New 'dial up' easy-to-use AMAZONE sprayer

THE new AMAZONE UF2002 mounted sprayer is easy to connect and even easier to operate, according to CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager, Craig Hopkins.

Equipped with a 2000 litre tank and Super-S2 boom from 15 to 30 metres, the unit is ideal for smaller or medium-sized operations that require professional spraying performance in the convenience of a tractor-mounted unit. It features a truly innovative SmartCenter operator station.

“A large hinged door protects the operating controls and the induction bowl from dirt and water,” Craig says. “The door opens backwards towards the boom, protecting the operator from chemical contact from the booms and creating a clear working space. The inside panel of the door has holders for gloves and a measuring jug.”

All operations are controlled using a seven-way pressure tap. “This allows each function to be easily selected without having to open or close separate circuits,” Craig says. “Once the desired function is selected, the relevant valve for the corresponding circuit opens. It also means the fresh water rinse tank can be topped up whilst the sprayer is being filled.”

The 60 L induction bowl, which has a dust and waterproof sealed lid, is located directly underneath the control valves. Its conical hopper shape, centralised aperture and 150 L/min suction capacity ensure quick, trouble-free mixing. An additional mixing nozzle positioned underneath the suction aperture prevents blockages when inducting powders or granular formulations. The intensity of both the mixing nozzle and rinse ring can be adjusted.

The induction bowl can also be supplied with fresh water via the optional rinse water pump when pressure filling from a bowser. The new canister cleaning nozzle, positioned to the right hand side of the bowl, is activated by pushing down. A second, smaller contact area allows effective cleaning of the canister neck. The canister cleaning nozzle can also be used to clean the induction bowl when the lid is closed.

Other handy features include a 30 L sealed locker to store personal protective equipment and a 20 L hand wash tank and soap dispenser that flows directly into the induction bowl. Filling occurs at the bottom of the tank, reduces the formation of foam. Likewise, the agitator is positioned on the bottom of the tank to minimise foam and prevent any deposits settling in the tank. The UF2002 is equipped with a newly-developed 250 or 300 L/min piston diaphragm pump.

Thanks to the larger piston diameter, the reduced stroke conveys even capacity at high pressure, as well as reducing strain on the diaphragms. The UF2002 features a 350 L fresh water tank and an optional fresh water pump for continuous internal cleaning during spraying. The additional pump is driven directly via the PTO shaft and can, if required, be actuated via a solenoid clutch from the tractor cab. The pump is automatically switched off once the flush tank is empty.

The UF2002 can also be equipped with the optional Comfort-Pack plus terminal, which provides fully automatic control of agitation intensity, fill stop function, boom rinsing, line cleaning, tank cleaning and tank-mix dilution. Craig says the optional quick coupling system makes the UF2002 extremely easy to connect. “The operator simply has to position the tractor close enough to couple the electrics, hydraulic, PTO shaft and the top link,” he says. “Once the tractor is reversed a little bit more, the lower link arms drop into the relevant sockets and the machine can be raised into position. The parking system is then deactivated using the pull-rod, which causes the skids or optional caster wheels to swivel upwards, and locking the quick coupling system.”

The UF2002 series is equipped with two different link arm positions to suit Category 2 and 3 linkages. It features a polyethylene 2000 L tank that is integrated into the main frame. “Due to the large tank volume of the UF 2002, it is of importance to link the machine to the tractor with as favourable a centre of gravity as possible,” Craig says. “The reinforced steel profiles provide enormous rigidity, yet at minimal weight. The new damping system and high quality stainless steel slide profiles in the lift mast minimise any friction and allow maintenance-free height adjustment of the booms.”

The UF2002 can be combined with the AMAZONE FT1001 front-mounted tank to increase spray capacity to 3000 L. “The front tank is completely integrated into the spray liquid circuit,” Craig says. “An additional 150 L/min pump constantly circulates the spray liquid between the two tanks to maintain consistency in the spray solution.”