Wallaces Farmer

Major upgrade also signals new look for future equipment in the red line

Willie Vogt

November 18, 2021

6 Min Read
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NEW LOOK, NEW CAPABILITIES: Using a clean-sheet approach engineers at Case IH have made significant changes with the new 50-Series Patriot sprayer line. The new front end gets plenty of attention, but a bigger cab, upgraded suspension and other productivity boosting features are keys to the new machine.Courtesy of Case IH

There's a new self-propelled sprayer line hitting the field later in 2022, and it's a significant milestone for Case IH. The new Patriot 50 series sprayer line includes three new machines that get a significant upgrade for the new model year as Mark Burns, Case IH application equipment marketing manager, explains.

"This is pretty much a clean sheet design," he says. "When I'm asked what's changed the easier question to answer is what didn’t change. It has about 80% new content."

Burns acknowledges that the most noticeable change is the nose of the machine – or rather all of the styling. "I feel fortunate that the Patriot was tapped to be the product that will unveil the new look for Case IH," Burns says. He hints that a look at the Patriot will tease some design elements farmers will see in future releases.

New sprayer cab and controls

The new sprayers feature the same cab shell as the Steiger tractor. "The roof cap and the overall structure is the same as the Steiger, but the door opens the other way," Burns says. "Once inside, the user will find a lot of commonality in the console and steering column including the venting and footrest pegs. I get a lot of comments on foot pegs."

The big changes that are sprayer-focused come with that familiar multi-function handle common in the Steiger and Magnum. Burns explains that in the new Patriot the controls on the armrest are sprayer specific. "We had users sit with that arm rest and we asked that what features and controls should go in what location on the armrest," Burns says. "We used that input to put the functions and features that mattered the most and are most frequently used on the console."

There are four different buttons on the front of the arm rest that allows the operator to do some customization of the controls. And the most frequently used controls – master apply, auto steer, center section control and boom tilt are all on the handle.

"One of the coolest features is the use of the forward/reverse quick shuttle that's at the base of the handle," he says. A user moving forward simply activates that control and the machine will slow to a stop then start backing up and you never have to move the handle.

There are default speeds set and when you move from forward to reverse the machine backs up at 3 mph but a user can change that as needed. Applicators change direction a lot sometimes, and this will make that a lot easier.

Plenty of agtech on tap

All the machines come standard with the Advanced Farming System Pro 1200 display to interface and run the machine. For product application control, the Raven Viper 4+ display is available. The Viper 4+ provides enhanced auto-guidance solutions too.

The AFS Pro 1200 display comes with a five year subscription to AFS Connect which provides telemetry for managing machines including remote display access for troubleshooting issues. If a user chooses Raven-based guidance they can get a 5-year gold Slingshot package that makes all the application data available in the cloud.

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SIMPLE, BUT EFFECTIVE: The nozzle tip wash station, exclusive to the Titan, is a handy feature that many who see it ask, 'why didn't we do this sooner?'

An option is the AIM Command Flex II advanced spray technology system. Burns says it remains an option though a high number of buyers add the tech to their sprayers when buying. The system provides individual nozzle on/off control to ensure application accuracy and efficiency. It also allows the user to optimize application rates and droplet sizes for consistent application, regardless of speed and ground conditions.

But Burns says the new Patriot 50 adds some features to enhance performance. The machines get a 17% boost in material flow which allows users to drive faster during application, or apply product at a higher rate. He adds that severe duty poppets have been added to the valves which will extend service life even at higher pressures or when using more abrasive materials.

A lower tech, but higher value addition is tip wash station on the sprayer which includes a water outlet and an air nozzle. "We had a user who has been around sprayers for 20 years wonder why we didn't think of this before," Burns says. Having that capability on the machine means a user can clear a plugged nozzle easily in the field and get right back to work.

Other sprayer enhancements

The Patriot line, which started with Tyler before the Case IH acquisition many years ago, had a trailing link suspension system that used springs. But as machines have gotten bigger and speeds of application have changed ride quality suffered. "We've gone to a four-bar linkage with four movable joints on the suspension including nine different cast pieces," Burns explains. "Those are coupled with an airbag and tuned shock absorber for a more controlled ride. Even with aggressive acceleration or deceleration the operator is always in control. And it provides a better ride."

There are enhancements to the lighting too. The base lighting package on the new machine beats the upgraded lighting offered in its predecessor, Burns says. And Case IH offers even more optional lighting if needed. One added feature is the optional blue-lens light for the boom, which allows enhanced spray pattern and nozzle performance visibility at night.

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NIGHT VISION: The optional factory-installed, blue lens lighting system on the boom provides offers enhanced visibility during application. And makes it easy to see how nozzles are working.

"Those blue lights show off the spray pattern and I'm amazed at how far they project," Burns says. "On a 132-foot boom it's 50% further than the boom end. It shines a long way."

The machines also get a higher transport speed boosting the 3250 from 30 mph to 32 mph. The two top end models – the 4350 and 4450 move to 37 mph from 30 mph. "That seven mile-per hour boost for the bigger machines may not sound like much but it makes a difference for an operator moving from field to field," he says.

Patriot 50 Models and specs

There are three models in the Patriot 50 series line:

3250 with a 6.7-liter Fiat Powertrain engine offering 285 hp and 309 peak hp. This machine can have an 800- or 1,000-gallon tank.

4350 features an 8.7-liter Fiat Powertrain engine offering 335 hp and peak hp at 374 hp. It features a 1,200 gallon tank.

4450 is powered by the 8.7-liter Fiat Powertrain engine with 390 hp with a 415 hp peak. It's outfitted with a 1,600 gallon tank.

All three engines meet Tier 4 final emission standards without a diesel particulate filter, requiring only diesel exhaust fluid.

Burns says all three machines can use any of the boom options. There are five options – 90-, 100-, 120-, 132- or 135-feet wide. The larger two booms are all aluminum and weigh less than the 120-foot boom.

Burns has been working at the Benson, Minn., facility with application equipment for more than 25 years. "In that time this is probably the biggest thing [we've launched] maybe with the exception of the 4260 in '98," he says.

From its new nose to its restyled tail, the Patriot 50 is making a statement. Learn more by visiting caseih.com.

About the Author(s)

Willie Vogt

Willie Vogt has been covering agricultural technology for more than 40 years, with most of that time as editorial director for Farm Progress. He is passionate about helping farmers better understand how technology can help them succeed, when appropriately applied.

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