Goldacres unveils updated G6 Crop Cruiser

Goldacres has taken the covers off its latest version of the self-propelled Series 2 G6 Crop Cruiser.

Wide spray: Goldacres G6 Series 2 boom is available in sizes from 36m-42m, with an option of up to 48m.

Smart, but simple: that’s the mantra that has guided the development of the latest incarnation of Goldacres’ flagship model, the self-propelled Series 2 G6 Crop Cruiser.

Designed for large-scale dryland farming enterprises and wholly manufactured in Ballarat, the machine represents a major advance on the previous model, which was launched in 2015 and boosted with annual upgrades.

With two machines already built, a third due for completion in October and an order book already filling, the sprayer incorporates significant innovations in its G-Hub integrated system, all-new TriTech RivX boom, radar-sensing height control, increased capacities and advanced hydraulics.   

Powered by a Cummins Tier 3 6.7-litre, six-cylinder engine rated to 225hp (168kW) and equipped with an Allison 2500 Series six-speed transmission, the G6 features a European-style cabin with external ROPS, filtered air and cruise control.

Sales and marketing operations manager Stephen Richards said the first machine out of the factory – a 6000-litre, 36m 4x4 – had been put to work this year on a number of farms in the Western District and NSW and was due to move to north of Bendigo next week.

The second was a 6000-litre, 42m 4x2, built for display and promotional work.

“It looks fairly similar to the original G6, but really is quicker, easier and better all round,” Mr Richards said.

The boom is available in sizes from 36m-42m with an option of up to 48m.

“All Goldacres booms have a three-way TriTech suspension system, but this boom structure is completely new, with a heavy-duty centre, symmetrical inner wings for easier replacement and simplified plumbing,” he said.

“We’ve gone from three-quarter lines on the boom to one inch, so spray rate can be increased and recirculation is faster. Outer wings, formerly made from aluminium, are also now strengthened with riveted steel supports.

“The optional ISOBUS-compatible AutoBoom XRT system uses radar-sensing technology to maintain optimal spray height, unaffected by temperature, spray drift, dirt, dust or mud, while the G-Hub tells you everything about what the sprayer is doing, as well as an ability to diagnose and locate faults.

“There’s also a new external screen to control fill and flush, which sees electric valves replacing the former ball valves, push-button operation and auto-fill shut-off. Capacities are also greater, with the 1150-litre per minute fill pump, new chemical transfer pump and bigger induction hopper.”

Neat chemical transfer is now done using a pneumatic twin-diaphragm pump fitted as standard, with tests showing that 40 litres/minute of high-viscosity chemicals can be handled.

The fuel tank has also been increased in size by 50 per cent to 440 litres.

“The G6 will only use, on average, about 12 litres an hour, so that means around 37 hours of spraying time,” Mr Richards said.

“Spec-for-spec against the old machine it’s about $10,000 dearer, but, apart from the many features now standard, there are a lot of options, such as different wheels, two or four-wheel-drive, boom size, plumbing configurations and nozzle spacings.

“Prices are expected to start around $550,000, depending on options, with the new model not available until November.”

For more details, visit goldacres.com.au/G6