NEW ORLEANS, La. — Handling pesticide jugs is one of the least favorite elements of farm operations, but a new tool makes loading-out and rinsing a one-shot deal.
Bayer and German company Agrotop developed a tool that lets producers and applicators attach a special top to a sealed, cap-off, jug of pesticide and, like connecting hydraulics, plug it into a receiver mounted into a mixing tank or chemical inductor.
A twist of a collar breaks the seal and lets the chemical flow.
The connection remains closed to the outside, preventing spills and splashes. A squeeze valve with a water connection provides a complete rinse of the jug without removing it from the tank.
“It’s fully rinsed and ready for recycling when you take it off,” said Will Smart, who operates Greenleaf Technologies, known for its venturi, air induction sprayer nozzles.
Smart was attracting crowds of producers when demonstrating the new tool at the Ag Connect Expo at the large farm event, Commodity Classic in New Orleans last month.
“It’s simple and makes this step convenient and safe,” he said.
Smart’s company handles the Easyflow connector, which won a silver medal at Germany’s Agritechnica.
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A twist of the throttle on the connection handles the flow, driving a tapered valve open and closed, varying the rate and allowing users to cut it off for partial fills.
Producers can have several of the connector caps, allowing the chemical to remain sealed for partial and tank mixes.
The water supply cleans the receiver and connector, even after partial uses.
Foil seals remain attached to the inside of the jugs’ necks.
Contact mike.raine@producer.com.
