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Micron Varidome wins gold at IMMA 2015

Micron’s Varidome S3 100HiFlo band sprayer won the prestigious gold award in the Sprayers category of this year’s IMMAs (International Machinery Manufacturers’ Awards) which took place at the Cereals 2015 event.

Launched by Cereals organiser Haymarket Exhibitions in 2014, IMMAs recognise the best new farm equipment sold in the UK and aim to reward equipment that demonstrates innovation, effectiveness and value.

Micron’s Varidome S3 100HiFlo incorporates patented double-membrane technology that allows farmers to reduce drift, cut costs and improve weed control. The sprayer incorporates a shielded design to minimize spray drift which also means that non-selective products can be used where available. Each shield is mounted on ground following carriages to smoothen the travel and further reduce the drift.

Varidome S3 100HiFlo model represents the culmination of Micron’s innovation and continuous research and development for arable farmers. Specifically aimed at cereals and root crops, the sprayer features a 6 metre hydraulically folding toolbar with ground following carriages fitted with the new innovative Varidome 100HiFlo spray shields which feature a unique patented double membrane skirt around the base. The double membrane has an inner section that prevents spray material coming into contact with the outer section. The shape of the outer section is also tapered each end to push the crop away from the area being treated. These features combined ensure that no spray comes into contact with the outer membrane hence eliminating any risk of chemical transfer into the crop and subsequent crop damage.

To prove their DRT (Drift Reduction Technology) credentials, Micron have conducted extensive wind tunnel testing as a result of which Varidome 100HiFlo shields achieved a 3 star LERAP accreditation – the highest UK rating attainable. Furthermore, the shields actually have the potential to reduce spray drift by over 95%.

As well as its unique shield design, Varidome S3 100HiFlo sprayer incorporates new triple shield carriages which allow it to achieve closer shield spacing, making it ideal for work in narrowly planted crops.

Varidome S3 100HiFlo comes complete with an over-the-row spray line and Micron Dual Spray Tank. The dual spray system means users can simultaneously apply two products – e.g. a non-selective herbicide under the shield and a second product such as selective herbicide, fungicide or insecticide directly over the crop.

Commenting on Varidome’s innovative technology, the IMMA judges said: “The Varidome’s inter-row shielded band sprayer gives drift-free spraying of weeds without affecting crops. This is certainly a technique that offers a lot of potential for the future.” 

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Varidome band sprayer for salad onions at LAMMA

Manufacturer of specialist spraying equipment, Micron Group used their stand 112 (Hall 1) at Lamma to introduce its latest Varidome model with new narrow shields for vegetables and other narrowly planted crops.

The 6 metre Varidome S3 band sprayer on display was fitted with a combination of recently released Varidome 100 HiFlo shields and Varidome 170 HiFlo hoods – a fully modular spraying solution which has been specifically designed for work in salad onions. Capable of spraying inter-rows from 100mm to 450mm wide, the new narrow shields were mounted in a triple configuration on a single carriage in order to achieve closer shield spacing and reduce soil compaction. The machine was also fitted with wider Varidome 170 HiFlo hoods for operation in between the beds. The shields were mounted on heavy duty ground following carriages with stainless steel parallelogram linkage and quick release clamps for easy spacing readjustment. In addition, the latest S3 model was fitted with a high intensity discharge LED working light kit for improved visibility allowing users to maximise their spraying time and increase productivity. 

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Micron precision sprayers to premier at APF event

Micron Group, manufacturers of precision spraying equipment, have announced their inaugural attendance at APF, UK’s leading forestry and arboricultural event which takes place on 18th – 20th September 2014 at Ragley Estate, Warwickshire. Micron plan to showcase a whole host of sprayers and applicators on their stand D6A including the Varidome band sprayer for weed control in tree nurseries, the Enviro range of shielded spraying equipment for arboriculture and amenity and the WeedSwiper device for bracken control.

Suitable for use in tree nurseries and ornamental crops, Micron Varidome has been specifically designed to safely eliminate weeds growing in between the rows of plants. Capable of treating from 3 to 12 metre maximum working widths, the sprayer toolbar is fitted with a number of fully shielded ground-following spray nozzles which can virtually eliminate spray drift. For this reason, non-selective sprays can be used under the hoods which in turn can significantly reduce herbicide costs.  Each sprayer is custom built to suit the required row spacing; a choice of carriages and wheels is available to best match the terrain. Varidome can also be fitted with a second spray line for delivery of selective herbicides, insecticides, fungicides or foliar feeds directly over the row.

Tree nursery growers and amenity professionals will also be able to find out more about the Micron Enviro series of shielded sprayers. Supplied in a choice of HiFlo or CDA spray systems, the circular Undavina and Spraydome models on display incorporate a spring loaded breakaway arm that allows users to spray right up to the base of the trees, plant pots or street furniture, whereas the rectangular Spraymiser model is ideally suited for centre row weed control and amenity applications.

In addition, Micron will be exhibiting its highly popular bracken control solution – the Weedswiper, a non-drip chemical weed wiper. The device features specially engineered material pads which transfer the herbicide onto the bracken strands by direct contact. Weedswiper has built-in sensors and a Hydrostat control system to regulate the product flow to the pads.  Available in 2, 3 and 6 metre working widths, the wiper is operated off a 12 volt power supply and can be tractor or trailer mounted for towing behind an ATV or UTV.

In addition to the company’s vehicle-mounted machinery, visitors will able to see a wide range of back-mounted and hand-held equipment. The models on display will include Micron AU8000 mistblower for tree spraying and foliar applications, Herbidome 600 – a shielded CDA sprayer for weed control in Christmas trees – and AccuDos and AutoDos metered-dose applicators for spot treating trees, plant nurseries and bracken.

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Micron sets the bar higher at Lamma 2014

One of UK’s leading manufacturers of specialist spraying equipment, Micron Group, has presented its latest innovations at this year’s Lamma event. The company used its stand to launch the Generation II Micron Dual Tank and the new design 100 litre Tank System.
The newly updated Micron Dual Tank included a number of new features to award the system with improved stability, ease of use and added protection. The manufacturer has moved all operator controls to the front of the unit to make it even more user friendly, relocated induction hoppers to the sides which subsequently made the unit 300mm shorter and repositioned the pumps to the rear of the unit to improve stability and reduce residual spray volumes in the hose lines. Micron’s Generation II Dual Tank also features road lighting and a protective bar on the front and sides to guard the unit from accidental damage.

Visitors to the company’s stand could also see Micron’s latest 100 litre Tank System. This latest model enjoys a stronger construction yet is lightweight. The 100 litre spraying tank capacity means users carry sufficient chemical for most applications without causing soil compaction and disturbance associated with heavier units. The system also features a 15 litre flush tank and a separate 15 litre hand wash tank. Micron’s Tank System 100L can be front or rear mounted (3 point linkage: CAT 1 and 2) and is fully compatible with the manufacturer’s shielded Enviro equipment including Varidome, Undavina, Spraydome and Spraymiser models.

To find more, watch the company’s Lamma clip – http://www.micron.co.uk/micron_at_lamma_2014

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Micron to exhibit its horticultural range at Four Oaks

Micron Group, leading manufacturers of precision spraying equipment, will be exhibiting at the Four Oaks show on 3-4th September 2013. The company showcase its sprayers for ornamental crop growers and nurserymen on stand number A43. New to the show, visitors will be able to find out more about the Micron 100 litre Tank System and Enviro shielded pressure nozzle sprayers. Also on display will be Micron AU8000 mistblower and air-assisted Electrafan sprayer for glasshouses, as well as a range of hand-held CDA (Controlled Droplet Application) weed control equipment. 

Premiering at the event, Micron’s 100 litre Tank System incorporates pumping, agitation, filtration and cleansing systems and is suitable for low and high volume applications. The tank can be front or rear mounted and is fully compatible with Micron’s shielded Enviro range of weed control sprayers.

Now available in high pressure nozzle and CDA atomiser versions, the Micron Enviro series of sprayers incorporate a shielded design to minimise off target drift. The Undavina and Spraydome models on display incorporate a spring loaded breakaway arm that allows users to spray right up to the base of the trees or plant pots without causing damage. The Enviro range is available in various dome diameters and can be ATV, UTV or tractor mounted.

In addition, Micron Group will be exhibiting the Micron AU8000 mistblower for spraying crops in orchards, polytunnels and glasshouses. Its rotary atomiser technology delivers excellent coverage at Low Volume and Ultra Low Volume application rates. The AU8000 offers adjustable droplet size and good penetration of plant canopy for optimum results.

Polytunnel and greenhouse growers will be able to find out more about the Electrafan – a hand-held, air-assisted sprayer specifically designed for pest control in hot spots in enclosed environments.

In addition, Micron will be displaying its hand-held sprayers for horticultural and general use including Herbidome 600, a battery-operated CDA sprayer for Christmas trees. 

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Micron Group to showcase fruit and vine sprayers

Micron Group, manufacturer of specialist precision spraying equipment, will be exhibiting its range of sprayers for vineyards, soft fruit and orchards at this year’s Fruit Focus event (stand 354). For the first time at the show, the company will be showcasing its shielded high flow Enviro equipment for weed control. Visitors will also be able to find out more about Micron tank systems, air-assisted Turbofan spray heads and a range of hand-held sprayers. 

The Micron Enviro series of sprayers, now available in high pressure nozzle and CDA atomiser versions, incorporate a fully shielded design to fully minimise the risk of spray drift. The Undavina and Spraydome models on display feature a spring loaded breakaway arm that allows users to spray right up to the base of the trees or bushes without causing mechanical damage to the plants whilst the Spraymiser model is designed for weed control in the centre row. Available in various sizes to suit different applications, Micron Enviro sprayers can be ATV, UTV or tractor mounted.

To complement its sprayer range, Micron Group will be exhibiting its tank systems for ATVs and tractors. All Micron tanks incorporate pumping, agitation, filtration and cleansing systems and are suitable for low and high volume applications. The company offers a choice of different tank capacities with front or rear mounting options.

In addition, Micron Group will be showcasing Turbofan – an air-assisted CDA spray head for fungicide and insecticide applications in blackcurrants and strawberries. Turbofan incorporates a rotary atomiser which is driven by a compact hydraulic motor. The spray head has a built-in axial fan which produces a powerful yet directed air stream to convey spray to the target. Turbofan ensures maximum placement of spray in the canopy while minimising the risk of spray drift.

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Micron to exhibit sprayers for black-grass control

Micron Group, manufacturer of precision spraying equipment, will be at Cereals (stand number 2-B-210) to exhibit its specialist range of agricultural sprayers and tank systems. Visitors to the stand will be able to find out how Micron sprayers can help farmers keep black-grass at bay with their Varidome band sprayer for row-grown crops and shielded Spraydome equipment for field margin demarcation. 

With black-grass reaching a new phase of herbicide resistance and fewer active ingredients available to address the problem, the Varidome range of band sprayers can offer the perfect weed control solution in row crops such as oil seed rape and sugar beet. Thanks to its shielded design, the sprayer offers virtually zero drift and impressive target accuracy which means users can apply non-selective herbicides to treat the inter-row. Each shield is mounted on an individual parallelogram linkage with a ground-following wheel. This ensures that the hoods stay in close contact to the ground whilst spraying, further minimising the risk of spray drift.

With the Varidome S5 – the 9 metre machine – being showcased at Cereals, the sprayer is also available in three and six metre maximum working widths to suit different set ups. The Varidome S5 on display will be fitted with an optional Dual Spray System which comes with a second spray line and a twin tank. The system allows operators to simultaneously treat the crop with a selective herbicide, liquid feed, fungicide or insecticide over the row whilst applying a non-selective herbicide under the shield in between the rows. The Dual Tank offers a combined 1800 litre capacity with each tank being fitted with separate intake, induction, pumping, mixing and filtration systems.

Micron will also be displaying its circular Spraydome sprayer for field margin spraying. The practice of delineating crop margins separates the eco-rich field borders and the cultivated area thus eliminating the opportunity for persistent weeds such as black-grass establishing themselves in the crop. The Spraydome design incorporates a durable polymer shield to eliminate drift and provide accurate weed targeting. This also makes it ideal for use with non-selective herbicides to deliver a weed free strip which acts as a barrier between the field margin and the crop. Available in (Controlled Droplet Application) and conventional pressure nozzle variants, the Spraydome can be tractor, UTV and ATV-mounted and is suitable for other general weed control tasks such as pathway and fence line spraying.

In addition, visitors will be able to see the Undavina and Spraymiser shielded sprayers and the Weedswiper, a non-drip weed wiper for controlling weeds in pasture and sugar beet.

To complement its sprayer range, Micron will also be showcasing its 100 litre Tank System for tractors and sixty litre Tank System for ATVs. Both tanking solutions incorporate self-contained pumps, agitation and filter systems and flushing tanks.

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Micron to launch the new Varidome S5 sprayer at LAMMA 2013

Micron Group will use its stand 156 (Hall 1A) at Lamma 2013 as a launch pad for its largest to date Varidome S5 band sprayer. Building on the success of Varidome S1 and S3 models, Varidome S5 is a 9 metre wide inter-row sprayer for eradicating weeds growing in between rows of crops and in wheelings. 

Aimed at the broad acre farmer, Varidome S5 is a particularly useful tool for controlling persistent weeds such as blackgrass in OSR, sugar beet, maize, vegetables and many other row-grown crops. The product is applied to the inter-row through hydraulic pressure nozzles which are housed under oval domes for drift free spraying. This results in a highly targeted and accurate application and significant savings in chemical compared to blanket spraying.

Capable of spraying of up to 9 metres a pass, Varidome S5 offers high productivity and is capable of treating up to 150 acres (60 hectares) a day. The machine can be fitted with up 24 shielded heads to suit the crop row spacing. Spray width is easily adjustable on each individual head (ranging from 170mm to 700mm) enabling operators to treat desired inter-row and wheeling widths.

Additionally, Varidome S5 can be supplied with two spray lines for inter-row weed control and over the row application to crop with the different tank mixes being fed from Micron’s Dual Tank System. This means users can treat the inter-row with a non-selective herbicide under the shield and simultaneously apply a selective spray, fungicide or insecticide over-row, thus halving operator time in the field.

When not in use, Varidome S5’s centre section folds up to allow the two side sections to fold in underneath for compact transportation and storage.

As well as the new Varidome, Micron will be displaying its shielded CDA sprayers – specifically, Undavina, Spraydome, Spraymiser models – and the new Micron 100 litre Tank System for treating field margins and general weed control. Micron’s shielded CDA range offers minimised spray drift, excellent spray accuracy and increased productivity.

Furthermore, visitors to the Micron Group stand will also be able to see its WeedSwiper, a non-drip weed wiper for the control of weeds in horticultural crops, pasture, amenity and conservation areas. WeedSwiper delivers herbicide onto the weeds via direct contact with its herbicide-moistened pads and is ideal in situations where conventional spraying is not desirable.