Micron Varidome Wins Gold At IMMA 2015

Micron’s Varidome S3 100HiFloLaunched by Cereals organiser Haymarket Exhibitions in 2014, IMMAs recognise the best new farm equipment sold in the UK and aim to reward equipment that demonstrates innovation, effectiveness and value.

Micron’s Varidome S3 100HiFlo incorporates patented double-membrane technology that allows farmers to reduce drift, cut costs and improve weed control. The sprayer incorporates a shielded design to minimize spray drift which also means that non-selective products can be used where available. Each shield is mounted on ground following carriages to smoothen the travel and further reduce the drift.

Varidome S3 100HiFlo model represents the culmination of Micron’s innovation and continuous research and development for arable farmers. Specifically aimed at cereals and root crops, the sprayer features a 6 metre hydraulically folding toolbar with ground following carriages fitted with the new innovative Varidome 100HiFlo spray shields which feature a unique patented double membrane skirt around the base. The double membrane has an inner section that prevents spray material coming into contact with the outer section. The shape of the outer section is also tapered each end to push the crop away from the area being treated. These features combined ensure that no spray comes into contact with the outer membrane hence eliminating any risk of chemical transfer into the crop and subsequent crop damage.

To prove their DRT (Drift Reduction Technology) credentials, Micron have conducted extensive wind tunnel testing as a result of which Varidome 100HiFlo shields achieved a 3 star LERAP accreditation – the highest UK rating attainable. Furthermore, the shields actually have the potential to reduce spray drift by over 95%.

As well as its unique shield design, Varidome S3 100HiFlo sprayer incorporates new triple shield carriages which allow it to achieve closer shield spacing, making it ideal for work in narrowly planted crops.

Varidome S3 100HiFlo comes complete with an over-the-row spray line and Micron Dual Spray Tank. The dual spray system means users can simultaneously apply two products – e.g. a non-selective herbicide under the shield and a second product such as selective herbicide, fungicide or insecticide directly over the crop.

Commenting on Varidome’s innovative technology, the IMMA judges said: “The Varidome’s inter-row shielded band sprayer gives drift-free spraying of weeds without affecting crops. This is certainly a technique that offers a lot of potential for the future.”