Most farmers would have heard about ISOBUS Communication Protocol. Commonly referred to as "ISO”, the technology provides a universal connection between tractors and implements from different manufacturers. It is also an optional feature on Hardi NAVIGATOR family of trailed sprayers with its 3000, 4000, 5000 or 6000 litre main tank options and boom choices from 18 metres to 36.5 metres.

“Designed as a high quality, high capacity sprayer that’s very user friendly, Navigator is, without a doubt, the most popular Hardi sprayer,” says HARDI’s Territory Manager in New Zealand, Ross Dickson. “The ISOBUS connection fits right in with this concept by adding even more value to this great machine.”

ISOBUS gives NAVIGATOR automatic compatibility with the existing tractor and its on-board systems. There is no need to invest in any special terminal, displays or controls.

More importantly, it means the farmers doesn’t have to learn the functions and layout of another operating system. They can simply use NAVIGATOR via the tractor platform they are already familiar with.

“It also saves a lot of tedious sprayer set-up and calibration work,” Mr Dickson says, “with no risk of running into installation or interface problems.” “It’s a ‘plug and spray’ solution.”

If the farm tractor doesn’t have a guidance system, HARDI has ISOBUS controllers to suit the NAVIGATOR. Known as the HC8600 and HC9600 (‘HC’ for HARDI Controller), the systems have been specially developed for agricultural use and provide perfect integration with NAVIGATOR’s spray functions.

The HC8600 has an 8.4” colour touchscreen display while the HC9600 has a larger 12.1” screen. Both can provide access to a full range of ISOBUS and spraying functions from the main run-screen, including guidance mapping, AutoSteer and Auto Section Control, plus information on application rate, tank contents, boom height, spraying speed and more. Location and application data is captured for every spray job. (Auto-Section Control, Boom Height Control and Steering are unlocked as standard.)

Ross Dickson says ISOBUS compatibility and plenty of options makes HARDI NAVIGATOR an ideal trailed sprayer for New Zealand farms.

“The main tank and boom coverage choices mean you can optimise the sprayer to your paddock sizes and productivity needs,” he points out, “while the simplicity of ISOBUS connection makes it easy to access the precise steering and application controls that modern farming demands.”