SILVAN Australia's new orchard and vineyard sprayer took just two years to develop, reports MARK SAUNDERS

Silvan Australia revealed its latest orchard and vineyard sprayer last week at a much-anticipated dealer conference at Yarra Glen.

Kept under wraps for many months, the new sprayer is a quantum leap in orchard and vineyard sprayer design, offering sleek lines and a host of design features.

The new sprayer is called the G2 Supaflo, a reflection of what Silvan Australia refers to as its "next generation" of products.

The sprayer was designed by Silvan Australia's team leader for product development, 26-year-old Frances Cook.

Frances started work on initial concepts of the sprayer in May 2008 and she said having the completed version unveiled last week was immensely satisfying.

"I was given an open slather approach to the sprayer's design, so it was quite a challenge to come up with a completely new approach that combined many 'must have', grower-requested features," Frances said.

The features are not immediately apparent on the G2 Supaflo, thanks to Frances and her team's design which incorporates them in the streamlined finish.

One of the biggest changes to the G2 compared with previous models is the inclusion of a central operator's station, located at the front of the sprayer.

The operator's station provides a ground-level area from which a variety of tasks can be performed safely and efficiently.

Silvan Australia's Steven Lelli said there was a deliberate focus on workplace health and safety with the G2 sprayer.

"There are no platforms or ladders on the G2, as we believe user-safety is paramount," Steven said.

"There is a conventional lid on the top of the sprayer, but it is for servicing only, not day-to-day use," Steven said.

The operator's station includes two 50mm cam lock-type filling points for the main tank. The lower filling point can be used for pressurised filling, while the upper point can be used for gravity-fed water supplies.

The operator can also access a flushing tank from the front station and a hand wash tank, without the need to climb on the sprayer.

A chemical-induction drawer is also located in the operator's station. A small lever opens the drawer, which slides out to reveal a venturi-style filling point for adding products such as granular chemicals, powders or liquid formulations.

Once the product is placed in the induction tank, the lid can be locked in place and the drawer closed to keep the sprayer's sleek design in tact.

The lack of protrusions on the G2 adds to its appeal as a vineyard and orchard sprayer where branches and growth can snag on machinery.

Powering the G2 Supaflo is a Silvan IDS diaphragm pump which has brass heads and manifolds.

Internally, all moving parts of the pump, except the diaphragm and valves, are immersed in oil to help guard against chemical corrosion.

There are two pump options.

The IDS 1701 has a maximum flow-rate of 161 litres a minute while the IDS 2600 has a maximum flow-rate of 249 litres a minute.

The sprayer tank features a U-shaped tunnel which runs along its length to house the power-take-off shafts which drive the rear-mounted fan and nozzles.

The entire rear-end of the G2 is mounted on an A-frame which can be easily removed.

Being able to remove the A-frame also means one of three sprayer heads can be used on the G2: a standard air blast sprayer, a powerhead conveyor or Silvan's patented Radak conveyor.

Steven said being able to fit the three heads to the G2 means it can be used to spray a variety of crops from mangoes to grape vines.

Silvan Australia added electric valves to the G2 sprayer heads which allows wireless control from the tractor cabin via a hand-held remote.

A sprayer price is yet to be released.