Bruin wireless joystick improves sprayer control
A wireless joystick providing sprayer function controls inside and outside the cab is among features of the new Bruin self-propelled sprayer from US manufacturer Equipment Technologies.
The 15-function joystick mounted on the vehicle’s hydrostatic drive control stick connects to a terminal that displays key information on a large, back-lit colour screen, such as:
- application volume
- amount applied
- pressure
- area treated
- mix remaining
- working speed
This terminal also handles all sprayer hydraulic functions, including spray on-off, sequential section on-off, boom control and sprayer set-up. These functions can be manipulated using the wireless joystick and taken outside the cab for remote control during calibration and visual spray nozzle checks.
Equipment Technologies
The Bruin and its technologies are based on the latest-model Berthoud Raptor self-propelled sprayer launched last autumn – both companies are part of the Exel Industries group – but re-engineered to suit the particular requirements of row crop operations in North America and eastern Europe.
Two sizes are available with liquid tanks of 2,650- and 4,160-litre (700 and 1,100gal) capacity and booms up to 36.5m (120ft) with the highest clearance of any rear-mounted design on the US market, according to Equipment Technologies.
Bruin sprayers
Three-speed hydrostatic four-wheel drive, multimode four-wheel steering and air suspension all round give the Bruin useful mobility and agility, while track width settings from 2m to 2.66m (79-105in) adapt it for road travel and field operations in different crops.
The drive system includes cruise control and an eco mode for road travel that enables the Bruin to run at 40kph (24mph) with just 1,700-1,800rpm on the clock. Bruin sprayers complement the mechanical two-wheel drive Apache sprayers built by Equipment Technologies.
Product summary
Company: Equipment Technologies (ET Works)
Name: Bruin
Type: Self-propelled sprayer
Key feature: “Intelligent” hydrostatic four-wheel drive; comprehensive electronics control and recording system with wireless joystick for in- out of cab operation
