and other sprayer owners were heavily involved in the design and eight Guardians have been ordered off the drawing board.

A new load-compensating air suspension system means a smoother ride for both boom and operator. It also ensures faster, more accurate spraying and less travel time between fields, says marketing manager Rob Starkey.

“Twin-airbag suspension gives better performance behind 50kph tractors and over rough ground,” he says. “Axle steering is fitted as standard, which ensures precise headland tracking even on wider wheels.”

A repositioned pump and valves means improved maintenance access. Quick-release couplings on all drain points ensure easy draining in frosty conditions.

New options aid compliance with crop assurance schemes and recent environmental legislation. This includes a cab-operated boom flush system, so operators no longer have to walk through sprayed crops.

The standard machine starts at £32,000. Optional extras include air brakes, independent boom tilt and GPS guidance with GPS-controlled automatic boom shut-off.

fwmachinery@rbi.co.uk