HomeCrop protectionFarm sprayer accessories Berthoud: Battery-powered pro sprayer is lighter and quicker to recharge A new version of Berthoud’s professional-specification knapsack power sprayer uses a faster-charging battery that also trims a significant amount of weight off the operator’s back. Powered pump drive in place of manual operation makes the Berthoud Vermorel 3000 Electric less tiring to use over long periods, while the electronic pressure control provides accurate and consistent spraying performance, with fast spray shut-off and self-calibration among its other features. Weighing 6.2kg complete with battery, the 3000 is more than 1.5kg lighter than its predecessor, which can only enhance the sprayer’s reputation as one of the most comfortable and secure battery-powered knapsack units available. An ergonomic frame and harness similar to that used on top-end rucksacks is the key to comfortable use of all models in the Berthoud Vermorel range. Air can circulate between the sprayer and operator’s back, while support pads and wide padded shoulder and waist straps hold the sprayer securely in place.

“A sprayer that moves around on your back is the last thing you need when using a knapsack for long periods, especially over rough ground,” the professional products sales manager at Hozelock Exel, says Ian Sutton, said. scansmart backpack 1900“The Vermorel’s harness ensures a snug but comfortable fit that helps the operator keep his balance and footing – which together with the powered pump makes a day’s work less tiring.”backpack jax redemption The new Vermorel 3000 Electric has a light weight lithium-ion battery housed neatly beneath its 18-litre translucent tank. samsonite ict backpack 39Unlike a conventional battery, it charges faster and provides consistent performance until fully discharged rather than gradually tailing off.

It will typically last five to six hours depending upon the spray pressure used, but takes no more than two-and-a-half hours to regain full power. Four LEDs on the control panel indicate the charge status in 25-per-cent increments and, being so light, it’s no burden to carry a spare for long work sessions. Alongside the charge status lights is an on-off rocker switch and another that selects one of three pressure settings – 3.0 bar and 1.5 bar for single nozzle spraying, and 1.0 bar for swath spraying with a Berthoud triple nozzle boom. An electric control unit operates the double diaphragm pump and sets the pressure regulator; calibration after a nozzle change requires nothing more than a quick spray. “The electronic control unit does the rest, adjusting the regulator to the selected pressure,” Mr Sutton added. “Together with instant shut-off when the trigger is released, the Vermorel 3000 Electric is an easy as well as comfortable sprayer to use with precision.”

Other Berthoud features that are also part and parcel of the new sprayer’s professional specification are a generous tank opening and easy-to-grip lid, a place to store the lance, and Viton seals together with high-quality materials, fixtures and fittings for durability and a long service life. The Berthoud Vermorel 3000 Electric comes with a 60-120cm telescopic lance and three nozzles. A trolley conversion is among the options available.Reliability and consistency are the key. You are going to be spraying some ‘not very nice’ chemicals on to your lawn and possibly other plants. If your sprayer doesn’t meter the dose reliably and evenly then either the weeds and moss won’t die or the grass or your plants will! This is why our sprayers aren’t the cheapest models but they are about as good as you’ll find anywhere. We have just three excellent sprayers, one of which should suit your pocket and lawn. Weed & Feed Sprinkle bar This is ten times more consistent than using a rose on the watering can and is great for lawns up to 100m2 and will even allow you to do 200m2 without too much effort.

Super Agro Knapsack Sprayer From 200m2 you should be using our knapsack sprayer. It's a low end professional model and will not let you down. It will also allow you to do various other spray jobs around the garden or greenhouse with a quick change of the nozzle. If your lawn is less than 100m2 but you want to use your sprayer for other small spray jobs then the Kima 9 compression sprayer is the best choice. Once again, various nozzles can be attached for virtually any gardening spray job. Why do I need 'deflector nozzles' on my sprayer? Most sprayers come with a fitted cone nozzle. This only allows a small flow of spray AND you also have to ‘swish’ it about to cover a lawn. Therefore, if you are spraying moss or weeds which need to be well saturated with spray, a lawn of only 100m2 will take you half an hour! Now put on a deflector nozzle. Our most popular one (blue) will allow you a spray rate approximately 4 times greater than a cone nozzle. Add to that, the spray is one meter wide allowing you to just walk up and down the lawn (just like mowing) and will mean that you’ll be done in about 5 minutes.

The choice is yours! NB These nozzles only fit our sprayers (Matabi), Cooper Pegler and Berthoud that we know of. Am I better off with a 20 litre knapsack sprayer? Our Super Agro holds 16 litres which is the most popular size used by professionals, green keepers and lawn care operators. Sixteen litres is quite heavy and when it starts sloshing around it feels even heavier. You’ll find something in the area of 10 to 12 litres a more comfortable weight and easily manageable. Start carrying 20 litres and you’ll soon regret it! January 2012, Volume 41, Issue 1, pp 85–91Yield losses in grain sorghum due to rust infectionFirst Online: 22 October 2011Received: 30 May 2011Accepted: 14 September 2011DOI: 10.1007/s13313-011-0093-3Cite this article as: White, J.A., Ryley, M.J., George, D.L. et al. Australasian Plant Pathol. doi:10.1007/s13313-011-0093-3AbstractAlthough rust (caused by Puccinia purpurea) is a common disease in Australian grain sorghum crops, particularly late in the growing season (April onwards), its potential to reduce yield has not been quantified.