Sands has replaced almost all the components used in its previous boom control system with a single Smart Ram.

The new setup, which has been in development for more than two years, is available on the firm’s Horizon and Infinity self-propelled sprayers.

Benefits include a circa 200kg weight saving, thanks to the removal of the pair of shock absorbers, springs and large central boom lock, and far superior performance.

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This allows significantly higher forward speeds with no detriment to boom stability and height control, the company says, with customers reporting output increases of about 25%.

Allied to the new ram is Norac’s latest UC8 five-sensor levelling system and improved pivot point geometry that allows for smoother, more precise movements.

Speccing the Smart Ram adds about £3,500 to the list price of a standard machine, with a 4,000-litre/24m Horizon coming in at £215,000.

It can also be retrofitted to older models for £9,000 – an offer several Sands sprayer owners have apparently already taken up.