GROWERS on control traffic systems will soon have access to track adapted self propelled sprayers.
The prototype G8CT is based on the Goldacres G8 8000L Super Cruiser. The self propelled sprayer has been adapted to feature four wheel Soucy tracks and a brand new 48 metre tri-fold boom.
Steven Richards sales and marketing operations manager for Goldacres said the boom had been under development for approximately 18 months.
“It’s an all new design with three bi-folding spray widths of 20, 36 and 48 metres” he said.
“Our machines are pretty unique in that they are mechanical drive and the G8 is a full time 4WD which enabled a pretty simple fitment of the 4W sousy tracks,” he said.
Mr Richards said that it was a logical choice to develop the G8 for control traffic systems.
“It is a big capacity machine that weighs in at approximately twenty tonne loaded, so to have it on tracks with twice the contact area makes sense” he said.
Much of the interest had also come following last years wet harvest, he said, with growers interested in the increased flotation tracks offered.
Soucy tracks
The Goldacres designed undercarriage allows the fit of the Soucy S-Tech 7016 track system.
Featuring a full mechanical four wheel drive, modifications were made to the axle which Mr Richards said came together quite smoothly.
The Sousy system has a 406 millimetre wide belt with contact length of 2150 millimetres.
This will provide twice the ground contact area compared to a 520/85R46 tyre, said Mr Richards.
It is a big capacity machine that weighs in at approximately twenty tonne loaded, so to have it on tracks with twice the contact area makes sense
- Stephen Richards
The track width is 3000 millimetres and ground clearance of the prototype is 940 millimetres to the axle tubes, he said.
Whilst the prototype has steering arms on the bottom the commercial models will have steering arms at the top for increased clearance.
Mr Richards said that G8CT can travel up to 40km/hr, though like all track systems operators will need to manage potential overheating and wear.
Big boom
The 48 meter Tritech boom on the prototype is a product of eighteen months development by Goldacres, aiming to ensure maximum strength, function and boom ride, said Mr Richards.
Design features include construction from mild steel on the inner wing with aluminium on middle, outer and breakaway wings. The design aims to provide strength where needed whilst maintaining weight savings.
The truss structure was designed deep and wide to reduce stress and increase strength of the boom, he said.
The outer wing features unique hydraulic break back and break forward function and the inner wings feature forward and rearward dampening as well as full yaw control, said Mr Richards.
The tri-fold allows for three spray widths. All open the boom stretches 48 metres, the outer section will fold back for the 36 metre width and the mid section will reduce to 20 metres.
Mr Richards said that all spray nozzles were in perfect alignment and that the boom plumbing increased to one inch poly tubing to reduce pressure drop.
Field testing
The G8CT prototype us currently undergoing field testing with a spray contractor in the western district of Victoria, said Mr Richards.
Field testing is important, he said, as whilst the G8 has been available for twelve months and is proven, this is the first time the tri-fold boom has been fitted, let alone the tracks.
“But it looks good so far,” he said.
Goldacres plan to make the G8CT available next year, following sucessful field trials said Mr Richards.
Regarding development of tracks onto other models Mr Richards said “down the track we might consider other options”.
Mr Richards said that interest in the G8CT had been “unbelievable”.
“We had over fifty thousand clicks on Facebook following a field day teaser” he said.
