Knight Farm Machinery is introducing Tier 4 compliant engines to its 1800 series self-propelled sprayers, which means that all self-propelled models now benefit from the cost savings this technology offers.
In addition, all vehicles are also fitted with Category Four cabs with CAT4 filtrations offered as an option, so operators enjoy optimum working conditions and are protected against dust, aerosols and vapours.
Knight has also taken the opportunity presented by the introduction of the new engines to re-design the 1800 series to group all controls and valves together above a drip tray. This makes routine checking and maintenance quicker and easier, and enables accidental spillages to be captured and cleaned up efficiently.
The 1800 series – which features spray tanks from 3,500 litres to 4,000 litres and booms up to 36m wide – is also being offered with six-cylinder engines of up to 200 hp (single turbo) and 225 hp (dual turbo):
“This raises the torque available by anything between 5% – 10%, and is predicted to cut fuel usage by around 5% thanks to the higher burn temperature”, says David Main, Sales Manager.
To meet the new EU emissions directive, the new engines feature an exhaust recirculation and filtration system that eliminates noxious emissions completely.
Firstly a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) traps sooty emissions caused by any incompletely burned fuel.
AdBlue (a high-purity vehicle grade urea) is added to exhaust emissions before they are run through two catalysers – one for DOC (Diesel Oxidisation Catalyst) and the other for SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) which convert them to carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water.
Overall vehicle height is not increased as the unit housing this system fits neatly on top of the main engine within the machine’s existing profile, as does the 25 litre tank needed for the AdBlue system.
The company has improved operator convenience as part of the re-design: “We have collected the level indicators for systems like engine oil, hydraulic systems and the relevant filters together on one side of the engine, so these checks can be done quickly.
“On the other side of the engine we have re-designed the radiator so that it can be released by undoing two bolts and swung out of the way which makes it much easier to check and maintain items like the alternator and turbo compressor.
“Inside the cab all the display systems have been amended so they now feature information about the SCR system, AdBlue tank levels and an indicator of the number of hours until the machine’s next service is due”.
