Spreaders & Sprayers Dismantled Machines in United Kingdom

Using muck spreaders and fertiliser and pesticide sprayers is a major factor in achieving maximum productivity. Studies have shown that incorrect spreading can result in loss of yields equivalent to 47 pounds per hectare, so it makes good sense to get this vital job right. Agrichemicals are a major expense, so it is also important that these are used properly and wastage is minimised. Clearly, minimising run-off of such chemicals is also an environmental concern. That means buying the right sprayer and spreader machinery. The range of sprayers is roughly divisible into four main types. Self-propelled sprayers, as the name suggests, require no tractor or other vehicle to move around. These units are ideal for major operations and are geared up for extensive workloads. 

Tank size can be 6000 litres or more and the boom length up to 36 metres. Buying such a machine is clearly about getting the capacity and reach right for your land, but it is also about looking at the mechanicals and operating environment. In many ways, this is much like buying a tractor or a combine and you must be sure that the engine, transmission, controls and cab are all suitable for your use.

A second type of sprayer is the trailed unit. These are far simpler, and cheaper, machines than the self-propelled range and can be smaller in both capacity and boom size. Boom size may be around 24 metres, although larger models are available. Again, capacity is important as is the flow rate generated by the pump and the type of hitch involved. Some of these trailed units have air suspension for better stability and a more even spray. Others may boast steering axles and sophisticated electronic control systems.

The third type of sprayer is the mounted unit. These are fitted to the rear of the tractor and typically take their power from the tractor unit itself. Again, boom lengths and tank capacities tend to be smaller, with 800 to 1200 litre tanks and booms of around 16 metres more typical. Some manufacturers also offer a fourth type of specialist and often bespoke sprayer. These can have attributes such as high ground clearance or be customised to work with individual crops such as strawberries and vegetables.

Spreaders are similarly varied and come with a huge variety of capacities. Hoppers can be 8000 litres or more, right down to smaller units of a few hundred litres that can be towed by an ATV. The spreading mechanisms vary from the single-disc type to centrifugal machines and the operating range could be up to 50 metres or more. Buying a spreader is all about working out what your volume requirements are and then fitting the spreader to your existing equipment. The UK has a vast range of spreaders and sprayers offered by some of the industry’s biggest names and also by smaller, specialist manufacturers. The largest requirements are taken care of by heavy-duty and self-propelled machines but smaller operators have the choice of simple trailed units with modest capacities and very little technology to go wrong.