11 April 2017
Staged by McIntosh Distribution, the events updated the operation of the Miller Spray-Air system that has been available on the manufacturer’s popular Nitro, front-mounted self-propelled sprayers since mid-2015.
About 45 commercial and seed production growers from Dalby in Queensland to Yarrawonga in Victoria attended the events, in addition to Miller dealer and service staff who are keen to improve their support to customers and update growers on the best operation of the technology.
The grower enterprises covered the use of the Miller Spray-Air system for a range of applications in a variety of crops, including cereals, canola, pulses, corn, cotton and sorghum.
The Spray-Air system allows for more targeted chemical applications through air-assist and air-atomisation technology, forming one powerful spray nozzle system. Growers have fingertip control of the droplet size and speed of the air delivery for any spraying application.
Scott Jameson with McIntosh Distribution said from experience with the Miller Spray-Air system in its first 12 months in Australia, combined with data collected from customers, there was a clear understanding of the optimum operation of the technology.
He said the key message was that lower water volumes were providing the best spraying results.
“For best coverage and application results – whether on small ryegrass or larger broadleaf weeds, for example – lower water volumes are giving the best control,’’ Scott said.
“The optimum water carrier range is 20-60 litres per hectare, depending on spraying speed.
“If we get the coverage, the lower water rate will achieve a better result. Most chemicals work better when in a stronger concentration – in fact, many labels also indicate this.
“We have customers spraying glyphosate with 30L/ha of water and they are getting burn-down in three days.
“By reducing the water carrier volume, growers are also spending more time in the paddock and less time filling, so they are achieving good operational efficiencies.’’
The Miller Spray-Air system can consistently atomise spray droplets in a range from 200-500 millimetres per minute per nozzle – spaced 25 centimetres apart.
“If we stay within the optimum range of the nozzle, Spray-Air delivers the best coverage of any system on the market,’’ Scott said.
This was illustrated during the demonstrations at the events, despite spraying in windy conditions.
The events also discussed the Miller self-propelled sprayer range, including the latest Nitro 6333 model and the exciting addition of the optional Pommier 48.5-metre aluminium boom with the Nitro 6000 series to help satisfy demand from larger growers.
The Pommier 48.5m B3 Mega boom is used with a specific Miller centre frame and comes with standard hydraulic anti-yaw.
“We are now very pleased to offer the Pommier option with all new Miller 6000 series Nitro sprayers,’’ Scott said.
“In addition to the other Miller factory options of the proven mono boom, steel truss booms to 41.15m and the Miller Spray-Air boom, the Pommier boom means we can now support all farmers’ requirements.’’
He said orders placed now would ensure delivery from May 2017, while stocks last.
Meanwhile, the new Miller Nitro 6333 sprayer has impressed growers with its comfort, ride and ability to easily maintain target speed with its 6100L capacity at 1600rpm.
The 6333 sprayer brings significant enhancements to the previous 5333 model, which has been the most popular Nitro self-propelled sprayer in Australia, accounting for about 60 per cent of the manufacturer’s sales nationally.
Leading the new features is an innovative drive train system that allows maximum power with minimum fuel consumption. It has shown up to a 30 per cent reduction in fuel use compared with equivalent-sized machines.
For further information on the Miller Spray-Air system and self-propelled sprayer range, growers can contact their local Miller dealer or visit www.mcintoshdistribution.com.au or www.millersprayers.com.au