Demand for a large capacity self propelled sprayer fitted with a ultra-wide boom may just have been met with Hardi launching its beastly proportioned Rubicon this week.
The 9000 litre sprayer is a collaboration between Hardi Australia and fellow Exel Corporation company, French based self propelled experts, Matrot.
For those looking for high capacity and width, the Rubicon delivers in spades with Pommier front mounted booms from 36 to 48 metres available and the stainless steel stank holding a game changing 9000 litres.
There’s also a 630 litre rinse tank, 60 litre induction hopper, 75 millimetre filling point and a 1000 litre fuel tank to feed the 276 kilowatt Cummins Tier 3 engine.
Fuel burn is said to be about 42 litres an hour at a 20 kilometres an hour spraying speed.
The Rubicon is shod with 480/95R54 tyres which contribute to a 185 centimetre ground clearance and on-the-go axle adjustment from 3.0 - 4.0 metres.
Wheelbase is 4.6m and offers a 17.88m turning circle while the road width with a folded boom is a fraction under 3.7m.
Suspension is by way of fully independent, leading arm, over-ride air bag system.
The company says weight distribution is 51pc front and 49pc rear with the total weight coming in at 15.6 tonne empty and 26.5 tonne with a full fluid load.
Hardi is claiming productivity of 150 hectares a tank at 60 litres an hour.
The company has been testing the Rubicon in Balaklava, South Australia for the past few months and predicts being able to produce 10 machines this year with a full production scheduled for early 2017.