New Holland North America is redefining its lineup of SP310F, SP370F and SP410F Guardian front boom sprayers, to feature new technological and precision capabilities. These sprayers integrate the advanced precision technologies from Raven with the high horsepower and large tanks.
“The advancements made to the Guardian front boom sprayer are really elevating the operator experience in the cab while improving application accuracy and the quality of data collected,” said Sally Johnson, Vice President for New Holland Agriculture North America. “These upgraded units are connecting many components of an operation and data points for owners and operators to find more efficiency and profitability, as well as empowering them to make more informed agronomic and logistical decisions.”
Connected Workflow
This lineup of Guardian sprayers incorporates precision technologies: Slingshot from Raven and IntelliSpray II. The data generated from these features are collected, streamlined and aggregated by Raven’s Connected Workflow system. The Connected Workflow system works by syncing data from the office to the field and back again for simplified management of work, idle and transit time. The data can be used to create programs and strategies like herbicide rate prescriptions for individual fields and is accessible by the operator through the Slingshot mobile app.
With the incorporation of IntelliSpray II, the Guardian sprayers now offer the most precise nozzle control system on the market and ensure unmatched droplet coverage accuracy, up to 2.5 times more accurate than comparable systems. These enhancements help operators and growers optimize coverage, minimize skips and overlaps, and reduce input costs. The IntelliSpray II pulse width modulation system leads the industry with a broader range of applications – Standard, Bypass, Variable Pressure, High Flow, High Flow VP and On/Off – higher flow and pressure ratings of up to 17% increased flow and operating pressure and greater level of accuracy due to its 20Hz pulse rate.
The utilization of Slingshot on the Guardian sprayers empowers operators and growers to make more data-driven decisions in and out of the field. Slingshot generates a high-level view of data from beginning through completion of a job, including traceability reports, application records, fleet efficiency track edits and transferable work orders.
Working alongside the Slingshot telematics is the VSN Visual Guidance, which uses state-of-the-art image sensor and processing technologies to deliver a quicker response rate, better overall sprayer control, reduced operator fatigue and improved data collection. These components have been shown to improve efficiency by 20%. To accomplish these tasks, the visual guidance system uses cameras and radars to guide the boom and drive line of the sprayer. The use of the VSN system has proven to save time and financial resources by minimizing the margin of error and crop damage that can be inflicted by self-propelled sprayers.
“We strive for operators to have complete peace of mind while in the cab of the Guardian sprayer,” says Alex Caldwell, product marketing manager, self-propelled sprayers for New Holland North America. “The integration of the VSN system allows drivers to operate the sprayer at 3-4 miles per hour faster to cover more acres per day without risking crop damage. Not only does the basic VSN system follow the rows with cameras, but the VSN+ system allow operators to better see hidden waterways and other obstacles. This alleviates a lot of the compounded fatigue and stress operators experience when spending long hours in the field.”
Maximizing productivity
Each Guardian sprayer model comes equipped with supplemental precision technology that affects the operation of the sprayers, from turning to steering to spraying for maximized productivity.
• IntelliView 12 and Viper 4+ displays are intuitive and customizable, allowing operators to monitor their machine’s vital functions at a glance, including suspension information, liquid management control, auto rinse functionality, 4-wheel steering, tread width adjustments and more.
• IntelliField and Slingshot will visualize where other tractors are moving in the field and provide data on the productivity of all machines.
• IntelliSteer Auto Guidance maintain spray accuracy while eliminating row skips and overpasses with direction control and T3 terrain compensation.
