The Leading Edge - Issue 12

High Clearance, High Speed Sidedressing

High clearance sprayers aren’t just for spraying anymore. Now by retrofitting with a specially designed toolbar and fertilizer openers high clearance sprayers can play the dual role of a sidedress rig. Standing tall over the landscape, these rigs can start sidedressing as soon as plants spike through the soil and continue well into the growing season, greatly increasing the window for sidedressing.

This new adaption answers the question many growers have voiced in the past of how to cover more acres without being locked into a very narrow time frame.

An added bonus, in addition to ground clearance, is ground speed. Some operators report being able to operate at an average of 12 mph, which eats acres in a hurry. Unlike a tractor, which does not have a suspension system to absorb bumps, high clearance sprayers do. So at high speeds, operator fatigue is lessened for greater productivity.

“We can apply nitrogen at the right time saving money by using less nitrogen.
High clearance lets us apply any time, any place and any where.” -- Bill Couser, Iowa

Gains in both ground clearance and application speeds will certainly entice many to re-look at side-dressing. The benefit of sidedressing cannot be over-looked if an efficient manner is commercially available for this application. All wheel drive helps a rig like this keep going in soft conditions when conventional tractor pulled applicators have to sit on the sidelines. This, in turn, helps manage weather adversity, which has plagued sidedressing.
	Fertilizer is injected using the same delivery system and controller for the spray boom. Fertilizer coulters slice open the soil and an injector rod keeps open the slot for a brief moment so fertilizer can be injected. By the very nature of its design, this application process can be done at high ground speeds while leaving the surrounding soil surface virtually undisturbed.

“As far as the 28% bar – if you are going to sidedress it opens up a window because you can literally do corn that is 5’ – 6’ tall. The quick hitch makes going from sprayer to sidedress so fast and easy. We are excited to come across a 2nd use for this machine to increase productivity.” Bill Voyles, Illinois
More application opportunities help defray the hefty cost of this type of machine. By adding sidedressing capabilities when these machines are historically parked for the season, an accelerated return on investment can be realized. Visit www.yetterco.com to review past issues of The Leading Edge and Yetter products that maximize your yield potential.

Notice – The information contained in this guide is offered in good faith by Yetter Mfg. Co to further the understanding of no-till farming. However, the use of the information provided is beyond the control of Yetter Mfg. Co and in no case shall Yetter Mfg Co or any seller of its products be responsible for any damages which may occur from the use of this information. All such risks shall be assumed by the user.