Find out why for Brett Farrell, “there was no other choice” when replacing 8 year old Hustler boom sprayer

Published 5th March 2021
New Zealand

After his previous sprayer was burned in an accidental fire, dairy farmer Brett Farrell decided to renew his confidence in Hustler Equipment by investing in the latest models. He chose a Hustler Applic8r LX1150 mounted boom sprayer which he was able to fully customise to his needs. Watch the video to see why Brett is thrilled with his new Hustler sprayer!

Brett’s dairy farm extends over 412 hectares, with 311 hectares dedicated to the milking operation. The farm is located nearby the village of Parakao, in the Whangarei District and Northland Region of New Zealand’s North Island. With its subtropical climate, Northland offers a key competitive advantage for its agricultural sector. The region produces about 116,000 tonnes of dairy products each year.

There are 820 milking cows and most of the maize silage is produced on-farm. Brett can’t do without an effective sprayer for his crops. In the past, Brett used to had a Hustler Kapito sprayer which was unfortunately involved in an accidental fire. Both tractor and sprayer burned, so “there was no other choice” than to buy a new one. As Brett was happy with the previous sprayer he has been using for eight to nine years with no issues, he decided to buy a brand-new Hustler. In addition, the new sprayer was well positioned in terms of price, as Brett explains in the video.

“The old one was very reliable. It never gave any problems at all.”

Because every farmer and every farm is different, Hustler offers a range of mounted boom sprayers that can be fully customized to suit your particular needs. It was this key feature that Brett particularly liked.

“We have a Hustler Applic8r LX1150. Hustler customised that for us.”

For his new sprayer, Brett chose the Applic8r LX1150 with a fully hydraulic SonicBoom in order not to waste time going in and out of the paddocks. This model comes standard with a handwashing tank, a built-in toolbox, the ViziGauge™ view, the adjustable MixMax™ agitation system, a QuickFlush™ flushing tank for easy cleaning, and all sorts of time-saver features.

“There is a very easy drain plug, it’s just a little pull cord at the back, which is brilliant!”

Brett chose to customise his sprayer with a handy storage box where he can put his chemical containers. He also set up the boom with 380-millimetre centers and triple nozzle bodies in order to cover various types of applications from herbicide to fertilisers. When needing to spray maize raws, 760 millimetres apart, Brett just has to turn every second nozzle body off to get the perfect post-emergent spray!

Beyond that, Brett appreciates that the Hustler sprayers are built to last and well-thought-out. With a smart chassis/tank/pump integration, Hustler produced a tough and compact sprayer.

The built-in SkidPlate™ protects the vital parts of the machine from common obstacles faced when spraying. With this design, Brett doesn’t need to park his spray unit on a pallet and it’s “the best thing” according to Brett. With “the stand at the back, so you’ve got a heavy boom you can take it off and it’s got two stands that sit out, so it doesn’t try and fall over backward,” Brett detailed. 

Some improvements have been made since the Katipo sprayer generation, Brett noticed that “the controller is a lot easier and more logical to use as well.” The spray controller can be linked to an existing or new GPS tracking unit, including customisable in-job layout.

Using a GPS system helps to rationalise the use of fertilisers and chemicals, ensuring targeted distribution and to avoid overlapping or empty areas, meaning a consequent reduction in costs and operator fatigue. The sprayer GPS system can run and manage other ISOBUS implements, which is handy when the tractor is already equipped with a GPS such as Brett’s tractor. However, if your tractor is not already equipped, Hustler partnered with Raven technology to offer the plug-and-play Raven CR7 GPS.

“I definitely recommend this machine, it’s brilliant, easy-to-use, good price, well-constructed, durable and they’ll customise it to what you want.”

 

Do you want to know more about what Hustler can do for your operation? Download our catalogue!

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6 reasons why farmers and ranchers choose Hustler sprayers

FUNCTIONAL

Applic8r is loaded with practical features that help you get the job done quicker. It’s got quicker tank emptying, a deep sump that lets you spray on steep terrain, a ViziGauge™ that is visible from both the tractor seat and the ground, an optional QuickFlush™ kit that lets you clean the sprayer in less than a minute, and a handy toolbox with plenty of room for spare nozzles, filters and the controller.

COMPACT AND BUILT TO LAST

Careful attention to detail, smart chassis/ tank/pump integration has allowed Hustler to produce the toughest and most compact sprayer available today that no longer needs to be parked on a pallet. And has a built-in SkidPlate™ protecting the vital parts from common obstacles faced when spraying.

ULTIMATE AGITATION

Utilising the lastest computer generated flow simulation we’ve created the perfect flow of liquid within the tank and combined with our MixMax™ technology and ErgoMax™ induction hopper, you can be assured that your solution is mixed and stays mixed.

BOOM!

When it comes to booms, you’re spoiled for choice! From 6 to 14m, manual and hydraulic folding, from our proven DuraBoom and SonicBoom range to our all-new EagleTech Boom to choose from. Optional bi-directional hose reels and spray guns can complete the customisation of your very own Applic8r. Need to go boomless in some of your paddocks, just add an optional nozzle kit up to 14-metre swath width.

EASY TO USE

Applic8r utilises space wisely with an ultra-low profile design. Filling from the ground is quick, safe and easy and with the spill catcher no longer do you have chemical down your front. A unique CoupleUp™ system makes connecting to filling stations or filling out of a creek with the Applic8r pump a snap. And everything you need is handy at the left hand side.

MODULAR DESIGN

Applic8r is modular and can have optional time savers fitted as and when you like or your budget fits. The SlickFit™ spray valving system, lets you choose how you’d prefer to control your new Applic8r.

Customise your own Hustler sprayer