Lightweight 90-Ft. Aluminum Spray Boom Reduces Compaction

Lightweight 90-Ft. Aluminum Spray Boom Reduces Compaction SPRAYING Accessories 23-6-31 A new 3-pt. mounted, 90-ft. aluminum spray boom designed for Deere and Cat Challenger tracked tractors caught the attention of visitors at the recent Farm Progress Show near Amana, Iowa. "It weighs much less than steel spray booms of comparable size and enhances one of the main advantages of tracked tractors û reduced soil compaction. It weighs 2,300 to 2,500 lbs. compared to about 4,000 lbs. for a comparable steel spray boom," says manufacturer Frank Robison, Modern Metalcraft, Inc., Midland, Mich. The boom is designed for Deere and Cat Challenger tractors equipped with tracks set 120 in. apart. It's designed to be used with Modern Metalcraft's stainless steel spray tanks, which mount on the side between the tractor and tracks. It folds forward to a transport width of 15 ft. "It costs much less than a self-propelled sprayer and can do everything those sprayers do except work in tall-growing crops," says Robison. "The boom by itself sells for about $13,000 compared to self-propelled sprayers which sell for $80,000 to $160,000. Nozzles, pumps, and spray controls are additional. If you spray at least 2,500 acres and are paying $4 per acre for a custom sprayer it'll pay for itself in only one year. It works best on tractors with tracks set 10 ft. apart because the stable ride keeps the boom ends from dipping into the ground. You can use the same tanks with both your planter and spray boom. It takes only about 10 minutes to hook up the boom. "The boom is built in seven sections. All pivot points between the sections are equipped with roller bearings which greatly reduce wear." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Modern Metalcraft, Inc., 1257 E. Wackerly Rd., Midland, Mich. 48642 (ph 800 948-3182; fax 517 835-8431; E-mail: fjrobison@modern metalcraft.com).

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