Interesting JD Specialty Tractor

[BSVLY]

Was visiting Minden, Nebraska this past week and saw this machine driving off from the local JD Dealership. They had several more on the lot so I stopped to take a closer look. The tires are a full 6-feet in diameter and marked 380/90R46-rated for 30 MPH. It looks like a sprayer. What exactly is this tractor and how & when is it used?

Thanks

 

[aczlan]

It is used to spray crops (such as corn) that have grown up to be a foot or more tall. The high speed is so that they can drive it down the road (you don't need an overwidth permit to drive it down the road, but you do if it is on a trailer).

Aaron Z

 

[RoyJackson]

I see these in PA a few times a year.
As aczlan wrote, it's a specialized machine for spraying. The ones I've seen were contract equipment (not owned by a farmer but rented out with an operator) just like you'll see contracted combines.
I'm kind of surprised they're limited to 30 MPH. Last one I got behind was definitely moving faster then that.

 

[deputy11]

There are all kinds of makes and models of these here in the midwest. Kind of like crop dusting with a plane except you don't need a runway:laughing: Always kind of wondered why they don't get them out when the snow drifts are 6+ ft deep

 

[JD755]

I too have seen those sprayers lined up in rows at a nearby dealership in Kansas. Usually sitting out with these other NON-compact tractors.

 

[bigtiller]

They are made in Ankeny, Iowa. The big one holdes 1200 gallons and stretches out to 120 feet wide!

 

[BSVLY]

Hey Thanks. I figured it was a sprayer for somewhat mature crops. Did not know it had suxch a large on-board capacity. Wondered if it was used with a tanker trailer. Makes sense that it is self contained and can run around like an ag wagon

 

[Reverend Blair]

Yeah, that's a sprayer. I really wish they would have had them when I was a young farm boy.

I had the pleasure of driving one for a few minutes a few years ago, a two mile trek from the field to the dealership. I can't say I'm overly familiar with them but they are cool to drive. Smooth, easy to steer, a place to plug your I-pod in.

Apparently (never got a chance to check it out) they even have GPS, so they steer themselves in a straight line and set off an alarm when it's time for you to turn. That saves on chemicals and fuel.

 

[JD755]

You can read about them here.

Sprayers - John Deere

 

[techwrtr2]

I too have seen those sprayers lined up in rows at a nearby dealership in Kansas. Usually sitting out with these other NON-compact tractors.

You could pull a pretty good sized lawn mower behind that. :thumbsup: