How Missouri cattle farmer improves his pastures and hay fields with Hustler Applic8r boom sprayer

Missouri beef farmer Kent Smith is thrilled to have invested in a Hustler Equipment’s Applic8r LX1150 boom sprayer. Originally woodland before being repurposed, the rocky and hilly terrain of the family farm he grew up on has made grass growth challenging, leading Kent to focus on resilient and resistant species such as fescue and orchard grass. To keep undesirable weeds at bay and prevent them to outgrow the grass, Kent relies on the Hustler boom sprayer, which has proven to be a game-changer for his farming operation. 

We met Kent Smith about two years ago, just after he purchased one of the very first all-new Hustler’s Combi RX multi-feeder wagons operating in the United States. At the time, Kent was looking to gain versatility and sustainability with a machine that would feed out absolutely any type of feed as the overall yield of his pastures is quite low. You can learn more about Kent’s family story by reading this previous blog.

But feeding the cattle is just one aspect of the farming journey; caring for the land is equally crucial.

Kent’s farm doesn’t boast the best pasture ground; the soil is thin, hard, and rocky. As a result, Kent primarily focuses on cultivating various grasses that thrive in such conditions. “It’s expensive now to fertilise. That’s changed as well too. From last year you know fertiliser prices doubled, tripled, quadrupled in some cases,” Kent said. To combat weed growth and ensure the health of his pastures, Kent turned to spraying herbicide.

“We use spraying to try to cut down on the amount of weeds. I mean, they’re just undesirable plants,” Kent explained. Recognizing the need for an effective and efficient sprayer, Kent invested in the Hustler Applic8r LX1150 boom sprayer.

“This sprayer system is very easy to use. It’s very user-friendly”

This innovative equipment has proven to be indispensable in ensuring that the grass can flourish and provide ample nutrition for the herd.

One of the standout features of the Applic8r LX1150 is its remarkable user-friendliness. Designed with the end-user in mind, the sprayer comes with an ISOBUS connection that interfaces seamlessly with the tractor. Kent praises this innovative system, as it eliminates the need for external boxes or complex wiring. A single plug into the tractor’s rear activates the intuitive interface on the monitor, granting him complete control over the sprayer’s functionalities.

When used together, ISOBUS and section control offer several benefits for boom spraying units:

1. Precision

   Section control technology helps ensure that chemicals are applied only where needed, reducing overspray and improving accuracy.

2. Efficiency

   By turning off individual sections of the boom sprayer as needed, section control reduces the amount of overlap and waste, improving efficiency and reducing input costs.

3. User-friendly

   ISOBUS technology simplifies the operation of boom sprayers, allowing for control and monitoring of multiple functions using a single terminal, improving ease of use and reducing operator error.

4. Data management

   ISOBUS technology allows for automatic data collection and transfer, improving record-keeping and analysis, as well as aiding in compliance with regulations.

“The ISOBUS connection to the tractor, and the interface that Hustler’s provided for that is phenomenal”

The agricultural landscape has evolved, and farmers face ever-changing challenges. Fertilizer prices have skyrocketed, especially since the COVID-19 crisis, adding to the financial burden of cattle farming. However, the Applic8r LX1150 has helped Kent navigate these challenges with ease. Its efficient design and advanced technology have empowered him to streamline his farm operations while optimizing resource utilization.

With rising herbicide costs, efficient herbicide application is crucial to avoid unnecessary expenses. Kent highlights the cost-saving benefits of the Applic8r LX1150‘s section control feature. This intelligent system enables him to selectively spray specific areas, reducing herbicide wastage significantly. By eliminating over-application, Kent has witnessed substantial savings in herbicide costs.

“I think the main cost benefit to it for us is the savings of having section control on the boom, that just decreases the amount of waste that we have in herbicide because herbicide costs have gone up significantly,” Kent said. So anywhere that we can save and make sure that we’re not over-applicating is saving money.”

Hustler aims to produce robust machinery that stands the test of time. The Applic8r LX1150 boom sprayer embodies this ethos, with its strong build and straightforward design. Despite its durability, it doesn’t compromise on modern features. 

The Hustler Applic8r mounted boom sprayer range is entirely customisable and consists of three tank sizes, respectively 680, 890 and 1150 litres (179, 235 and 303 gallons).

Kent chose the biggest tank capacity and added the EagleTech boom, a 14-metre (45.9 feet) hydraulic folding boom with impressive standard configuration:

• The EagleTech boom comes with standard triple nozzle bodies, which allows the operator to flick between three different nozzle sizes and water rates instantly. All the nozzles are also using air induction technology, turning the spray from a fine mist to air-filled droplets that drop to the ground and are less likely to drift away. The EagleTech boom also features yaw, vertical and individual sectional suspension, hydraulic boom dampeners for a silky smooth glide, in-line sectional filters, transport boom-locks, and the most user-friendly wing-lift.
• Using the latest CAD flow simulation technology to create the perfect mix of fluid throughout the tank without dead spots, MixMax™ agitation system is powerful enough for the thickest of chemicals. The operator can control how much agitation is required, from zero to full agitation. This feature comes now standard on all the Hustler Applic8r spraying units.
• Hustler’s unique ViziGauge™ is visible from 120 degrees, so Kent can easily see the tank level from the tractor seat (and the ground) and how much fluid is left in the tank. A floating ball tube gauge makes it easy to read and provides more tank-filling accuracy with unique mould-in permanent graphics.
• Compact and built to last, the Applic8r chassis has the biggest section in its class! The unique straight-through chassis design and careful attention chassis/tank/pump integration have allowed Hustler to produce the toughest and most compact sprayer available today. The Applic8r’s chassis has been CAD tested for stress and real-life tested for fatigue on our destroyer. It lasted in excess of four times the required benchmark.
• A tough built-in SkidPlate™ protects the vital parts including the pump, tank, filters, drain, from damage should you misjudge a hump or hollow.
• The high-flow QuickFlush™ Tank Drain operated from the top of the tank saves the operator from climbing underneath to empty the tank and reduces clean-up time and saves the operator from getting covered in chemicals during clean-up.
• A generous sump size is all part of the design so Kent can spray on steep terrain without sucking air and leaving missed patches and empty the entire tank even when operating on the steepest of terrain. The pump is also rear-mounted and offset to allow for the longer PTO shaft, enabling the sprayer to run whilst on the ground and be fitted on any tractor size without needing to cut or lengthen the PTO shaft. 

“It’s a hard job and they’re long days sometimes. So any work that you can take off of the operator is a big plus”

Farming is a demanding profession, and long days are the norm. The Applic8r LX1150 is engineered with the operator’s well-being in mind. By taking on laborious tasks and automating spraying processes, this cutting-edge sprayer lightens the load for Kent and other farmers, contributing to their overall efficiency and work satisfaction.

“I can go on and on really about how much I like this sprayer and I like the way Hustler designs equipment”

Kent Smith’s testimonial sheds light on the transformative impact of the Applic8r LX1150 boom sprayer on his Missouri farm. Hustler Equipment’s dedication to innovation and user-friendly design has made this sprayer a valuable asset for modern farmers. By optimizing weed control, herbicide application, and resource utilization, Kent has experienced tangible cost savings and improved productivity.

All in all, the Hustler linkage boom sprayer range Applic8r – with the industry’s best warranty, unique best-in-class agitation and mixing, toughest design on the market, user-friendly low profile – is simply one of the best compact mounted boom sprayers on the market today.

Customise your Applic8r online and contact us today, you’ll be glad you did!