Time to mount up?

Sales of mounted sprayers had been falling in recent years - to the extent that those of trailed machines actually overtook them in 2018. But the market trend has not stopped manufacturers introducing new models and technology that raises their capacity and capability, which could signal a resurgence.

The established pros and cons still exist:

PROS:

• Larger tanks – both front and back – mean the capacity of many models now match mainstream trailed and even smaller-self propelled models.
• Technology levels now match those of mainstream models, offering similar output and accuracy of application.
• Manoeuvrability remains a big plus, with moving between fields and on headlands and in field corners being much simpler than with trailed models.

CONS:

• Hitching and un-hitching has traditionally been slower for mounted machines than trailed, although manufacturers have been working on solutions to this.
• Weight - those extra litres pile more weight onto tractor tyres, weight that would be more evenly spread on a trailed or self-propelled machine - which may restrict the machines ability to work in certain conditions or on slopes.

But manufacturers are working hard to eliminate those drawbacks and highlight the added capabilities of the ranges they offer. Amazone’s Simon Brown describes their UF02/FT mounted sprayers with front/rear tanks as a “compact self-propelled” machine. “With a combined tank capacity of 3,500 litres, the unit is as large as many trailed or self-propelled machines on offer,” explains Mr Brown. “But it avoids the hassle of steering systems, working across slopes, length of unit from