A partnership between Te Puke spray business Splash Direct and Australian equipment company Croplands, has seen the development of a new kiwifruit sprayer specifically for New Zealand orchards.
All key components of the Cropliner sprayer are to be assembled and serviced from the Splash Direct premises in the heart of kiwifruit country. Splash Direct owner Craig Bell says the decision to move into assembling the new sprayer was not made lightly.
He attributes the project's success to a number of strengths on both sides of the partnership.
“Croplands bought some muscle to the project with their ability to source quality components in quantities that support assembly here, at the best possible price.”
Croplands area sales manager Greg Small also offered valuable input to the sprayer's design, ensuring it will deliver exactly what kiwifruit growers want in terms of spray coverage, safety and efficiency.
This included him working with Italian manufacturers to develop a fan that would deliver more precise spray placement, minimising drift and noise levels in the process.
Greg says Splash Direct has proven a natural partner for the venture, which will deliver both a trailer and a self-propelled version of the sprayer.
Greg says the Croplands Cropliner is a standardised model, meaning significant economies of scale are achieved when purchasing and assembling its components, and ensuring competitive pricing.
“Many of the features built in to the Cropliner sprayer have also been incorporated after listening to feedback from local growers and advisors. This includes lowering the sprayer's height to be capable of travelling under heavily fruited low hanging vines, and sourcing a tank that maximises pump suction from its sump.”
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