Select John Deere dealers to offer new GUSS Herbicide autonomous sprayer.
By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com; Image via GUSS Automation
GUSS Automation has introduced what it calls the first and only autonomous herbicide orchard sprayer—the Herbicide GUSS, available at select John Deere dealers.
GUSS is an acronym for “Global Unmanned Spray System”, which tells you what the Kingsburg, California, company produces.
The high-tech herbicide sprayer removes the driver from the vehicle eliminating that element of human exposure to the sprayed chemical. From the safety of their vehicle, an operator can monitor any combination of up to eight GUSS, mini GUSS, or Herbicide GUSS sprayers on a laptop computer.
Herbicide GUSS uses LIDAR technology to stay in the row as nine sensors on the sprayer detect, target and spot spray weeds on the orchard floor to reduce material usage and drift during application. As well, by reducing the amount of material being sprayed, there is increased safety for the operator, environment, and food produced, said the company.
“The announcement of Herbicide GUSS underscores why we are so excited to have GUSS as part of our High Value Crop solutions lineup,” said Greg Christensen, the John Deere Marketing Manager for 5 Series Tractors and High Value Crops. “The GUSS team has years and depth of experience in the high-value crop spraying business. They were their own first customers, so they are able to solve true customer needs very quickly. Orchard and vineyard customers in the high-value crop space face many labor, safety and sustainability challenges. GUSS, Mini GUSS and now Herbicide GUSS can help producers overcome these challenges.”
Features include:
- 23-1/2 feet in length;
- 6-1/2 feet in height;
- Width ranges 8.3 to 19 feet depending on the boom extension;
- Hydraulic-controlled, height-adjustable booms accommodate 18- to 22-foot row spacing and tilt for varying berm sizes;
- Breakaway booms prevent damage to trees and crops.
Added Gary Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at GUSS Automation: “Growers have been asking for an autonomous herbicide machine. We took that concept to the next level by implementing weed detection technology to give the grower a machine that provides immense value. Lower chemical usage helps the grower reduce costs and is a benefit to the environment.”
For company information on GUSS, visit www.gussag.com.