News | July 26, 2004

More Productivity From New John Deere 4720 Self-Propelled Sprayer

4720spray

Lenexa, KS - Building on the foundation set by the highly successful 4710 Sprayer platform, John Deere introduces the new 4720 Self-Propelled Sprayer that brings more productivity and value to growers and commercial operators.

"When developing this new sprayer, we listened to our customers and added features and improvements that enhance sprayer efficiency and operator comfort," says Denver Caldwell, division marketing manager, John Deere Des Moines Works. "More horsepower, larger wheel motors, and optional AutoTrac guidance systems have all been added to these sprayers."

The 4720 Sprayers will feature a 6.8-liter John Deere PowerTech Tier II engine with 225-hp. This compares to 200-hp on older models. The wheel motors are also larger to provide increased low-end torque for those tough "hole shot" conditions.

"More power and torque on these units ensures that operators can power through tough field conditions," explains Caldwell. "Customers will appreciate the responsiveness and smooth ride of the 4720 Sprayers."

Other features include the CommandView Cab that provides a spacious, quiet work environment with great visibility. The ComfortCommand air-suspension seat adjusts to provide maximum comfort for long days in the field. And speed range and throttle controls are now located on the hydro handle and CommandARM for convenience and easy operation.

"We've designed the 4720 Sprayer with the operator in mind," explains Caldwell. "For example, we've added an Auto Air Spring Adjust that uses a valve and linkage suspension assembly to automatically adjust the sprayer suspension for optimal field performance. The operator will no longer need to fill each spring individually and can spend more time in the field spraying and less time making adjustments."

A significant feature on the 4720 Sprayer is the Index Boom Section (IBS), which allows operators to better manage waterways, point rows, and uneven headlands. The 80- or 90-ft. boom sections consist of five individual spray sections. When the sprayer approaches a waterway running at an angle (not perpendicular) to the sprayer, controls on the hydro handle can quickly be pressed to shut off the individual boom sections to match the angle of the waterway.

"This increases productivity, and it's more convenient than turning to the right-hand console to flip the section switches," explains Caldwell. "IBS help to improve spray efficiency by turning sections on and off to accommodate field and crop conditions."

During spraying, an optional Boom Return to Height feature allows the operator to preset the boom spray height. After avoiding field obstacles or turning on the end row, the boom can be set to automatically return to the same spray height at the start of each path.

"The 4720 Sprayers still retain the patented boom suspension system so popular on the 4710 Sprayers," says Caldwell. "Increased field speeds are possible, 20-mph for spraying and 30-mph for transport. So the operator can get from field to field quickly and spray more acres in less time."

AutoTrac is now a factory-installed option on the 4720 Sprayers. This fully integrated satellite guidance system has already been used successfully on tractors and will help operators gain even more spray efficiency by reducing spray overlap. Operator fatigue will also be reduced as AutoTrac helps to guide the sprayer though the field.

"AutoTrac will allow operators to run faster, and more accurately in dusty or dark conditions," explains Caldwell. "They can spray in optimal conditions regardless of the time of day or night."

With all the feature enhancements of the 4720 Self-Propelled Sprayers including more power, convenient controls, increased operator comfort, and the new AutoTrac option; growers and commercial operators will cover more acres in less time and be able to spray more accurately than ever before.

For more information, visit our Web site at www.JohnDeereAg.com or contact your local John Deere Spray Center dealer.

About John Deere
Deere & Company - NYSE:DE is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment; a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care; and a major manufacturer of construction equipment. Additionally, John Deere manufactures engines used in heavy equipment and provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has established a heritage of quality products and services providing performance that endures to customers worldwide.

Source: John Deere & Company