FINE-tuning the specification on its increasingly popular Rogator self-propelled (SP) sprayer range will broaden their appeal to both farmers and contractors.
A national dealer conference staged by Cropland’s Equipment at the University of Adelaide's Roseworthy campus in South Australia’s Barossa Valley saw updates to its three-model range unveiled ahead of the 2010 sales season.
The company’s general manager, Brendan Deck, remains upbeat about prospects, citing ever-expanding global populations, increasing urbanisation trends and renewed interest in bio-energy crops.
“But despite the trials and tribulations of the weather that affects us here in Australia, we believe we are in the right game,” he said.
Mr Deck said the SP sprayer sector of the farm machinery industry remained “a growing market” with many regions of the country “just getting started”, offering big opportunities for Croplands.
It was against this backdrop the wraps were taken off the latest range of Rogator sprayers that are poised to capitalise on their approximate 25 percent share of Australia’s SP market.
Technical enhancements to the 984, 1184 and 1386 models take them to the next level with respect to the now superseded 884, 1084 and 1286 units.
Most obvious is the provision of front entry steps, rather than having to duck under the boom as was the case when they were side-mounted, plus wider walkways to the rear when standing on the operator’s platform.
And stability looks to be much improved now that the main tank has been re-positioned some 18cm (7in) lower.
At a stroke, not only is the ride improved when harnessed to an optional 6000L stainless steel tank but also rearward visibility.
Further attention to detail now sees the boom rests lowered too, this time to improve forward vision when travelling down the road. As a result there’s better positioning of the mirrors and field lights.
When efficiency is the watchword, any advancement helps. Re-positioning the rinse tank for ground level access permits the rinse tank to have a larger carrying capacity.
And, interestingly, all the electrical nodes required for operating a Rogator’s spray systems have been located in one place, plus are accessible from ground level.
Croplands’ dealers liked what they saw when the massive 36m (120ft) wide boom was unfurled, immediately noticing its three section break-away facility.
“It is a good fit for the Australian market and the trend to 36m which has certainly taken off in recent times,” according to Croplands’ Jeremy Rennick, adding that all of the company’s Rogators can be fitted with this width of boom.
Meanwhile, much is made of the fact Rogator work stations are not transposed tractor cabs, adapted for sprayers.
“Ours is a six-pillar cab with the two rear posts positioned so the operator can see the boom without having to crane his neck forward or backward which can happen with a four-pillar layout,” Mr Rennick said.
The point is made that the sprayer’s key operating functions are attached to the Rogator’s stylish-looking console/seat configuration.
“If you are bouncing up and down when working across a paddock, all the controls that work the sprayer are attached to the seat which is ‘moving’ with you,” Mr Rennick explained.
Croplands, which is the sole distributor of these North American-made machines from Agco, confirms that all three models sport Caterpillar’s Tier 3 engines delivering 186kW (250hp), 205kW (275hp) and 232kW (311hp) power outputs via a choice of four or six-speed hydrostatic transmissions, unique to the flagship 1386 model.
Meanwhile, Rogators still come equipped with their renowned flex-frame configuration to maximise traction across a range of terrains, airbag suspension system on its range-topping 1386 and a standard leaf spring arrangement on the 984 and 1184, plus tighter 7m (23ft) turning radius when fitted with the company’s Gator Trak four-wheeled steering option.
A pre-season sales initiative sees the company giving away some free GPS equipment, offering buyers a choice of either TopCon or Raven products.
*Graham Fuller Travelled to SA as a guest of Croplands.
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