Dial M for superior traction
Dial M for superior traction
By Andy Moore
THE M Class self-propelled sprayer range from Sands Agricultural Machinery (SAM) can now be specified with an anti-slip hydrostatic transmission and a self-levelling boom.
Called Smart anti-slip, the system is designed to completely eliminate wheelslip and provide effective four-wheel drive traction, says SAM.
The electronically controlled system works like an anti-lock braking system in reverse, with the speed of each wheel measured 60 times during each revolution.
If one wheel slips more than a pre-set limit based on the average speed of the other wheels, a hydraulic valve on the inlet of each motor closes and then modulates the wheel to the correct speed.
The Smart system has also been engineered to sense the steering angle and enable differential locking on a full turn.
For the true high-tech enthusiast, SAM has also developed a boom levelling system which is designed to automatically sense the distance of the boom above the crop using ultrasonic technology.
The system automatically raises and lowers the boom to 200mm above the crop height.
SAM has also introduced a new boom range which can be set to spray at 12m, 24m and 36m widths by selectively operating the required boom sections. Using Gullwing configuration, the booms can be legally folded or unfolded under 4m to meet European regulations.
A further facelift on the sprayers includes an improved rinsing system which enables the operator to flush out the sprayer system with clean water from the flick of a switch.
The Smart anti-slip and self-levelling boom system add an extra £3000 and £1300 respectively to the price of a basic M Class sprayer. *
SAMs M Class self-propelled sprayer range now has the option of an anti-slip hydrostatic transmission and self-levelling booms.