FarmGem’s huge new high-clearance Sapphire VT200 self-propelled sprayer, with its massive 2m clearance under the chassis, might not be something that masses of UK growers would need. However, the impending ban on aerial spraying in eastern Europe has apparently prompted a surge in interest in this sort of sprayer.

It’s actually made by Knight Farm Machinery and is aimed at growers with tall crops like maize, sunflowers, oilseed rape, cotton or even Christmas trees. Hydraulic track adjustment allows the sprayer to shift from being a 2.1m narrow-track machine to a 3.2m wide-track one without the driver having to stop.

The 3,000 or 4,000 litre tanks are mounted in line with the wheels and move in and out with the axles during track adjustment. That avoids crop damage and ensures good stability even at full height, says the company. Boom widths are available from 24 to 36m.

Standard equipment includes a multifunction joystick control that operates functions used during spraying while also controlling the direction and speed of the vehicle. Auto spray-boom height and GPS section shutoff are options. Cost is likely to be in the region of £200,000.