Case IH global product lead for Patriot sprayers Brent Bast said new updates to the Patriot line were well received at the recent dealer conference held in Hobart.
"We showcased the new 6000 litre product tank for the Patriot 4430 lineup," he said.
"And we launched a 41 metre aluminium boom to the product line, it reduces the weight significantly compared to our 36m boom as well as the extra length increasing productivity for the farmer.
"The other new feature is the introduction of a new auto boom height control system.
"I think the farmers in Australia are going to be really impressed by the accuracy and performance improvement over their current system."
Case IH Australia product manager for Patriot Sprayers Alyx Selsmeyer said the new AutoBoom XRT used radar sensor technology, replacing ultrasonic technology, and included chassis pitch and roll sensing, resulting in greater levels of boom control and protection.
Ms Selsmeyer said,the AutoBoom included simultaneous ground and canopy detection, had lighter and smaller sensors, as well as a smoother movement and quicker reaction time.
"All of these changes have been driven by feedback from the Australian market, which is something we're very proud of," she said.
"This ensures the latest Patriots offer what local farmers are looking for in a self-propelled sprayer and are ideally suited to the demands of local conditions,"
Sprayer trends
Mr Bast said globally there had been an increasing trend in the market toward precision boom control features, such as auto height and section control.
"It has been happening for quite some time, almost all our machines now come standard with those options," he said.
"As we look forward, especially in Australia, we see increased capacity of tank size, larger booms to help productivity, continuing to grow.
"In addition we are seeing a shift in spraying technologies in general, the 'see and spray' camera technologies are advancing.
"We want to do more, with less product."
Automation
Mr Bast said there will be a move towards further automation of sprayers over coming decades.
"I'm not sure of the year yet, there is a lot to be done between now and a fully autonomous sprayer," he said.
"We are making steps to move in the autonomous direction, making the set up of the machine much simpler, making the machine more efficient.
"The next generation of farmers are coming in, they expect more automation and they have grown up on the technology path."