September 10, 2014
This year, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new engine requirements, Canadian farm machinery company Buhler-Versatile revamped its 1,200-gallon SX275 self-propelled sprayer and added a smaller model, the 1,000-gallon SX240.
Grant Lien, product manager, says the 1,000-gallon model will target a size category that represents most of the self-propelled sprayer market. “The SX240 is our way of approaching buyers who are looking for something smaller than what we’ve offered them before,” he says. “Each model has slightly different features to satisfy the two different markets.”
Lien says the new SX240 and the larger-sized SX280 represent an evolution in design for Versatile, incorporating more than 40 design changes from the SX275, which has been the company’s mainstay model since 2009. The changes reflect the company’s brand goals of being easier to operate and maintain, and more reliable and economical, he adds.
Lien recently gave us a detailed walk-around of the SX240, which went into full production this summer at the company’s Willmar, Minn., plant.
Walk-around details
Here are some key features of the new sprayer:
Load station: The fill station is simpler. Each control is labeled, and the handles point up when the machine is field-ready to let the operator know the status. Two large compartments can store gloves, safety suits and spare parts.
Lighting: HID lights are a new option for nighttime application. Plus, accessory lights were added.
Hood: The hood styling was made to look more like the Versatile family of tractors. It tapers back close to the cab for clear visibility.
Cab: The cab is the largest in the industry, with 62% more interior space than previously available. The cab looks and operates more like the company’s tractor lines, only the armrest is oriented for sprayer applications.
Access: A front-entry ladder was added to more easily access the cab.
Driveline: The company continued with the same mechanical driveline, called MaxTorque. Lien says it is designed to be simple, reliable and easy to repair, and is more efficient than a hydrostatic system.
Transmission: The two choices are the new SX240, which uses the Allison 2500 Series, and the SX280, which still uses the Allison 3000 Series. Both are five-speed automatics. As before, there is a foot accelerator and cruise control to change engine speeds.
Engine: A Cummins QSB6.7L engine is used in both sprayers. The model numbers on the sprayers correspond to their horsepower ratings, 240 and 280 hp. The engine meets interim Tier 4 emissions requirements.
Tank: Two tank options are offered. The 1,200-gallon stainless steel tank has an integrated 120-gallon rinse tank and is an updated version of the one used on the outgoing SX275. The new 1,000-gallon polyurethane tank, an option on both the SX240 and SX280, has a 100-gallon rinse tank.
Axle spacing: Axles are available in a fixed 120 ft., and manual or hydraulically adjustable option to fit wheel tracks from 120 to 152 in.
Base list price for the sprayers: The SX240 with poly tank is $292,000; the SX280 is $304,000.
Visit versatile-ag.ca.
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