FARGO, N.D. – The Patriot 3230, the latest addition to the Patriot lineup, means all Case SP high clearance sprayers now belong to the 50:50 weight distribution family.
Introduced last fall, the 3230 replaces the older 3185, which had been the smallest Case SP sprayer.
Sprayer specialist Tim Sullivan said the 3185 needed upgrades and Case wanted the replacement to share the cab-forward, engine-at-the-back, tank-in-the-middle design of the larger Patriot 3330 and 4420 models.
“The ideal weight distribution for a sprayer is 50:50 when it’s fully loaded and the booms are out in the spray position,” he said.
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The 50:50 ratio provides the lightest possible footprint at all four corners for less compaction. It also allows the sprayer to spend more time working in wet conditions.
Weight distribution remains 50:50 as the tank empties.
“There’s no weight change surprises for the operator as the tank empties,” he said.
“It doesn’t shift weight bias to the front. It all remains equal, so you don’t suddenly find the front end going down on you. Uniform weight distribution also makes for easier steering.”
Sullivan said the extreme cab forward position is essential to create the correct weight balance, but it has other benefits.
“Operators have excellent visibility all the way around. Even a died-in-the-wool wheel watcher catches on pretty quickly after a few rounds in a Patriot.”
The new sprayer has the same Case Surveyor cab that is installed on larger Patriots, all Case Axial flow combines and the Magnum and Steiger tractors.
The 3230 has full-time, four wheel, hydrostatic drive with twin variable displacement pumps. Each pump runs two axial piston motors.
Wheel sensors detect slippage and potential tire spin. The information is instantly conveyed to the drive system, which constantly adjusts to changing field conditions and prevents spinout.
The 3230 has an elliptical shaped 800 U.S. gallon tank mounted in the centre of the frame. The tank is available in poly or stainless steel.
The sprayer comes with a 90 or 100 foot boom.
Sullivan said the Patriot’s trailing link suspension creates a smooth ride on rough fields and eases stress on the boom and operator.
The sprayer is powered by a 6.7 litre diesel rated at 220 horsepower with a power bulge of 240 h.p. and torque rating of 752 foot pounds.
The optional AIM Command spray system offers a two to 24 gallon per acre range with constant pressure independent of speed. Case said it has near instantaneous ability to switch rates while using a single nozzle tip.
The 3230 Sullivan had on display at a recent farm show was equipped with the optional autosteer and AIM-Command system, bringing the list price to $228,000 US.
