Applying chemical agents to a crop is an expensive business, so accuracy - so as to make the most of the active ingredients - is important in achieving greater efficiency.

A major factor in ensuring the greatest possible accuracy is a consistent boom height and the digital revolution has not left this aspect untouched, with Topcon Agriculture being one company that has sought ways to enhance mechanical methods.

The company has recently introduced its latest generation of its boom height control technology for agricultural spraying applications with the launch of the UC7 Plus package.

As a further development of the company's Norac boom height control technologies, Topcon claims that the the UC7 Plus allows farmers and crop service providers to further reduce inputs and improve crop performance.

This is in addition to reducing equipment maintenance costs, as well as providing improved height and spray control capabilities. 

Compatible with most self-propelled and trailed sprayers, the latest offering features new sensor technology that is said to improve sprayer performance and reliability.

Amongst these improvements is a new dynamic chassis sensor (DCS-1) that is designed to enhance the stability and response of the boom control system.

This works in conjunction with the standard MAX Sense ultrasonic technology, which Topcon said will improve performance in uneven terrain, maintaining boom height even in patchy crops through the creation of a virtual canopy.

Topcon tell us that the sensors are designed to withstand field conditions due to the incorporation of a corrosion-resistant glass-filled nylon housing, a protective transducer screen, and multi-axis vents.  

The company suggests that the combination of proven legacy technology, combined with the latest in precision technology, delivers the opportunity for lower operating and input costs, along with reduced equipment repair costs.

According to Topcon, its latest product delivers varying levels of control to suit a wide range of applications, crops, and operating styles.

The company said the product is compatible with a wide range of sprayers, making it ideal for incremental growth and upgrades to existing spraying systems.  

Topcon's own testing data and research indicates the new UC7 Plus could well improve overall spraying performance by 30% when taking into account all savings and efficiencies.