Maximum performance and flexibility with the new self-propelled sprayer from AMAZONE

With the Pantera 7004, AMAZONE is offering a further model in the self-propelled sprayer segment. The outstanding features of this new machine are its high tank capacity and the newly developed running gear. The Pantera 7004 combines high performance with first-rate driving characteristics and is ideal for large-scale farms and contractors who place the highest demands on efficiency and comfort.

7,000 l tank capacity

With a maximum spray tank capacity of 7,000 l and a nominal volume of 6,600 l, the Pantera is designed for enormous work rates. The tank is made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic and has exceptionally smooth inner and outer walls with no nooks and crannies, which allows perfect cleaning. The layout of the four high-pressure cleaning nozzles, agitation and outlet sump is based on the tried-and-tested concept of the existing Pantera models and guarantees optimum cleaning with minimal residual volumes. A 500 l tank provides fresh water for cleaning. This is positioned at the rear of the machine ensuring that it has a low centre of gravity, even with an empty spray tank. 

The high-capacity lightweight

The machine is lightweight in its performance class with an empty weight of just approximately 12 t. Large wheels with an outer diameter of up to 2.05 m can be configured for maximum soil protection and clearance. Furthermore, an optimum weight distribution and automatic traction control on each wheel guarantee the best possible traction in any situation. 

The drive is perfectly tailored to the operating conditions with an engine power of 306 hp (225 kW), which is hydraulically transferred to the wheels. The Pantera can therefore work under any conditions and is also extremely economical. 

Running gear with independent wheel suspension and slope compensation

The new running gear with independent trailing arm suspension is of a unique design. The hydro-pneumatic suspension is adaptive, whereby the characteristics of the running gear are tailored to the driving situation. This intelligent control provides the best driving stability and maximum driving comfort combined with a simple and weight-reduced design in comparison with a conventional independent suspension. In addition, the system prevents any rocking when the tank is not completely full and enables high driving speeds, even on poor quality roads. Hydraulic track width adjustment, with a standard track width from 2.00 m to 2.75 m, is fitted as standard. The Pantera-W, with track widths from 2.25 m to 3.00 m, is also available. The ground clearance in both machines is approximately 1.30 m, which means that tall crops can be driven through without damage.

Another plus point is the soil-conserving function of the offset track driving, in which, for example, the front wheels can be set at the minimum track width and the rear wheels at maximum, meaning the soil is travelled over just once. As a result, especially in unfavourable soil conditions, the soil is not smeared as much and young plants suffer hardly any damage. In contrast to dog-leg steering, the machine is always aligned to the direction of travel.

The integrated slope compensation is another highlight. The inclination of the vehicle is detected via sensors and the machine is automatically kept horizontal up to a certain gradient. This feature, in combination with the low centre of gravity of the machine and the hydro-pneumatic running gear, provides extremely high slope stability. In addition to the enhanced driving comfort, this enables the driver to work extremely safely, even in very hilly terrain.

New comfort cab

The new cab offers a modern work place with excellent all-round visibility. In 3 equipment levels, the operator is left with nothing to be desired in terms of comfort. The cab is equipped with filtration which meets the Cat. 4 standard offering the highest possible safety in the work place. The new armrest is characterised by an extremely clear and ergonomic design. It is tailored specifically to the functionality of a self-propelled sprayer, and all the important functions are always within reach. As part of the twin terminal strategy, the 7" AmaDrive terminal is responsible for the operation of the base vehicle, whereas the spraying system is operated via an ISOBUS terminal. All the important spraying functions can also be freely assigned to the buttons of the ISOBUS-compatible drive lever.

12 LED work lights are now incorporated in the cab roof as standard. Night turns to day in conjunction with the LED work lights at the rear of the machine and the option of individual nozzle lighting on the boom. 

High-output crop protection technology

The piston diaphragm pumps are designed for a constant total output of 610 l/min for maximum work rates. The injection principle provides a suction capacity of approximately 700 l/min for filling. A bowser fill port is available as an option. This allows a filling speed of up to 1,000 l/min with the 3" line, which results in minimal downtimes. 

The SmartCenter is available in the two established variants "Comfort-Pack" and "Comfort-Pack plus" and is sure to impress with outstanding operational comfort and exceptional performance levels for the induction of plant protection agents.

The precision boom technology from AMAZONE with the unique aircraft wing design enables working widths from 24 m to 48 m with many reduction options and a very low weight. This means that the Pantera 7004 is not only ideally suited for large-scale farms but also for flexible use by contractors. Furthermore, high working speeds are possible without having to make any compromise in the application quality thanks to the exceptionally quick and precise "ContourControl" active boom guidance.

DirectInject direct feed system 

The DLG award-winning DirectInject system is available as an option. This enables additional products to be added as and when required in a matter of seconds, which makes the use of the self-propelled sprayer even more flexible and more efficient. The system is fully integrated in the liquid circuit and the operating system of the Pantera, meaning that all the functions – from activation to cleaning – can be started from the cab at the touch of a button.

• High performance: High tank capacity of 7,000 l and wide boom widths up to 48 m with working speeds up to 30 km/h
• Soil-conserving: Lightweight design and large tyre sizes with optimum weight distribution
• Comfortable: Ultra-modern chassis and cab technology as well as user-friendly operation
• Flexible: Hydraulic track width adjustment and a wide variety of booms for many different areas of application
• Safe on the road and in the field: Low centre of gravity and stable running gear with automatic slope compensation

Needs-based metered addition of products at the touch of a button

The Pantera 4504 and 7004 are now available with the DirectInject direct feed system, in order to supply individual products flexibly, quickly and matched to requirements.

In times of growing challenges for plant protection with respect to a reduction in the use of pesticides and increasing application requirements combined with time and cost pressure within the farm, DirectInject offers an excellent way of simplifying current and future demands.

An additional product can be added to the spray agent circuit during application at the touch of a button. The highlight of DirectInject is the short reaction distance from the activation to the application of the additional product of only approx. 30 – 50 m. The respective mixture is conveyed to the nozzle bodies through 2 separate spray lines for the spray agent and the spray agent + DirectInject component via several injection points in the boom. In this respect, the two spray lines are alternately switched via valves, with the result that only one line is actively conveying spray agent at any time. 

This short reaction distance is indispensable, especially for the flexible treatment of weed patches. Furthermore, the system facilitates flexible plant protection measures in many everyday situations, e.g. the separate treatment around field boundaries, the metered addition of products on individual fields with special requirements as well as the variable application rate of a product, irrespective of the application rate of the main mixture. 

Effective cleaning can be carried out from the cab without any problems thanks to the complete integration of the system into the liquid circuit and machine operation.

In particular, the self-propelled sprayer, which is often used by large-scale farms as well as contractors owing to its high ground clearance and the hydraulic track width adjustment, gains an enormous additional increase in flexibility and efficiency with DirectInject.

• Flexible, fast and needs-based use of plant protection agents.
• Saving of: 
  • Working hours and labour costs
  • Machine costs
  • Plant protection agents
• Environmentally-friendly
• Self-propelled sprayer and direct feed system as a perfect combination for maximum efficiency and flexibility

Precision mechanical weed control for every farm

Linear shift frame VR 2

SCHMOTZER offers a new shift frame for its hoes. The VR 2 linear shift frame catches the eye as a result of its extremely compact design, and its strength impresses, especially when hoeing under the most difficult of conditions.

The new linear shift frame sets itself apart on account of its very high total travel range of 600 mm (300 mm left and 300 mm right). Optimum guidance of the hoe through row crops without them being damaged or hoed out is therefore guaranteed, especially on non-straight headlands and fields with slopes, where the tractor tends to drift.

A unique feature of the new VR 2 shift frame is its extremely compact design. The distance from the lower link coupling point of the tractor to the coupling point on the hoe is only 470 mm. The VR 2 is therefore 450 mm shorter compared with our well-known AV 5 parallel shift frame, and it is also the most compact shift frame in this class on the market. The extremely compact design significantly reduces the distance of the centre of gravity of the hoe to the coupling point on the tractor and therefore also the leverage effect of the machine on the tractor. This results in several positive effects. On the one hand, the tractor requires considerably less lifting power. On the other hand, the amount of front ballasting is significantly reduced as a result of the lower centre of gravity distance. This a real advantage for soil protection and when carrying out work in hilly terrain. Furthermore, the lower centre of gravity distance also provides a smoother ride on the road.

A choice of support wheels of either 195/55 R10 or 225/55 R12 are available for the shift frame to ensure maximum smooth running and the best possible contour following of the hoe. The support wheels can be steplessly adjusted to track widths from 1.50 m to 2.25 m for use in a variety of crop row widths. Even track widths up to 3 m are possible with an optional extension kit, meaning that the VR 2 shift frame is also ideal for working on beds. A stabilisation disc can also be fitted to the VR 2, so that the shift frame runs smoothly on slopes and the lateral forces transferred to the tractor are minimised. Lateral forces arising from the shift frame are transferred to the ground via the stabilisation disc and the tractor remains reliably on track.

The integrated central oil circuit is a key element of the new VR 2 shift frame. The hydraulic functions of the camera control and the Section Control of the parallelograms are thereby supplied with the requisite quantity of oil. As a consequence, these fully equipped hoes make significantly lower demands on the oil flow, oil quantity and oil supply from the tractor.

Furthermore, all hydraulic and electronic components are installed and laid out behind guards for the best possible protection. All the lubrication points of the shift mechanism on the VR 2 are centrally combined, meaning that maintenance can be completed in a very short time. 

Smart Vision camera system 

The vast majority of the hoes supplied today are equipped with automatic row crop control via a shift frame and a camera system. In this respect, the camera system is the heart of the control system and must guide the hoe perfectly through the crop rows by means of reliable plant detection. SCHMOTZER has developed the Smart Vision camera system for this essential task.

The camera eye of Smart Vision generates a high-contrast image with full HD resolution. This ensures that crop rows are detected from a plant size of 2 x 2 cm. The camera is absolutely dustproof and even resistant to high-pressure washers thus guaranteeing a long service life.

The camera is equipped with a multi-row detection system for up to 5 rows, so that hoeing can also be carried out at the earliest possible stage in the plant development - even in crops with gaps. Furthermore, the camera can be provided with an LED work light, so that hoeing at night is not a problem. This is an attractive option, especially in combination with the RowSpray band sprayer. In addition, a row sensor is available for the camera system as an option. This allows effective and precise hoeing at or just before canopy closure and is ideal for stem-forming crops, such as maize or sunflowers.

The camera system is equipped with a tilt sensor with automatic slope correction, so that the hoe is safely guided through the crop rows via camera control and the shift frame, even on slopes. This means that hoeing is not only possible on level ground but also on challenging terrain. In this respect, the camera adjustment makes the same demands on the driver as on level ground, meaning that drivers with less experience can also carry out hoeing on a slope without any problems.

After all, the Smart Vision camera system controls the shift frame with the utmost sensitivity via a pulse-width modulated control system. The shifting speed of the frame is regulated depending on the forward speed. The speed is measured via a wheel sensor on the support wheel of the shift frame.

The camera system is comfortably monitored in the cab via a high-resolution 10" terminal with touch control. This is dustproof and splashproof for maximum resistance to external influences.

RapidoClip hoe blade quick change system

A long service life combined with a sharp edge is essential for hoe blades. This should result in the hoe blades producing a full-width movement of the top 2 to 3 cm of the soil. If the blades are worn, their replacement should be simple and quick to change thus keeping the downtime of the hoe as short as possible. Downtimes of the hoe as a result of repairs to wearing parts should be minimised, especially in wet years with short work windows for hoeing. Hoe blades with different widths may also be required between the various crops.

The hoe blades are normally either bolted, riveted or welded to the blade shaft, depending on the manufacturer. These systems have disadvantages, however, with regard to the time required for changing, secure mounting for the hoe blades and the costs involved. For this reason, two quick-change systems for hoe blades have already established themselves on the market. With these systems the hoe blade is hooked into the shaft and then secured either with a bolt or with a locking split-pin. However, even these variants have the problem that the coulters become loose and that the replacement requires more time and effort as a result of the wear on the locking system. 

The RapidoClip quick-change system was developed to resolve the problems associated with the various hoe blade fixings. The system has been registered for patent and is the first completely tool-free quick-change system for hoe blades on the market. RapidoClip permits an easy and, above all, rapid change of the hoe blades.

As in the case of the familiar Rapido blades from SCHMOTZER, the new RapidoClip consists of a blade shaft and a blade plate which are joined together via a tongue and groove system. In the new RapidoClip system, the share plate is secured to the blade shaft via the RapidoClip spring lever. The spring lever clamps the blade plate securely on the blade shaft via the over-centre lever and the pivot point milled in the blade shaft. This system holds the hoe blade securely on the share shaft, even under the hardest soil conditions.

To change a hoe blade, the spring lever is pressed on the share shaft with one hand. The spring-lever locking device on the share shaft is slackened in the process and can be pulled out to the side with the other hand. The spring lever can then be folded downwards and removed from the slotted hole of the blade plate. The blade plate is then subsequently pushed forwards out of the tongue and groove system and a new blade plate pushed on the share shaft. Afterwards, the blade plate is clamped on the share shaft with the spring lever. The share can be changed on the hoe without tools in next to no time with RapidoClip, even in the field, and therefore represents real added value for the hoe.

Furthermore, the shallow ridgers have also been redesigned for the RapidoClip system and can continue to be mounted on the share shaft. The shallow ridgers are fixed to the share shaft with a screw clamp and the ridge intensity can be adjusted or disabled via a slotted hole.

Maximum precision and output for mounted sprayers

As an alternative to DistanceControl automatic boom guidance, AMAZONE now also offers the automatic active boom guidance system, ContourControl, for the UF 1602 and 2002 on boom widths from 27 m.

The ContourControl active boom guidance guarantees precise application at high forward speeds for maximum work rates and yet exact, close distances to the target surface and so resulting in less drift. This is an important component in precise, efficient and environmentally-friendly crop protection, even on small to medium-sized farms.

ContourControl

The AMAZONE ContourControl active boom guidance is a ground-breaking fully automatic hydraulic boom guidance system which now can also be used on mounted sprayers. The boom tilt is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder which is pre-pressurised on both sides. Rapidly switching hydraulic valves bring the boom to the desired position. This actively reduces any of the various effects caused by uneven ground and other influences while driving. The cylinders for positive and negative angling of the two outer ends of the boom are controlled using the same principle. This allows the boom to follow highly uneven topography to maintain an optimal distance to the target surface across the entire working width, even on extremely hilly terrain.

Less than 50 cm distance to the target surface with 25 cm nozzle spacing 

Distances of less than 50 cm to the target surface can also be precisely maintained using the AmaSwitch quad nozzle body with a 25 cm nozzle spacing.

Flex-fold

The standard, electro-hydraulic Flex-fold mechanism of the boom with ContourControl controls each pivot point on the boom separately. This allows the boom to be folded out to a reduced working width from the tractor cab. The overload protection within the hydraulic system is simultaneously used as break back protection when working at these reduced working widths. The individual control of the hydraulic cylinders at the pivot points allows up to two segments to be folded out at a time on each side of the boom. This considerably reduces the down time when folding the boom in and out.

Future-proof technology

New and innovative technologies, such as row application on row crops or spot application on weeds, are now made possible for mounted sprayers.

• Fast and precise boom guidance for maximum work rates
• Distance of less than 50 cm to the target surface in conjunction with AmaSwitch fitted with quad nozzle bodies and 25 cm nozzle spacing for reduced drift
• Flex-fold for quicker folding
• Simple folding of the boom to reduced working widths with integrated break back protection for use in different tramline systems
• Future-proof technology, optimally equipped for row and spot application

Maximum precision as a result of new swing compensation system through ContourControl and SwingStop Plus

Maximum working width with the best boom ride 

AMAZONE developed the Super-L3 booms for the most extreme conditions and an absolutely smooth boom ride. The product range previously covered booms in working widths of 36 - 42 m. However, now the 30 m, 33 m, 45 m and 48 m wide versions have been added. The 45 m and 48 m versions also feature a swing compensation system which has been developed from scratch. This will be implemented in all Super L3 booms as standard from a working width of 39 m. 

Large working widths with maximum stability and a low weight

The special AMAZONE profile design of the boom provides maximum stability with a low weight. The inner boom sections of the Super-L3 boom are made of steel. The outer boom sections consist of aluminium to keep the total weight down to a minimum. The advantage of the light-weight outer boom sections is that only a little amount of extra weight has to be guided smoothly over the crop on the outside. Smooth boom guidance at the boom ends is extremely important, especially in the case of large working widths. The profiles of the penultimate boom section of the 48 m wide Super-L3 boom are made of carbon fibre for maximum stability with a low weight. 

New swing compensation system

The swing compensation system is located in the middle of the boom and joins the parallelogram to the left-hand and right-hand booms. The swing compensation system has a very robust design, in order to meet the increased demands for high work rates at increased working speeds. 

The new swing compensation system is equipped with the ContourControl active boom guidance system and the SwingStop plus active vibration damping as standard. 

ContourControl – reduces those vertical boom movements 

AMAZONE offers fully automatic boom guidance with the ContourControl active boom guidance system. This meets the increasing demand for higher precision during application owing to the minimal deviations in the distance from the target surface, even at high forward speeds and large working widths. For Super-L3 booms from 39 m, the ContourControl active boom guidance, in conjunction with the new swing compensation system, always includes Flex-fold 2. The basis of the boom guidance system is a highly responsive hydraulic system with 6 sensors which enable both automatic positive and negative angling.

The benefits of ContourControl: 

• Optimum lateral distribution 
• Precise, super-fast automatic height guidance 
• Target surface distance below 50 cm – less drift 
• Very quick folding in and out 
• Higher accuracy at faster working speeds 
• Elegant boom control for those wider working widths

SwingStop plus – the new active swing compensation system for reducing symmetrical and asymmetrical horizontal boom oscillations

The new swing compensation system for Super-L3 booms from 39 m includes SwingStop plus active vibration damping in order to tailor the horizontal boom ride to the increasing demands, such as larger working widths and higher forward speeds. External influences, such as ground undulations, driving round bends, acceleration and increasing working speeds - especially in the case of large working widths -place enormous loads on the boom in the horizontal plane. This may result in the boom ends swinging back and forth, thereby negatively affecting the lateral distribution at the outer ends of the booms.

As horizontal movement occurs more at the boom ends, this effect is increased enormously by wider boom widths. To reduce this horizontal tip swing effect, SwingStop plus measures the resulting acceleration at the boom ends via acceleration sensors. The two hydraulic rams in the swing compensation system actively compensate for these swing movements and thereby provide a very smooth horizontal boom ride. Each individual boom is controlled separately by SwingStop plus. 

SwingStop plus can compensate for symmetrical oscillations which occur through acceleration and braking extremely effectively. The new design of the swing compensation system now permits the individual control of both booms. In SwingStop plus, each boom section is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder which actively counteracts any oscillations which occur in that boom half. This means that even asymmetrical boom oscillations which occur after negotiating bends are effectively reduced. 

The benefits of SwingStop plus: 

• Optimum longitudinal distribution 
• Reduction in the horizontal boom movement for an extremely steady boom ride 
• A system which operates very quickly and precisely, even at high working speeds 
• Highest performance and outstanding precision
• Active reduction of symmetrical and asymmetrical oscillations

The interaction of ContourControl and SwingStop plus provides a very smooth boom ride at maximum working widths. This guarantees top-class application results with maximum area coverage.

AmaSwitch or AmaSelect individual nozzle control

The Super-L3 booms, from 39 m, are equipped with the manually-selected AmaSwitch individual nozzle control or the AmaSelect electric single nozzle control (incl. LED individual nozzle lighting) and DUS pro high-pressure recirculation system as standard. 25 cm nozzle spacing is available for both nozzle control systems as an option.

• Super-stable yet light-weight booms in a compact profile design
• High area coverage with maximum precision thanks to ContourControl and SwingStop plus
• AmaSwitch or AmaSelect precise individual nozzle control from choice
• Optimum application results