Updates for Mazzotti’s MAF self-propelled sprayer range sees a host of John Deere tech added

In addition, the MAF range will also see a new compact high-capacity machine added, the MAF 4080. This features a chassis with a longer wheelbase to enable the larger 4,000-litre tank to be carried, while maintaining a 50:50 weight distribution achieved by the smaller MAF models.

All four models are powered by a 175hp four-cylinder Stage 5 John Deere engine. The MAF 2580 and 3180 machines feature a standard 40kph hydrostatic transmission, with the option to specify a high-performance system incorporating engine and transmission management with either 40 or 50kph transport speeds.

The high-performance transmission is fitted as standard to the larger MAF 3580 and 4080 models.

Alternatively, mechanical drive can be specified with the MC variants, which offer a joystick-controlled, infinitely variable hydro-mechanical transmission. Using mechanical axles to transmit more power to the ground, the MC versions are said to provide higher traction, superior hill-climbing ability and more efficient road transport.

The steering system, featuring selectable two-wheel, four-wheel or crab steering modes, has been upgraded and now features automatic alignment when switching between the modes. Steering power is also improved, offering the ability to fit wider, large diameter tyres. Four-wheel steering is now automatically disabled at speeds above 14kph and a mechanical locking device is fitted.

For 2021 the range will be fitted with the M-Spray liquid management system, adopted from John Deere’s range of trailed and self-propelled sprayers. This dual-circuit system features a dedicated 600 litre/minute filling pump, said to fill the largest MAF 4080 model in less than seven minutes.

Spraying is carried out by a dedicated high pressure 750 litre/minute spraying pump with direct rate control, which the manufacturer says provides rapid application rate adjustment and 98 per cent spray rate accuracy.

Both tank agitation and rinsing are electronically controlled, with five fully automated rinsing programmes ensuring that the machine is completely clean before switching to different crops, claims the manufacturer. All operations, including rinsing, can be carried out either from inside the cab or via the new Solution Command keypad and digital display at the central operating station on one side of the machine. The manufacturer says the M-Spray features only about 50 per cent of the moving parts of the previous liquid system and requires no scheduled maintenance.

A new range of MK spray booms from 24 to 36m wide, including a triple-fold 36/24m version, have been added. Featuring a triangulated 3D steel construction, the stainless steel spraylines are protected within the structure.

Automatic boom control is provided by a Norac UC7 system featuring hybrid mode sensors and active centre frame control for precise and predictable boom behaviour. Available with either three or five sensors, the Norac UC7 system offers automatic control of boom height, boom angle and boom variable geometry, precisely positioning the nozzles for optimum coverage and minimised spray drift, says the manufacturer.

Individual Nozzle Control (INC) for fast and precise switching of each individual spray nozzle is fitted as standard, using a system manufactured by John Deere. For manual operation, virtual section widths can be specified from the cab, while in auto-mode each nozzle is switched individually according to GPS positioning.

The spray control system now uses John Deere IsoBus technology, bringing with it all the familiarity of the JD interface. A choice of John Deere 4240 or 4640 GreenStar displays provide full control of the spraying process, and with the addition of an optional StarFire 6000 GPS receiver they can also take care of individual nozzle control, prescription applications and job recording.

Mazzotti self-propelled sprayers are available from selected John Deere dealers, including Ripon Farm Services, P Tuckwell, Ben Burgess, Farol, Cornthwaite Group and Rea Valley Tractors.