Knight delivers first self-propelled sprayer on Michelin SprayBib

Knight Farm Machinery has delivered the first self-propelled sprayer in the UK fitted with Michelin’s new SprayBib agricultural tyres as original equipment. The VF 380/90 R 46 SprayBib was launched internationally at SIMA in February 2011. It features Michelin’s patented Ultraflex technologies, which help to protect the soil more effectively, reduce fuel consumption and last longer than a standard tyre.

The Knight 2050 sprayer features a 5,000 litre tank, 24 metre boom, air-suspended cab and hydraulic track width adjustment. It has been purchased by Norfolk-based JJ Contracting and will be used primarily to spray row-crops for customers within a 25 mile radius of King’s Lynn. Owner John Lee says the sprayer will operate year-round and is expected to clock-up between 1,500 and 2,000 hours over the next 12 months.

“Narrow tyres on sprayers have a reputation for causing deep ruts, particularly with the increased size of the latest machines,” he says. “With the Knight 2050 we’re able to run in the field and on the road with tyres inflated to a pressure 35 per cent lower than conventional tyres. This should help to significantly reduce soil compaction.

“The SprayBib tyres also have a larger footprint and more effective lugs, which means we get better traction. As a result we hope to complete jobs slightly faster, which should in turn reduce our fuel bill.”

JJ Contracting will also be monitoring tyre wear closely. The sprayer is expected to cover approximately 50 miles on tarmac roads per day – rising to 100 miles during peak periods. “Our last self-propelled sprayer required new tyres every 12 months. I’m hoping that this latest generation of Michelin tyres will improve tyre life,” adds Lee.

SprayBib tyres are rated to road speeds of up to 65 km/h, subject to local speed restrictions, and can carry loads of up to 6,500 kilograms per tyre. At the time of delivery, the Knight 2050 was the largest self-propelled sprayer manufactured by Knight Farm Machinery; however, a 2060 self-propelled model (featuring a 6,000 litre tank) is due to roll off the production line in October.

Amongst the sprayer’s first tasks has been spraying crops of carrots, parsnips and potatoes. It joins a fleet which includes seven tractors, five trailers and one trailed 5,000 litre sprayer, and is the first machine in the fleet to be fitted with Michelin tyres.