Varidome S3, the innovative inter-row sprayer from Micron Group, had its first introduction to the French market at the country’s key agricultural event Innov-Agri earlier this year. Micron, one of UK’s leading specialist sprayer manufacturers, showcased the machine in conjunction with its French distributor Billet Equipement. With strong emphasis on eco-friendly innovation, the event took place from 4th to 6th September in Outarville France and attracted over 90,000 visitors, serving as the perfect platform to showcase the Varidome to the French growers.
Incorporating Micron’s shielded band technology, Varidome S3 received a high level of interest from both local and international growers, particularly sugar beet, OSR and maize. Visitors were impressed with the machine’s ability to reduce chemical usage by only treating the area in between the rows and to minimize drift, allowing users to spray in windier weather conditions. Varidome S3 was kitted with the optional dual spray system which, as well as allowing the operator to treat weeds in between the rows, can simultaneously apply another product such as a selective spray over-row thus virtually halving labour costs.
Varidome S3 is capable of treating three beds at a time (up to 6 metres in total). It can spray variable inter-row widths from 170mm to 700mm and bed widths from 1.3m to 2m wide. The spray width is fully adjustable on each individual head; the toolbar configuration can also be easily changed to suit the type of crop.
As well as the new Varidome, visitors wanted to find out more about the WeedSwiper, Micron’s non-drip weed wiper for treating weeds in sugar beet and grassland, which was also on display at the show. The WeedSwiper design exploits the weed and crop height differential delivering non-drip brush contact with weed foliage via herbicide-moistened pads. It is kitted with intelligent sensor controls that ensure that the pads are continually moistened but never oversaturated to cause dripping.
Speaking of their appearance at Innov-Agri, Mr Billet, the Managing Director at Billet Equipement, commented: “Offering high quality innovative products is at the heart of our strategy and we are pleased to be able to bring the advantages of the Varidome and band spraying to France. Initial customer interest and feedback is very positive and we are very proud to be at the forefront of this development.”
