New spraying technologies like electronically-controlled nozzles and booms make it easier than ever for operators to apply their chemicals exactly where they’re needed, when they’re needed, and in very precise amounts. Take, for example, the new line of Apache sprayers. “Our new sprayers are designed for farmers looking to own and operate the equipment, with affordability and reliability in mind,” notes Paul Nielsen, national sales manager for EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGIES. “We’ve been targeting the needs of farmers from day one.”

“No-till farmers are our fastest growing market,” he says. “What makes the Apache special is its efficiency and ROI — doing more with less. Our farmer customers appreciate that.”

Hagie sprayerHAGIE MANUFACTURING, which direct-markets to customers, is attracting the attention of farmers with its futuristic-looking new STX10 high clearance sprayer — its first sprayer redesigned from the ground up since 1999. With its unique boom design, it separates the machine’s movement from the boom with the pivot located under the cab rather than in the boom transom. The new booms have fewer moving parts and an integrated routing channel in the upper boom support, reducing the number of hoses and wires and increasing visibility.

MILLER-ST. NAZIANZ, manufacturer of Miller self-propelled sprayers, is also looking to extend its market reach with recently announced plans to team up with New Holland. Their agreement calls for Miller to build New Holland-branded sprayers and distribute them through the New Holland dealer network.

Manufacturers of pull-type sprayers are also have benefitted from the market’s shift from custom applicators to farmers. In fact, pull-type sprayers now offer many of the same advanced features as self-propelled models.

Dave Benson, sales and marketing director for BESTWAY SPRAYERS, says farmers appreciate being able to use their tractor for advanced spraying applications, especially now that the precision controls can be integrated with the tractor’s GPS system.

>> Click here to read the rest of FE's 2010 Farm Progress report