The spraying drone has been developed in close cooperation with specialist company XAG. Aimed mainly at small and medium-sized producers, it can also be used on large fields. The drone can complement or even replace three-point (mounted) or trailed sprayers, as well as self-propelled sprayers. It stands out for its versatility for spraying and applying crop protection agents. Droplets have an optimum uniformity, as well as greater penetration onto the plant.
An advantage of the spray drone is the possibility of using it in uneven terrain, where a heavier sprayer would have difficulty to operate. On smaller plots of land, the drone is also beneficial over the long booms of a self-propelled sprayer.
Another advantage of drone spraying is its use after heavy rainfall, where a tractor or sprayer would get stuck in the field. It avoids soil compaction, as well as protects the crop from damaging. Moreover, the drone has an autonomous flight plan and therefore only needs one person to operate it.
Currently CNH offers three lines of self-propelled sprayers, one of which is specific to the needs of sugarcane plantations.
The spraying drone is expected to be available in Brazil from the second half of this year. Soon thereafter it will be available in the rest of Latin America and the Pacific region. The drone sprayer is available under both the Case IH and New Holland brand name.