Back to Essential Guide to Precision Farming Tools
Remote Boom Control
Tech Specs: The Spraytest remote boom control is a tool for checking and servicing sprayer nozzles. Using a handheld remote the operator can turn individual boom sections on from behind the sprayer to do visual checks for spray patterns and plugged nozzles. There is a button on the remote for each individual section. Pressing the button on the remote for the boom section selected will open the solution valve and that section will spray as long as the button is held down. As soon as the button is released the solution valve will close and stop spraying. The receiver/controller mounts outside on the center boom and a plug-and-play harness for the make and model of sprayer will tee into a factory wiring connector on the sprayer.
Compatibility Index: Exclusively Aftermarket Product
WOW Factor: One trip out of the cab to service sprayer nozzles. It simply installs inline and allows the sprayer to function normally, but gives the operator the ability to use the remote to turn sections on from behind or in front of the boom. Most plug-and-play harnesses do not require an additional 12 volt power source as the power is intercepted in the harness.
Rebounder Seed Cover
Tech Specs: Schaffert’s Rebounder Seed Cover (for planters and drills) improves the accuracy and uniformity of in-furrow seed placement by funneling all seeds to the bottom of the furrow. On most planters the system attaches to the seed tube, adding less than one pound of pressure. It serves as an extension of the seed tube and stabilizes it in the center of the furrow. The tool has a unique, spoon shape design that forms to and works in conjunction with the furrow’s “V” shape. The half moon notch on the bottom tip allows it to run 3/8 inch off the bottom of the furrow. It does not drag the bottom of the seedbed, drag seeds or build up with mud. Fertilizer placement in relation to the seed is essential to successful plant growth. Each system has the option applying liquid fertilizer in various locations, in-furrow. The Y-Not splits fertilizer around the seed, fertilizing the sidewalls. The Straight Shot places liquid directly with the seed from under the Rebounder, keeping liquid off wheels and discs.
Compatibility Index: Exclusively Aftermarket Product
WOW Factor: Funnels seeds to the bottom of the seed “V,” eliminating seed bounce, seeds flipped on top of the soil and uneven spacing. It produces uniform seed placement and accurate depth control. The system fits most models of planters and drills and is easy to install — less than 5 minutes per row. Various fertilizer attachments can be added to place liquid in-furrow specifically where it is needed in relation to the seed. Combined with in-furrow fittings, the system can lead to improved germination and consistent emergence, generating higher yields through healthier plants.
Hawkeye Nozzle Control System
Tech Specs: Raven’s Hawkeye nozzle control system is a flow and pressure-based product control system that allows for precise sprayer application in a variety of conditions. Each nozzle is controlled by its own individual pulsing valve, giving operators a consistent spray pattern as speed and conditions change. Nozzle-by-nozzle turn compensation comes standard and the system fully integrates with the machine application control systems. It is built on the ISOBUS communication platform, which allows it to work with ISO task controllers, including Raven’s Viper 4 field computer. The system features individual valve diagnostics that monitor each nozzle and offers adjustable pressure on the fly, including two preset pressures. The system also has a simple and clean installation, setup and calibration, as well as a seal maintenance kit included in every order. It has also been tested for shock, vibration, impact and weather resistance in rugged terrain and extreme temperatures.
Compatibility Index: ISOBUS Certified Component, Exclusively Aftermarket Product
WOW Factor: Provides consistent pressure and spray pattern, ensuring accurate droplet size and improving the efficacy of the product being applied. As the operator adjusts pressure on the fly, the change happens instantly at the nozzle, and when machine speed changes, pressure remains consistent. Turn compensation comes standard, which reduces costly over and under application. It’s fully integrated, eliminating the hassle of incompatibilities and allowing the operator to map individual sections and nozzles as they turn on or off. System upgrades are done with software updates and unlocks — no need to change hardware and cabling on the machine.
vDrive Insecticide System
Tech Specs: Precision Planting’s vDrive Insecticide allows farmers to eliminate the mechanical drive systems for insecticide, and the maintenance that goes with it. The system provides flexibility for farmers to micromanage their inputs with row-by-row control, and with a newly designed metering system, allows growers to optimize an application technology that has not had significant improvements in years. As farmers work to closely manage their inputs and optimize yields, the product helps them more precisely manage insecticide applications in a continued effort to promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Compatibility Index: Exclusively Aftermarket Product
WOW Factor: Provides accurate delivery across an entire speed range with an electric motor-driven insecticide meter, providing an efficiency advantage over normal insecticide meters are chain driven and accurate at a single speed.
NL4500 G4 Edge
Tech Specs: The New Leader 4500 G4 Edge is a variable-rate dry nutrient applicator that utilizes patented G4 spinner technology, proven to spread materials faster, wider and more consistently. The system allows operators to practice responsible nutrient management by applying the 4R principles of the right source, rate, time and place to their dry nutrient application. Right source: Match nutrient and micronutrient type to crop needs with the ability to apply up to 4 products at once. Right rate: Variable-rate to match the right amount of nutrients to crop needs. Right time: Apply nutrients responsibly at the right time with greater efficiency and productivity. Right place: Position nutrients where crops need them while keeping them out of sensitive areas.
WOW Factor: Combines productivity and efficiency with precision and control and matches nutrient and micronutrient type to crop needs with the ability to apply up to four products at once at variable-rates. Additionally, apply nutrients responsibly at the right time and position them where crops need them while keeping them out of sensitive areas.
Gemini Dual Pump Kit
Tech Specs: The Gemini dual pump kit allows a user to operate two Ace Pumps independently from a single hydraulic supply and control them manually or with a PWM (pulse width modulated) control signal. It is designed to control any combination of Ace’s FMC-HYD series pumps powered by our 204 and 206 motors. Once installed on a planter or sprayer, it allows operators to quickly and easily dial-in separate application rates for liquid fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and other crop inputs. The kit may be used on tractors with either load sensing closed center (LS closed) or pressure compensated closed center (PC closed) hydraulic systems. Oil may be supplied from one selective control valve (SCV) or the power beyond hydraulic supply. The system may also be controlled automatically using PWM control signals from the customer’s controller to the included proportional valves.
WOW Factor: Kit includes everything needed for manual operation including a switch box, wiring harness, hydraulic valve manifold and fittings.
LEV Series Electric Valves
Tech Specs: The LEV Series from Banjo helps users control unwanted overspray and conserve expensive fertilizers and chemicals. The electric valves feature a 0.75 stall current, rotating current draw, less than 0.40 amps, a fiberglass reinforced polypropylene ball, an integrated mounting slot, EPDM seals and a standard 3 wire configuration. Max pressure is 200 psi at 70 F with stationary current draw of less than 0.04 amps. High-precision to prevent overspray, save costs and conserve chemicals.
WOW Factor: Precisely control spray and save on expensive chemicals with a high-quality, high-performance compact electric valve. High-quality (reliable, compact design), high-performance (fast response, power saver — minimal constant draw) and high-precision (prevent overspray, save costs and conserve chemicals) response time less than 1/3 of a second open to close. Also available with push lock fittings from John Guest.
NH3 Booster Pump Control System
Tech Specs: The Spray Center Electronics (SCE) NH3 Booster Pump Control System increases the pressure from the anhydrous tank to ensure liquid flow to the meter for higher application rates in cooler temperatures. It also allows operators to use smaller distribution hoses (normally 0.25-inch OD) for more even distribution with multi-section systems and less vapor expansion resulting in less freezing of knives or seed points. The heat exchanger has no bleed lines and uses the total NH3 flow to aid in the cooling process. The booster pump is stainless steel and can be controlled with the tractor’s hydraulics directly or in conjunction with a Raven HP product controller. The system works with a single (fast/close) or a dual (control/shutoff) valve system and has an 1.5-inch inlet and a 1.25-inch outlet for rates in excess of 50 gallons per minute dependent on tank outlet valves, supply hose size and distance to the system. Compact design allows for easy installation and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Raven meter and valves are standard. Works with all major product controller brands and custom cables can be supplied for your application.
Compatibility Index: Exclusively Aftermarket Product
WOW Factor: Works equally well at low rates and high rates. Using the total flow for the cooling process, all of the product is distributed through the primary manifold system eliminating the need for double tubes on knives and the striping caused by the cooling hoses.
Y-Drop Nitrogen Application System
Tech Specs: 360 Yield Center’s Y-Drop gives farmers more control over when and where they apply nitrogen (N). The system is a retrofit N application tool that allows users to apply N from V6 all the way to VT with a nearly 30 day window of application so they can apply N when the crop needs it most. Farmers can apply N within 2-3 inches of the stalk base, meaning nearly 80% of the plant’s root mass is within the application zone. The system also allows farmers to variable-rate apply N and apply the right amount on every acre to maximize inputs.
Compatibility Index: Exclusively Aftermarket Product
WOW Factor: Nearly 75% of N is used after V10. 360 Y-Drop gives farmers the ability to apply N between V6 and VT so corn has the N it needs when it needs it most. More importantly, it applies N at the stalk base for precision application and maximum root uptake.
Gen II Nutrient Metering System
Tech Specs: Montag Manufacturing’s new Gen II nutrient metering system is designed so that rows may be added easily by attaching an air chamber to the existing air plenum in the center of the meter, sliding an auger cartridge into the slot in the bottom of the metering system and into the opening in the air chamber, and then attaching a gearbox and inserting the drive shaft. Key features include dual product with two 4.5 ton tanks, each with scales, variable-rate technology (VRT) per section with up to four sections, easier to service or repair 2 inch hoses with non-splitting and joining of hoses and stainless steel and composite materials to reduce corrosion. Camoplast tracks are available for the fertilizer spreaders to provide added durability and 70% less ground pressure, more ground contact and reduced ridging or berming at the headlands.
WOW Factor: The key feature is the ability to add rows and configure drives. By adding multiple drives to the Gen II metering system, operators can control up to four sections on each of the bins, having section and VRT control with any number of rows in each of the sections they choose to configure.
ProStop-E
Tech Specs: Hypro’s ProStop-E is a compact, electronic quarter-turn ball valve that mounts directly onto the sprayer’s nozzle body to provide instantaneous, individual nozzle on/off control across the boom. It’s high flow performance and low power requirement makes it an ideal precision control component for pesticide applicators on today’s modern farms. Its smart circuitry accepts either an analog signal or CANBUS message to individually switch product flow, consistently and reliably, on or off, in 180 milliseconds along a simplified, daisy-chain networking system.
Compatibility Index: Exclusively Aftermarket Product
WOW Factor: Designed to meet the control needs of liquid systems for planter nutrient applicators, liquid nitrogen applicators and crop sprayers (both aerial and ground). Increases the granularity of control for today’s precision farming practices.
