Bonus Tydskrif SPRING SUMMER 2024 FINAL

The Patriot range of sprayers boasts a powerful array of technological advances, aimed at ensuring precise, efficient spray applications, as well as a user-friendly platform, with ease of use and operator comfort front of mind. And who better to ask about how the latest technology in spray applications stack up, than the next generation of CASE IH customers? Ticking all the boxes The first impression students got was of a redesigned cab, complete with ergonomic control design, making spraying a joy. Long hours spraying in the field means that ride-comfort is non-negotiable, and each student noted how the suspension effortlessly managed centre-pivot ruts with no jolting. Stiaan Joubert said that the cab itself was very quiet and the suspension of a high quality. “We sprayed at 25km/h, and never felt a bump or jolt. The cab itself is spacious and the layout of the controls logical and simple, with the boom opening and closing with the push of a button.” Joubert was impressed with the Patriot’s tip- washing station, as well as the design elements incorporated in the latest model. “The two screens in the cab displaying the sprayer’s location on a field, as well as the amount of product used, together with a screen monitoring spraying performance are sizeable enough with information displayed in an easy- to-see format. The Patriot is a time saver, cost saver and hectare saver, without a doubt. If I had to describe the Patriot 350 in one word, it would have to be breathtaking.” With features such as blue LED lights, spraying can be done at night. Small LED light indicators for diagnostic purposes simplify troubleshooting and the identification of any faults. Ease of use and control Nadia Volschenk was impressed with the Patriot 350’s ease of use. “It is a wonderful machine to drive. Even with the latest technology the controls themselves were designed for simplicity, with the transmission as smooth as an operator could desire.” Volschenk was also impressed with the control the Patriot 350 affords the operator. “It is not a complex machine to operate and maintain, making it an attractive option for producers living in remote locations.” Andrea Schutte enjoyed the comfortable cab and smooth ride the Patriot 350 affords. “The suspension is unbelievable, gliding over the uneven terrain with no bumping, ensuring operator comfort at all times.” Keran Schoeman not only was impressed with the accessibility of the sprayer, but as a taller person liked the spacious cab. “There is more than enough space for my legs, with an impressive turning circle making handling an absolute cinch.” To David da Rocha, the Patriot was a very different machine to what he’s seen before. “The feeling is one of interaction with the machine, which makes spraying far easier.” He added that the technology used in the Patriot also makes it far more efficient. “Because the machine is easy to use and works efficiently, the producer can rest assured knowing spraying will be done on time and correctly.” Patriot games: Students test the new Case IH sprayer series When Case IH embarked on a roadshow, introducing the new range of Patriot sprayers, the first stop was in Thabazimbi where students at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences had the chance to put the new Case IH Patriot 350 through its paces. Spring/Summer 2024 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 28