AU2004201753A1 - An Agricultural Spraying Machine - Google Patents

Description

AN AGRICULTURAL SPRAYING MACHINE Field of the Invention.

This invention is directed to an agricultural spraying machine and particularly to an agricultural spraying machine having a particular design to enable it to spray the tops of crops from ground level to the tops of the crops in all ground conditions regardless of wet and dry to keep compaction to a minimum. The invention will be described with reference to its use to spray sugarcane, but it should be appreciated that no particular limitation is meant thereby, and the machine can be used to spray the tops of other crops.

Background Art.

It is often necessary to apply chemicals to an agricultural crop at certain times in its growth cycle.

Chemicals supplied to sugarcane and certain other crops work best with high ground moisture. Due to wheeled machines inability to travel across moist ground without causing ground compaction or bogging, chemicals are applied in drier conditions, therefore having to apply stronger chemical mixes to allow for losses due to inappropriate ground conditions.

The methods that are currently used are many and varied but are generally quite inefficient in the sense that they are wasteful of chemicals. Moreover, the methods generally do not effectively apply the chemical spray to the crop tops.

This is because most conventional methods use a spraying device which is at a tractor trailer height (approximately one metre or so above the ground) while crops such as sugarcane can be between 1.5-3 metres tall. The existing spraying devices tend to spray upwardly in the hope that the tops of the crops will be properly treated, but it is found that this is not generally the case, and to compensate for the inefficiency, an excessive amount of chemical spray is used, which can lead to runoff problems and toxicity problems.

When treating sugarcane, a conventional technique is to have a truck on the side of the field which has a large container containing the chemical, a pump and the usual accessories to enable the chemical solution to be sprayed. A long hose extends from the truck into the field and a person manually sprays the sugarcane via a nozzle on the end of the hose. This technique is quite inefficient.

Aerial spraying is known but is far too expensive for most crops, and there is no guarantee that the entire crop will be properly sprayed.

Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to have a self-propelled machine that would enable the crops to be sprayed, and where the machine can move through the field with minimum damage to the crop and ground, where the machine can contain its own supply of chemicals to be sprayed, and where less chemicals can be used, and particularly where the machine can be used in ground which has a higher moisture content.

There would also be an advantage if it were possible to have a selfpropelled machine which is able to travel on wet ground thereby allowing fewer chemicals to be used which in turn is more economical and environmentally friendly.

There would be a further advantage if it were possible to provide a machine that would be approximately 'V2 the weight and size of wheeled machine which makes it more fuel efficient and easier to transport.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Object of the Invention.

It is an object of the invention to provide an agricultural spraying machine that is self-propelled and which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a self-propelled agricultural spraying machine, the machine comprising a chassis which has a first leg portion and a second leg portion which are spaced apart to enable a crop row to pass between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, a cabin on an upper portion of the chassis and generally at or above the height of the crop to be treated, an engine, a tank to house chemicals to be sprayed, and preferably a boom assembly for instance a spray boom assembly) which is movable between a lower position and an upper position, the spray boom assembly, when in the upper position and in use, being over, adjacent or about the crop top.

The machine is therefore ideal to pass through a crop field (such as sugarcane) with minimum damage to the growing cane, and the spray boom can be lifted to extend over or through an upper part of the sugarcane to ensure that this part of the sugarcane is properly treated with the chemical spray. The machine preferably comprises rubber tracks thereby enabling the machine to move over wetter ground which, in turn, allows fewer chemicals to be applied.

Suitably, the chassis comprises an inverted U shape having a first leg portion and a second leg portion. Each leg portion may have a height of between 1-4 metres although this can vary depending on the particular type of crop. Each leg portion can be formed from steel members that can be welded or otherwise attached together to form a strong rigid frame. Of course, each leg portion can be made of material other than steel and this may comprise a different type of metal, composite materials and the like.

The leg portions will typically be spaced apart to enable a crop row to pass there between. This spacing will depend on the type of crop but it is envisaged that this spacing will be between 1-3 metres.

The lower part of the leg portions will typically support tracks, wheels, or any other ground traversing mechanism or assembly. It is preferred that the leg portions support rubber tracks, as this will enable the machine to move along wetter ground which is better for the application of chemicals. However, it may be possible to provide a machine having "balloon" tyres or other ground traversing mechanisms which also enables the machine to move along wetter ground.

A cabin or operator area is provided and this is preferably at a high part 2 0 of the machine and it is therefore considered that the cabin should be placed on top of the chassis. This enables the operator to have maximum view of the crop to be treated.

The cabin will typically contain the various controls. These controls may include the steering controls, engine controls, controls to lift and lower the boom, controls to control the spray and the like.

2 5 The machine will typically be self-propelled and therefore an engine is provided which may comprise a diesel engine, a petrol engine, an electric engine, etc.

The size of the engine can be selected by the manufacturer of the machine. The engine will typically be positioned on one leg portion and typically on the outside of one leg portion. This provides ready access to the engine and also provides a lower centre of gravity to minimise the machine tipping over. A fuel tank will typically be provided adjacent the engine and in an accessible area to enable the fuel tank to be filled.

A tank or similar container can be provided to hold the chemical to be sprayed. The tank will typically be placed on one of the leg portions or on both leg portions. However it is preferred that the engine is on one leg portion and the tank is on the other leg portion. This can provide a better weight distribution to the machine.

The tank can hold a suitable volume of liquid and this volume can vary from between 50-2500 litres and typically between 100-2000 litres.

A spray boom assembly is provided. The spray boom assembly is typically attached to a front part of the machine. This is in contrast to many other machines that have a towed spray boom assembly which makes it more difficult for an operator to view the accuracy and completeness of the spraying. The spray boom assembly may comprise a central portion and one or more wing portions, with the wing portions able to be folded when not in use to reduce the width of the machine.

The idea of folding wing portions on the spray boom assembly is not new.

Lifting means may be provided to lift and lower the spray boom assembly. The lifting means may comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic engine.

Alternatively, lifting rams can be provided or the lifting means may comprise a combination of lifting rams and motors.

A lifting framework may be provided which will typically be associated with the spray boom assembly and also associated with the lifting means to enable the spray boom to move between a raised position and a lowered position.

The spray boom assembly can be quickly detached to allow other attachments to be used if necessary; e.g. misting devices and fertilizer applicators.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a machine in front view and with the spray boom assembly in the lower position.

Figure 2 illustrates a right hand side view of the machine.

Figure 3 illustrates a left hand view of the machine.

Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the machine.

Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the machine with the spray boom assembly in the lower position and in the fully extended position.

Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the machine with the spray boom assembly in the upper position and in the fully extended position.

Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the machine of figure 6 with the spray boom assembly in the lower position.

Figure 8 illustrates a close-up view of the spray boom assembly in the lower and "folded" position.

Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the machine with the cabin in the open position.

Figure 10 illustrates an "operator" view of the controls.

Figure 11 illustrates a close up view of the lifting rams that lift the spray boom assembly.

Figure 12 illustrates a close-up view of the machine with the spray boom assembly in the raised position and particularly illustrating the various rams.

Figure 13 is a right hand side view of the machine with the spray boom assembly in the raised position.

Figure 14 is a left hand side view of the machine with the spray boom assembly in the raised position.

Best Mode.

Referring initially to figures 1-3, there is illustrated a self-propelled agricultural spraying machine, which is particularly useful for the spraying of sugarcane, although the machine is not to be limited only to this use.

The machine comprises a first leg portion 10 and a second leg portion 11 which are spaced apart by a distance of about 1.5 metres and which have a height of about two metres. Each leg portion 10, 11 is made from rigid box steel members welded together to form a strong rigid framework. The leg portions are spaced apart by a distance and are tall enough to allow a row of sugarcane to pass between the leg portions.

The leg portions are interconnected adjacent the upper ends and in this area is a cabin 12 in which an operator can sit to control the machine. The cabin may be fully enclosed as illustrated in the drawings although this is not essential. The cabin can tilt back (see figure 9) to enable an operator to get into and out of the cabin.

Of course, the cabin may also contain a side door or other means to enable an operator to get into and out of the cabin. Inside the cabin is a seat and various controls, the controls being best illustrated in figure 10. These controls include steering controls, engine controls, controls to raise or lower the spray boom, and any other controls which are deemed to be suitable for efficient use of the machine. It is considered that a person skilled in the art will be able to identify the type of controls that will be necessary to operate the machine.

The machine has an engine 13 to enable the machine to be selfpropelled and also to provide power to the various other parts of the machine. The engine will typically be a petrol or diesel engine and in the particular embodiment, the engine is on the right hand side of the machine and is therefore supported by leg portion 10. The engine 13 is best illustrated in figure 2. A fuel tank 14 is positioned adjacent the engine and at a position where fuel can be easily added to the tank 14.

Each leg portion 10, 11 supports a track 15, 16 which in the embodiment comprises a rubber track although no particular limitation is meant thereby, and the track may also comprise a steel track or a track made of metal plate containing rubber inserts. It is also envisaged that the machine may be provided with other types of ground engaging members such as wheels, although it is preferred that tracks are provided, as these enable the machine to traverse a field more efficiently.

The tracks extend about wheels which typically comprise at least one drive wheel and at least one following wheel and, if necessary, a plurality of intermediate wheels. This arrangement is quite conventional.

Leg portion 11 supports a tank 17 best illustrated in figure 3, the tank functioning to house the chemical to the spray. The tank may hold a volume of between 50-2500 litres depending on the size of the machine. Typically, the tank will 2 0 hold a volume of about 2000 litres.

The machine contains a spray boom assembly. The spray boom assembly is movable between a lowered position illustrated in figure 1, and an upper position which is illustrated in figure 6. Also, the spray boom assembly is movable between a folded position illustrated in figure 1, figure 2, figure 3, figure 4 and a fully 2 5 extended position illustrated in figure 5, figure 6 and figure 7.

In the particular embodiment, the spray boom assembly contains a central rectangular frame assembly 18, and a left hand and right hand wing assembly 19, 20. Each wing assembly can be moved between the folded position (see figure 1) and the extended position (see figure This is achieved by rams 21, 22 which are best illustrated in figure 1. These rams may be hydraulic rams and are operated in the control cabin 12. Each wing assembly is hingedly mounted to the central frame assembly 18 to move between the folded position and the extended position.

The central frame assembly 18 (and therefore each wing assembly 19, can be raised and lowered by a pair of hydraulic rams 23, 24 which are best illustrated in figures 11-13. The central frame assembly 18 is supported by a "parallelogram" type link assembly to enable the central frame assembly 18 to maintain a substantially horizontal orientation in the raised and lowered position. The parallelogram link assembly is best illustrated in figures 11-13 and comprises an upper and lower arm member 25, 26 on each leg portion 10, 11. Each arm member 26 is pivotally mounted to part of the respective leg portion 10, 11. The central frame assembly 18 is provided with an upper U-shaped frame 27. The other end of each upper arm member 25 is pivotally attached to the U-shaped frame 27. Thus, as the central frame assembly is raised and lowered by rams 23, 24, the parallelogram link assembly ensures that the central frame assembly maintains a substantially horizontal orientation.

The spray boom assembly is provided with a multiplicity of spray nozzles 28 which are connected to a suitable hose or piping 29. The spray nozzles 28 depend from small semi-flexible plastic tubes (see figure 2) to enable the tubes and therefore the nozzles to move through the tops of the sugarcane or other crop. A pump (not illustrated) is provided to supply chemicals from the tank 15 and through the various spray nozzles 28. The pump is operated from the cabin.

The spray boom assembly can be raised to the position illustrated in figure 6 which extends over a crop of sugarcane to enable the tops of the sugarcane to be properly treated with chemical spray. Also, by having the spray boom assembly forward of the cabin 12, the operator in the cabin can easily see the progress of the spraying.

The machine can travel through a field of sugarcane to properly treat the sugarcane with a chemical spray and with minimal disruption to the sugarcane.

Throughout the specification and the claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications 8 can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A self-propelled agricultural spraying machine comprising a first leg portion and a second leg portion which are spaced apart to enable a crop row to pass between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, a cabin on an upper portion of the chassis and generally at or above the height of the crop to be treated, an engine, a tank to house chemical to be sprayed, and a boom assembly which is movable between a lower position and an upper position, the boom assembly, when in the upper position and in use, being over, adjacent or about the crop top.

2. The machine of claim 1 wherein the engine is supported by one of the leg portions.

3. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tank is supported by the other of the leg portions.

4. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the engine is an internal combustion engine.

5. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tank has a volume of between 100-2500 litres.

6. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the boom assembly comprises a central frame assembly and at least one wing assembly, the wing assembly being movable between a folded position and an extended position.

7. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of nozzles is supported by the boom assembly.

8. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each leg portion supports a ground track assembly.

9. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the leg portions are spaced apart by a distance of between 1-3 metres.

The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each leg portion has a height of between 1-3 metres.

11. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the boom assembly is moved between the lower position and the upper position by at least 3 0 one ram.

12. The machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the boom assembly is attached to each said leg portion by a parallelogram link assembly.

13. The machine as claimed in claim 12 wherein the parallelogram link assembly comprises an upper arm member and a lower arm member pivotally attached to each leg portion, the upper arm member also being pivotally attached relative to the boom assembly.

14. A machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying illustrations. DATED this 2 8 t h day of April 2004 Anthony Peter ROSTIROLLA and Jeanelle ROSTIROLLA By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.