Crop Cruiser G5 / G6

The G5 / G6 Crop Cruiser is our flagship of our self propelled models, with a 5200 or 6000L tank, proven TriTech boom range of up to 42m, efficient mechanical drive system and a host of options to make your spraying operations economical and enjoyable.

Welcome to business class

The best sprayer in the business deserves the best cabin in its class - Welcome to business class

The sprayer is one of the most utilised items of equipment on the farm today. Long hours day after day places plenty of demand on the operator to get the spraying program completed. At times it’s like a second office, where mobile communication means your sprayer becomes your place of business.

The Crop Cruiser cabin makes it all possible, with features like the very latest in European styling and finishes. Narrow profile four post frame with external truss Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS), double skinned rear wall and extensive sound deadening provide a strong, yet peaceful uninterrupted view of the job at hand.

Centrally located cabin with suspension and air ride seat help reduce operator fatigue, allowing more hectares to be completed in a day. And simply, the best laid out controls. Read on and find out why the Goldacres Crop Cruiser cabin really is “business class”

Superior comfort

We know that one size does not fit all

Seven way adjustable seat, adjustable side console, adjustable G-Motion™ handle position and adjustable steering column ensure operators of all sizes can find a place to do their best work.

Two’s not a crowd

When the days are long and a bit of company is needed it’s nice to have a proper place for someone to sit. The padded training seat with seatbelt is large and comfortable without hindering the operator’s vision or space. The seat also folds away to reveal a large storage area with optional cooling module for food and drink.

Keep your cool

The Australian summers can be long and hot, but that doesn’t mean you should be. The fully integrated automatic climate controlled air conditioning system with carbon filter allows the operator to set and forget. Strategically placed air ducting ensures air movement is distributed around the cabin. There’s also an overhead cooled storage compartment for a drink bottle.

You know when something looks “just right”, and that goes for cabin placement on the sprayer

A cabin positioned behind the front axle gives a naturally superior ride due to the reduced vertical movement. In addition, the suspended cabin, air seat and five link air bag chassis suspension system give the operator a smooth, superior ride.

Visibility where it counts

The high mounted, centrally positioned cabin gives the operator a bird’s eye view of all corners of the sprayer

From the driver’s seat the operator has an impressive 320 degree view of the surroundings. All 4 wheels can be seen (rear wheels via rear view mirrors) which aids in row crop work, and manoeuvring around safely. Looking over your shoulder the operator can see an impressive 89% of the boom width*.

The main access platform features longitudinal slots to see through. Curved glass on all four sides with strategically placed narrow profile 4 post ROPS frame. From the driver’s seat looking forward the narrow bonnet with integrated row alignment contour assists the operator to line the sprayer within the row. Vision of the front wheels aids alignment. The hydraulic oil reservoir with level and temperature gauge, back lit spray and boom hydraulic pressure gauges are clearly visible.

* Based on a 42m boom

You've been handed a G-Motion™

Comfortable, adjustable and intuitive

The new G-Motion™ handle literally puts the sprayer control into the palm of your hand. Functions such as: Individual boom wing tilt, dual boom wing tilt, main boom lift/lower, fence line L/R, auto steer cancel/resume, cruise control set/resume and increase/decrease, master spray on/off mean all spraying operations can be done without moving your hand from the G-Motion™ handle.

1. Cruise Set / Increase
2. Cruise Resume / Decrease
3. Dual Tilt Up
4. Boom Master On / Off
5. Tilt Right Up, Tilt Left up, Tilt Right Down, Tilt Left Down
6. Boom Lift, Left Fence Nozzle, Right Fence Nozzle, Boom Lower
7. GPS Auto Steer
8. Dual Tilt Up (Behind)
9. Dual Tilt Down (Behind)

All within arm's reach

Imagine having an operator side console where without lifting your arm or moving your eyes you can easily operate and view all vital sprayer functions - Imagine no more

1. Adjustable mounting of sprayer console is in line of sight, but low enough so it does not hinder the outside view
2. Multifunction engine and transmission monitor puts vital information at your fingertips
3. Push button transmission selector. Displays selected and actual gear
4. G-Motion™ handle. Adjustable position caters for all operators
5. Boom folding functions
6. Various machine functions like spray pump on/off, 4WD (if optioned) and boom recirculation just to name a few
7. Hinged padded arm rest which reveals a large storage area

Control Freaks!

In today’s fast changing precision farming landscape it is easy to be left behind in the technology stakes

That’s why Goldacres make it easy, with multiple solutions from the basic requirements to the top end needs.

For more than 2 decades Goldacres have relied on Raven to provide complete flow control systems with matched components to give, quite simply, unmatched flow control accuracy and stability. At the heart of the control system is a positive displacement pump ran at consistent rpm. This creates known flow rates across varying pressures, essential for accurate and stable flow control. In addition, two system critical components, a flow meter and three way regulator valve, combine to help achieve fast “on target rate”, plus greater flow stability with assured tank agitation.

SCS4400 systems

The proven SCS4400 sprayer console provides simple, fuss free control of the liquid flow duties. The SCS4400 features up to 7 boom section control switches (expandable to 10), 2 pre-set auto rates plus manual, pump speed readout, ground speed, three tier system (3TS), Direct Chemical Injection (DCI) and ultrasonic boom levelling capability as well as several counters such as area and volume. If you are looking to further expand the capabilities, then the SCS4400 is compatible with most leading automatic section controllers on the market.

ISO BUS systems

Sprayer cabins can get pretty busy with the vast range of systems requiring individual control consoles. The ISO BUS standard brings all the systems together into the one display, called a virtual terminal (VT). Essentially each system contains the brains, while the VT is simply the interface between the two. This means for only one operator console is required. Goldacres offer the option for ISO BUS compatibility, allowing numerous leading VT displays to take over the sprayer control duties. Features like 3TS, pump speed readout, ultrasonic boom levelling plus sprayer steering and task control applications can all be all monitored by the one display.

Performance on the ground

The Goldacres Crop Cruiser has set the benchmark in terms of driving dynamics for many years

The secret to this is the rigid chassis, suspension and mechanical driveline system which provides the foundation to build on. The main chassis is a fully welded, torsionally rigid semi truss structure.

This offers not only the best sprayer and boom ride but also the optimum balance between strength and weight. The proven 5 link suspension featuring polyurethane bushed heavy duty torque rods, rear anti sway bar and air springs on all four corners provide a stable, yet smooth ride. All this combined with the full mechanical drive line results in performance on the ground.

1. Large vertically stacked cooling system for fuel, transmission, water jacket, charge air and air conditioning. Optimised cooling fan to reduce noise whilst still provide maximum air flow
2. Over The Radiator (OTR) air cleaner system with twin stage filtration provide cool clean air to the engine.
3. Cummins Tier 3 QSB 6.7L - 6 cylinder engine rated to 168kw (225hp) and 949N.m (700 lb-ft). Featuring 2 stage torque curve for maximum drive line life without compromising performance.
4. Allison 2500 series 6 speed transmission with electronic push button selector. Double overdrive reduces engine RPM whilst still maintaining 50km/hr transport speed. Lock up clutches improve performance whilst dramatically reducing heat build up and fuel usage.
5. 300L polyethylene fuel tank with both left and right hand side filling points provides enough fuel for the longest spray days without the need to refuel.
6. Trussing of chassis in the centre provides maximum strength with minimum weight.
7. Oversize 110mm hard chromed steering king pin front leg with mechanical link between front wheels ensures correct steering Ackerman angles and alignment*
8. 5 link (4 trailing and 1 pan hard rod) torque rods with polyurethane bushing.
9. 42mm anti sway bar reduces body roll without limiting individual wheel travel
10. Oil filled final drive drop leg puts the power to the ground. Both 2WD and true 4WD versions available.
11. 4 wheel disc brakes with twin air over hydraulic circuits provides powerful stopping in all situations.
12. Integrated boom connection points. Non flexing chassis provides a stable platform for boom control.

*On fixed track width versions only. Adjustable track sprayers feature individual steering cylinders

Mechanical advantage

More than ever before has every dollar counted

Today’s farmer must evaluate capital equipment purchases carefully to ensure that the return on investment is maximised. With all the models and options available today the choice has never been greater, or harder. Look past the sticker price of the initial purchase, dig a little deeper and substantial variations in sprayer design can make all the difference. The operating costs are where so much money can be saved. This is where the Goldacres Crop Cruiser mechanical drive line system sets it apart from its hydrostatic drive competitors.

There are numerous benefits with a mechanical drive sprayer. Less maintenance costs, less noise, significant fuel reduction, less heat generated, lower engine rpm, lower horse power required, more torque at the wheels, longer component life. These all equate to substantially lower operating costs. Reports back from owners state that the Goldacres Crop Cruiser can use up to a third of the fuel than some hydrostatic drive sprayers in the same situation. So when the time comes to make that important purchase, dig a little deeper and turn the Goldacres mechanical advantage into your advantage.

TriTech Booms

Strength, Stability, Reliability & Control

The TriTech boom range is designed for operators who demand the utmost performance, reliability and control. Time and time again the TriTech boom has been named No.1 for boom stability*, which at the end of the day, results in a superior spray result. Features such as hydraulic yaw which precisely controls the forwards and backwards movement of the boom wings to minimise the under and over applying of chemical is now standard on all widths.

The strategically placed centre section suspension links help isolate the sprayer chassis movement over rough terrain. Combined with the tuned damping characteristics allows precise roll control enabling an optimal and consistent nozzle height to be maintained, even without the use of electronic height control systems**.

All TriTech booms are constructed using lightweight trussing techniques, which allows for a stronger design without weight, the enemy of boom agility.

3D Breakaway

The end breakaway section protects the boom from stress damage if a ground, fence or tree strike occurs. The end section can break forwards, backwards and up. The spring mechanism uses an eccentric mounted sprocket and chain to provide maximum breakout force in the neutral position, then reduces the force the further the breakout.

Hydraulic yaw

2 hydraulic cylinders are mechanically connected together either side of the pivoting boom centre section. As the centre yaws one cylinder is retracted, the other extended. This results in oil movement which compresses in a nitrogen charged accumulator. The result is precise boom yaw control.

Delta links

The key to the superior boom ride is the strategically placed delta links. In all there are 4 links. Each link features spherical ball ends which allow the centre to move in all directions.

*Kondinin group’s Farming Ahead magazine 2012 and 2014

**Height control systems may be required in some extreme situations

With the boom out the back you're miles in front

Some manufacturers claim that by placing the boom out the front of the sprayer the job is made easier. But is it really? There are many reasons why rear mounted booms are better.

• The sprayer is always moving away from the chemical spray, meaning the chemical ends up on the plant, not on the sprayer.
• Access to the sprayer cabin is at the front, free from chemicals. Front mounted boom sprayers have access at the rear which could have chemical residue due to driving into the spray.
• A boom at the rear allows the sprayer to backup and then spray out of a corner.
• When travelling down the road forward visibility is not hampered by the boom centre section.
• A front mounted boom by its nature must have a relatively clear centre section so the operator can see through when folded. This means the boom suspension system must be quite basic, or non existent, resulting in poor boom performance and ride. A rear mounted boom is not constrained by this and can therefore feature very sophisticated boom suspension systems, which result in superior boom ride.

A sprayer is only as good as its boom

Today’s sprayers are full of bells and whistles which makes spraying a whole lot easier, comfortable and efficient

It’s easy to forget what the end goal is. Precise chemical application.

Boom control can be the difference between a good spray result, and no result at all. Goldacres understand this and it is why all our sprayer designs are centred around the boom first and foremost.

Why do Goldacres booms ride so well?

Goldacres pioneered the use of lightweight aluminium in the outer boom wings over two decades ago. The philosophy was, and still is today that mass on a boom is fine so long as it is as close to the centre as possible. Reduced mass on the boom extremities reduces boom forces in both yaw and roll. This combined with the unique boom suspension results in a very stable boom ride, regardless of the terrain.

TriTech booms are contour following, meaning that the boom level will be referenced to the sprayer chassis and not purely on gravity such as a pendulum boom. This allows the sprayer to transverse the sides of hills and contours whilst keeping the boom level to the ground at all times. This results in placing the nozzle at the optimum height above the target.

Application Technology

Boom stability is only part of the chemical application story, optimum droplet sizing, pressure, nozzle flow rate and spray uniformity across the boom width are all critical to accurate chemical application

RapidFire

Over the last several years there has been a greater shift to precision farming technologies, such as auto steering and automatic boom section control. Both of these technologies are aimed at reducing spray overlaps and unsprayed areas, the former potentially causing crop burning and overuse of chemical. Depending on the field size and shape the wastage can be quite substantial. Goldacres have developed these practices further by introducing RapidFire air controlled nozzle shut off capability.

Traditional systems use motorised boom section valves to control water flow to the nozzles. Wider booms in conjunction with increased number of spray sections means a substantial amount of plumbing is required, thus increasing the delay in spray on and off times. In addition, the further the nozzle is from the centre of the boom the longer the delay becomes. RapidFire overcomes these problems by putting the switching capability right at the nozzle.

Small air lines at each nozzle switch the flow on and off in a fraction of a second, and more evenly across the boom width. Boom line plumbing is also greatly reduced, which quickens line priming and flushing as well as simplifies plumbing.

RapidFlow - Boom Recirculation

RapidFlow - Boom Recirculation* allows the sprayer boom lines to be fully primed without spraying a single drop. This reduces wastage at the start of a tank load or when switching chemicals. RapidFlow can also be used to thoroughly flush out the boom lines without the need to physically spray on the ground.

*RapidFire is not compatible with Direct Chemical Injection (DCI)

Application Technology - 3TS

Nozzle technology has advanced in leaps and bounds over the years and a strong emphasis on drift control has influenced many nozzle designs, including air induction (AI) technology

The spray nozzles operating pressure range and size determine the application rate and speed band at which the driver must adhere to. This band is usually quite narrow. To overcome this Goldacres offer a 3 tier system (3TS) which effectively gives the driver a much wider operating band whilst still maintaining optimum droplet size. Think of 3TS as a three step gearbox. Each nozzle type has an operating pressure band for a given droplet size. As the first nozzle reaches the top of the pressure band it switches off and the next larger size nozzle switches on. When that nozzle reaches the top of that pressure band the first nozzle will switch on again, effectively giving three operating bands.

Chemical Handling

When your sprayer is sitting idle being reloaded with water and chemical it’s not making you money. That’s why Goldacres offer filling solutions that minimise the reload time to get you back in the paddock sooner

Options like fully integrated water and chemical transfer pumps, or fast fill 3” systems. Or maybe a separate batching system to complement your spraying program is of interest?

SuperFlow Chemical Induction Hopper

The SuperFlow chemical induction hopper is an integrated chemical transfer system that allows liquids, granular and powdered products to be measured and transferred into the main tank. The hopper has 60L capacity with both drum and internal rinsing capabilities. The high flow 2” venturi is mounted at the base of the hopper which draws the chemical into the water stream at that point, minimising the chance of blockages.

Water transfer pump

When you need to transfer water into the sprayer quickly and conveniently the optional hydraulically driven transfer pump is the answer. The pump is plumbed directly to the EZ control pod and can distribute flow to not only the main tank but also rinse water tank, main tank flush sprinklers, hopper flush, micromatic coupler and external wash down gun.

Operator safety and external controls

Today’s tough OH&S requirements are there to ensure everyone finishes the day like they started. Safe and well. At Goldacres we not only take care of our own employees, but we ensure operators of our products are also looked after. Features such as the clearly labelled and colour coded EZ control pod, well laid out connection points and valves at correct working heights, personal protective equipment (PPE) locker, hand washing and empty container rinsing equipment just to name a few. External switches with protective covers allow the operator to increase engine RPM, switch on the transfer pump and control the main sprayer pump, all from ground level.

Liquid Chemical Transfer Systems

When large quantities of neat chemical need to be transferred into the sprayer from either a 1000L intermediate bulk container (IBC), 110L enviro drum or just a standard 20L drum then the chemical venturi probe or optional micromatic coupler can be used. The micromatic coupler arrangement is a complete closed loop connection system that eliminates the chance of the operator coming into contact with the chemical. The main sprayer pump is used to generate flow through a venturi, which creates a vacuum for the chemical to be drawn in. At no stage does the chemical come into contact with the pump and is therefore virtually a maintenance free system. If you require a separate system then a 12 volt chemical transfer pump and counter arrangement can be fitted. Both the probe and micromatic coupler can be used.

Direct Chemical Injection (DCI)*

Spraying is time critical, and sometimes the spray window is small. Mother nature can force you off the land with little or no notice, leaving you with a tank mix of expensive chemical degrading by the hour

Variations within the field may need more or less chemical to be applied, but limitations in mixed chemical volumes in the sprayer means you will be left short or have some left over when finished. These problems can be overcome with an optional DCI system, as the neat chemical is only mixed with water as you need it. For more than two decades Goldacres has led the way in DCI application. The Goldacres chemical storage with EZ control filling and flushing system coupled with the proven Raven positive displacement chemical pump means you can spray with complete confidence.

• Pre fill your sprayer with water and chemical the day before
• Alter the chemical rate without changing water rates whilst spraying
• Hold and apply up to 3 different chemicals, at different rates whilst spraying
• Easier to decontaminate the sprayer as the chemical is mixed at the boom, not in the tank
• Pump unused chemical back out of the sprayer and into the chemical storage drum
• Flush the chemical pumps with water without draining the chemical storage tanks

*5200L model only

Ease of transport

Whether you are spraying in the field or driving down the road, uninterrupted vision around the sprayer is essential for the safety of you and others

Features like the flat folding boom wings so the operator’s line of sight is uninterrupted. Electrically adjustable side mirrors provide a clear view of the road behind. 360º rotation windscreen wiper blade for maximum cleaning area of the front window. Hydraulically adjustable LHS boom rest provides the operator with easy access to the cabin in the wide position yet brings the overall transport width down for road transport to under 3.5m*, eliminating the need for an escort vehicle. Twin circuit, 4 wheel disc brakes fitted as standard. LED daytime running lamps, turn indicators, high / low beam projector style halogen head lights and twin rotating warning beacons round out the package. The Crop Cruiser really is one for the road.

*3.5m when 480/80R46 tyres fitted at standard wheel track 2970mm

Specifications