Further development of the self-propelled sprayer platform
Two years ago, with the newly created platform, the Leeb PT heralded a new generation of self-propelled sprayers. HORSCH picked up its features and the new technology platform, developed it further and, thus, takes the next step towards new innovative ideas in the self-propelled sprayer sector.
The Leeb VN and VL are based on the same platform and thus offer the same technical equipment and identical comfort as well as the same spraying technology. So why two models? Because we want to meet the different requirements of the different markets in an even better way. Thus, the self-propelled sprayer portfolio was mainly extended for farms that want more clearance and adjustable tracks. Moreover, the wide track widths we mainly know from export markets with row crops, become more and more interesting for farms in Europe, also for farms with special crops where variable track widths larger than 2.25 m are required. The differences of VN and VL, thus, are in the chassis, in the axles and in track variants.
The equipment
The Leeb VL is a real all-rounder. The clearance and the track width can be adjusted mechanically or hydraulically on demand, and it has mainly been designed for markets where transport width and height on the road are negligible. With the hydraulically adjustable Leeb VN you are well prepared for European road conditions as in transport position the outside width remains under 3 m and the tracks range between 2.25 and 3.00 m.
Due to the wheels being positioned at the slide frame the chassis ComfortDriveFlex guarantees ground clearance and a high flexibility with regard to the track widths. TrackControl allows for adjusting the track widths hydraulically comfortably from the cabin. Ground clearance, too, can be quickly adjusted by means of ClearanceControl – mechanically or hydraulically. Thus, the machines can adapt optimally to any crop. Their advantages become particularly apparent in high maize and sunflower populations.
The unique boom control system BoomControl actively adjusts the boom and contributes to the maintenance of the exact working height at high operational speeds in flat or hilly terrain. In this respect, further optimisations have been carried out. Farmers with particularly large fields like in Canada, Brazil or Australia have other requirements on the operational speed and thus on the stability of the boom. These experiences were included in the further developments and, thus, the VN and the VL are ideal for rough conditions on large fields as the boom is even more stable and as they can realise high operational speeds. A nozzle layout of 25 cm for a perfect application is available.
The front cabin at the central tube frame and the boom with parallelogram suspension guarantee an optimum weight distribution of almost 50:50 – whether on the road or in the field. Due to the large tyres with a diameter of up to 2.18 m and a width of 75 cm there is an optimised soil pressure and a good traction even in difficult conditions. The result: sinking in is prevented and full operational reliability is guaranteed.
Other equipment options are well-known components like the continuous inside cleaning CCS Pro with different washing programs. The customer can choose between tanks with a capacity of either 5,000 l or 6,000 l. The height of the tanks can be adjusted, and the clearance, thus, amounts to up to 2.00 m. The optionally available 8,000 l tank allows for a ground clearance of up to 1.60 m. The machine can be operated easily and comfortably due to the automatic GPS-controlled SectionControl system as well as the ErgoControl joystick with all spraying functions and armrest.