French machinery maker Kuhn has signalled its intent to challenge the big players in the medium to large trailed sprayer market with the launch of the Karan series.

Previously, the firm had two trailed sprayer ranges, including the entry level Lexis available with a maximum tank capacity of 3,800 litres and boom widths up to 28m.

See also: Sprayers: Where are they made?

In the short term, this continues to be complemented by the slightly larger Metris 2, with two tank options – 3,200 and 4,100 litres – and booms up to 38m.

While the Lexis range will remain intact, from January next year the Metris 2 will be phased out and replaced by what Kuhn says is its most efficient sprayer yet.

The Karan will initially be available with 4,500-, 5,200- and 6,000-litre capacities and a maximum boom width of 39m.

However, an 8,000-litre/45m option will be added in the future to attract bigger arable units and contractors.

© Adam Clarke

Spec options

Specifications will be limited to a mid-range Power version initially, with two more added in due course – a basic Essential and a yet-to-be-named high-end model that will be unveiled at Agritechnica in November.

The Essential is likely to appeal to central and eastern European markets, while the more advanced option will offer buyers the chance to load up on the latest technology, including the firm’s I-Spray green-on-green spot spraying system.

Benjamin Desindes, Kuhn’s sprayer marketing manager, told Farmers Weekly the Karan would compete with machines from the likes of Amazone, John Deere and Horsch.

“The self-propelled market is strong in the UK, with a lot of local players, but the trailed sprayer market is big too – and one that we are targeting,” he said.

“People can order now from a limited production run and we want to deliver those pre-series machines from January 2026.”

So, what are the chances of Kuhn making headway?

The Karan has been developed over four years, with help from a large European focus group which included operators in the UK, so it could well attract interest.

© Adam Clarke

Early models will be available with either Manuset manual valves or a Diluset+ option, where motorised control valves allow agitation and rinsing to be controlled from the cab.

Its spraying system offers tank filling at a brisk 900 litres/min and spraying output of up to 500 litres/min.

Boom contouring

Combined with its new Eagle boom contour control system, it means the sprayer can travel at speeds up to 25kph to match work rates of a comparable self-propelled.

A new range of Pommier XEA3 aluminium booms will initially have 50cm nozzle spacings and are claimed to offer enhanced drift control. A 25cm spacing option will come later.

The Karan can be specced with Kuhn’s AutoSpray pulse-width modulation (PWM) system, which features individual nozzle control, curve compensation and the ability to maintain droplet size across a wide speed range.

© Adam Clarke

Clean water is sourced from an 800-litre tank on all models, positioned to the front and centre of the machine for optimum balance. 

This feeds a twin rotating gyro washer, which has 360deg access to all internal tank surfaces.

Kuhn says operator safety has been greatly improved by its redesigned induction hopper, which can draw liquid product into the tank at a rate of 220 litre/min to reduce operator exposure.

© Adam Clarke

CTS ready

The station comes ready for use with a closed transfer system (CTS), with iso-standard plumbing for any setup compatible with the EasyConnect container cap situated at the bottom of the hopper.

Kuhn envisages CTS systems being available factory fitted in the future.

Further operator benefits include a vertical hydraulic drawbar stand and the option of a hydraulic pump drive to avoid regular tussles with a dirty pto shaft.

Ease of maintenance has also been addressed, with the patented pump disassembly system featuring an integrated lift winch.

After releasing the pump support bracket by winding out four bolts and removing a couple of connectors, it can be whipped out in less than five minutes, the company says.

Designers made the machine as light as possible, too: a 6,000-litre Power version with 36m booms weighs 5.7t empty.

Optional VF footwear allow operators to set lower working pressures, they can be fitted with a central tyre inflation system, and the new axle steering system offers a turning angle of up to 28deg.

A big catalogue of expensive options means purchase price can vary significantly, with a PWM AutoSpray option adding about £30,000 and a set of VF boots £7,000.

So, with all bells and whistles, a 6,000-litre Karan Power with 36m booms could max out at about £200,000, says Kuhn.