Increased Productivity and Improved Applications with Fendt Rogator Sprayer

For a 1,200ha Fenland farm near Littleport in Cambridgeshire, a Fendt Rogator 655, 6,000-litre, 36m sprayer, supplied and looked after by Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), is ensuring timely crop treatment and fertiliser applications to sensitive combinable and root crops.

 

The Rogator 655 is the second Fendt sprayer owned by J Gilbert & Son. The family farming business, managed by brothers Ian and Mark Gilbert, comprises owned land as well as areas rented or managed under contract farming agreements. The Fenland soils range from blow-away black peat to heavy clays, and most fields are under-drained. Cropping includes wheat grown for milling and feed, beans, sugar beet, potatoes, green beans, onions and red beet.

 

“We used to run a pair of self-propelled sprayers of different brands, but a change of policy in 2018 included replacing those with a single, larger self-propelled machine, backed up by a trailed sprayer to ensure we could cover the workload during periods of high demand,” explained Ian Gilbert.

Satisfied our requirements

Various brands were considered but, following a successful demonstration, a Fendt 645 5,000-litre sprayer was chosen. “Key requirements included excellent boom stability, high work rates and excellent operator comfort as well as reliability and our confidence in the dealer back-up,” explained Ian. “The Rogator met all of these, but additional attractions included the ability to alter the axle widths making operation easier in a range of crops. After trying it, our main Sprayer Operator, Wayne Rutterford, commented that he found it very easy to drive and he particularly appreciated the excellent ride quality. Knowing we could rely on back-up from the TNS team at the local Littleport depot was also a significant attraction, so we placed our order.”

 

The farm’s Rogator proved successful, and although the spray tank was significantly larger than the farm’s previous self-propelled sprayers, improved weight distribution between the front and rear axles resulted in shallower wheelings and made operation possible in a wider range of conditions.

Increased productivity, improved applications

In 2023, the Rogator 645 was replaced by a new Rogator 655 with a larger 6,000-litre tank, a more powerful 272hp engine, and equipped with the latest Fendt boom and the manufacturer’s own OptiLevel levelling system. The Fendt OptiNozzle system was also added to increase flexibility of applications. “We had been happy with our original Rogator and both Wayne and back-up operator, Ian Cox enjoyed using it.

“The service from TNS had proved as good as we had hoped, so it was a fairly straightforward upgrade and this time we didn’t have to look at other brands,” Ian confirmed.

 

The latest sprayer features several updates over the previous machine, including the new boom, an improved induction hopper, and increased sprayline filtration which helps prevent blockages. Individual nozzle control was standard, like the previous machine.

 

Optimum droplet size

After using the latest sprayer for almost a year, Ian confirmed that the OptiNozzle system has proved a worthwhile investment, increasing flexibility in terms of application rates and spray patterns. Each nozzle body holds four nozzles with different jets and once the user has entered working parameters into the Varioterminal, then the ideal nozzle or nozzle combination is selected according to the travel speed. This means that instead of relying solely on spray system pressure to adjust application rates through a single nozzle, larger jets operating at lower pressures can be used when travelling at higher speeds, maintaining the ideal droplet size for maximum chemical efficacy and reducing drift.

 

“I’m extremely impressed with OptiNozzle,” confirmed Wayne. “It’s simple to set up and use and it helps me to do a better job. It also gives us the ability to work in more marginal conditions by maintaining a larger droplet size, helping achieve timely potato blight control and cereal fungicide applications.

“I can see on the display as well as when looking at the boom when the nozzles switch over and the system has proved completely reliable. In terms of accuracy, it complements the standard individual nozzle switching which helps prevent overlap and misses. I wouldn’t want to be without it now.”

 

Both operators enjoy driving the sprayer. “It’s very comfortable,” noted Wayne. “When spraying as well as on our uneven farm tracks and local roads the ride quality is very good. The cab is spacious with great all-around visibility and the controls are well laid out and easy to use. The boom stability is fantastic which means I can travel more quickly and operate closer to the crop without worrying. I have the booms set to lift automatically at the headlands too, allowing slightly quicker headland turns.

“I find the TNS team members friendly and helpful and when I need anything then they are always available.”

Buying more from TNS

The Rogator was purchased with a service plan and 5,000-hour warranty, and the intention is to keep it for at least five more years before it is updated.

The Gilbert family’s machinery fleet also includes a Fendt 936 Vario tractor, which is reliable and popular with users. “The back-up we receive from the TNS team and especially the sprayer specialists; Ben Miller, Gareth Bell and Jack Yardy is fantastic, and this was a huge influence when we bought our second Rogator,” stressed Ian. “We find ourselves using TNS more and more due to the great service, which includes the sales and parts department team members who are knowledgeable and helpful.”