January 20, 2005
The new Case IH SPX3310 Patriot sprayer uses the same groundbreaking configuration first introduced to the industry on the Case IH SPX4260 sprayer in 1998. With the engine shifted to the rear and the product tank in the middle, the Case IH design provides superior weight distribution, as well as advantages in operator comfort and available power.
“Custom applicators and growers alike told us that if they could change one thing about the current model SPX3200 sprayer it would be to integrate the ‘engine in the rear’ design of its big brother,” says Ken Lehmann, marketing manager for Case IH application equipment. “Combined with the high productivity features already built in, like a 1,000 gallon stainless steel product tank and 5.9 liter, 200 hp engine, we created an unbeatable package for the sprayer market.”
The cab forward, tank middle, engine rear design Case IH first pioneered on earlier model sprayers distributes the weight of a working sprayer more evenly over the front and rear axles. When the product tank is full and the booms are fully extended the SPX3310's weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear axles with 47 percent of the weight forward and 53 percent in the rear.
Better foot-print
“The new Case IH SPX3310 sprayer can get into wet field conditions sooner than competing sprayers with only 800-gallon product tanks because its weight is better balanced for a more even footprint across the field,” Lehmann explains. “You can see the difference with visibly fewer ruts and, more importantly, less compaction.”
The rear engine design offers additional, less obvious advantages. Better weight distribution allows for lower rolling resistance, which results in more efficient use of horsepower. The SPX3310 is able to match the performance of higher horsepower machines with more traditional designs. A new 120-gallon fuel tank allows the operator to stay in the field longer with more than 10 hours of running time. By moving a major heat source away from the cab, the air conditioning system is also more efficient.
In addition, with the engine separated from the cab, noise levels are markedly reduced. The cab is also iso-mounted on rubber to protect it from frame vibrations, and it contains soundproofing material. All this brings the cab to an incredible 70-decibel sound rating.
“Some operators have told us the cab is so quiet they have to check to make sure the engine is running,” Lehmann adds.
Whether the task is spraying crop protection chemicals for pest control or liquid fertilizer to promote growth, the new Case IH SPX3310 offers the plumbing options to meet the needs of any operation. Adjustable 60/80 foot or 60/90 foot booms are available in five- or six-section configurations. Standard, low-rate and high-rate plumbing options are available. Any of these configurations can be equipped with the optional AIM Command spray system.
“Operators continue to tell us that once they've used the AIM Command spray technology they'll never go back to conventional spraying,” Lehmann says. “The system manages the droplet size of the product by varying pressure independent of the speed or flow. Pulse-width modulation allows better drift management and a more consistent application across the field.”
AIM Command offers the added value of equipping standard-flow plumbing to perform low-flow rates, delivering as little as two gallons-per-acre at 10 miles-per-hour using half the boom.
The new Case IH SCS 4600 controller allows the operator to monitor more information on its larger, monochrome screen. It works in concert with the boom section controls, allowing the operator to have a visual confirmation of up to 10 active sections. The boom and sparge pressure gauges have also been integrated into the monitor.
Available as an upgrade to the SCS 4600, the Case IH Viper combines the functionality of a rate controller with the added features of a task computer. The task computer functionality, with the appropriate software, sets the stage for variable rate applications, DGPS guidance and expansion from “as applied” recording and mapping to the use of controlling maps for rates.
The Case IH SPX3310 sprayer also integrates some additional new features from its big brother — the SPX4410.
The redesigned product plumbing circuit, which uses a variable-speed pump regulated by pulse-width modulate hydraulics, has been adopted. The new design promotes longer pump life and peak sprayer performance.
Because of the new pulse-width modulated hydraulics in the plumbing circuit, a manually controlled servo valve is no longer required when fusing the eductor or product pump to fill at the remote service center.
Easy service
Service access at the engine is simplified for daily maintenance. A fold-down ladder provides easy access to check the engine oil, belts, hydraulic reservoir and air cleaner in one spot.
On both the 60/80 and 60/90-foot booms, the rod and cylinder ends on boom-fold cylinders have been strengthened for improved reliability.
An upgraded hub on the final drives extends its service interval.
In addition to the design improvements, the new Case IH SPX3310 continues to deliver all the features that have always set Case IH sprayers apart like rugged, center pivot booms; a welded, tubular frame; independent trailing-link suspension; and a 200 hp engine with 42.9 percent torque rise.
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