With their tough mechanical drives instead
of hydrostatic engines on each wheel, the
Apache sprayers manufactured by Equipment
Technologies differentiate themselves from
other field sprayers. Key in this mechanical
drive versus hydrostatic environment is tractiv
effort, a concept which refers to transferring
all possible power to the ground for
maximum efficiency.
Apache self-propelled sprayers include the
AS 715 (750-gallon capacity, Cummins 160
hp), the AS 1010 (850-gallon capacity, Cummins
215 hp) and the AS 1210 (1,200-gallon,
Cummins 275 hp). Boom widths range from
60 to 100 feet.
With no hydrostatic engines, the price
point of the Apache is lower than competitive
hydrostatic sprayers. According to Equipment
Technologies, this cost is not only lower at
front end, but operating costs are lower as
well. For instance, fuel costs are much lower
as there is no need to run engines at capacity
in order to run hydrostatic motors. The units
are also lighter, so there may be less soil compaction
and crop damage reducing the field s
overall net income.
