HORTICULTURE BUYERS’ GUIDEQUANTUM MISTOVERVIEWIn 2003 the <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> fan was released to meet the demandsof horticulture producers for improved application of cropprotection products.Even from the early days of design and testing, it became clear that directed air axialfantechnology could provide increased efficiency for grape growers in terms of betterspray coverage, faster travel speeds, energy savings, outstanding reliability, and minimaldrift potential.The ability to spray large areas of vines economically and effectively was just what themarket needed. Growers seeking enhanced efficiency across increased acreages, optionsfor multi-row application, and technologies to reduce spray drift were impressed by theresults achieved with <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong>.Croplands have continued to invest in improvements, and have seen the <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong>application technology become the market leader in horticulture. Today, Croplands canoffer the widest range of sprayers of any manufacturer utilising multi-head axial fans.The simplicity and reliability of the <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> underpins the proven performance ofthe system in the field. Spray coverage has never been better than with this technology.Efficiency gains have been outstanding, and it’s no secret that the <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> has beena huge success for producers as a result.QUANTUM MIST TimelineAustralia and New Zealand see recordplantings of grapes, area under vinesin Australia goes from 61,000 hectaresin 1992 to 80,600 hectares in 1996,an increase of 32%. Large scaleproduction creates demand for efficientapplication of crop protection products.AUS Geoff Furness, a researcherwith the South Australian Researchand Development Institute (SARDI)starts work on improved chemicaldelivery by developing a low rpmbroad cord fan, called the Hydrasprayer. Involves collaboration withindustry and private entities.NZ George Eady, orchardist andinventor is developing a rotary cageatomiser type spray head, called the<strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong>. Discussions with GeoffFurness lead to the project movingtoward a low rpm broad cord fandesign with hydraulic hollow conenozzles. Croplands approached byGeorge to commercialise the design.Impact of corporatisationand large-scale farmingcontinues to drivedemand for efficiency.Newly developed <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong>released in market, achievesmore effective coverage, at lowerfan rpm, giving rise to multi-rowsprayers able to cover much morearea then single-row machines.1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003Croplands recognised thepotential for directionalair application in grapesusing axial fan technology.Early version of <strong>Quantum</strong><strong>Mist</strong> launched inAustralia. Reduction inspray drift continues tobe focus of industry. Areaunder vines in Australiais now 98,600 hectares.Croplands begins manufactureof axial fan applicationmachinery to meet the demand.Independent evaluationundertaken to test performanceof the <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> technology.Development of the <strong>Quantum</strong><strong>Mist</strong> fan with SARDI. TheSARDI fan, a 5-blade onepiecedesign, was a major stepforward in the developmentof the <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong>.4
VINE AND TREE CROPS EFFECTIVE MAY 2012Over 10,000<strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> fanheads have beensold worldwide.QM500500mm <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> Fan»»5-blade fan producing maximum air forlarger, sprawl-type or vigorous VSP canopytypes and tree crops»»Eight recessed nozzles per head (up to 16 canbe fitted), ceramic spray tips fitted»»Unrestricted intake for excellent air distributiondownwind»»Soft-start capability using Croplands oildistribution system»»Extremely tough rotomolded cowl with noexternal spray line»»Fully adjustable with simple clamping systemQM380380mm <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> Fan»»5-blade fan producing maximum air for coolclimate vine-types and managed canopies»»Six recessed nozzles per head (up to 12 canbe fitted), ceramic spray tips fitted»»Unrestricted intake for excellent air distributiondownwind»»Soft-start capability using Croplands oildistribution system»»Extremely tough rotomolded cowl with fullyprotected rear spray line»»Fully adjustable with simple clamping system»»Lower oil supply requirements to suit smallertractors and multi-row applicationsA new cowl design was alsointroduced to incorporate thenozzle spray-ring inside the cowl.This ring was made larger indiameter to assist with achievinghigher liquid application ratesif required. Slight improvementsin airflow were also notedfrom the new cowl design.<strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> technology hasdeveloped rapidly, changingthe way vineyards, and noworchards, are sprayed.Croplands wins theInnovation Awardfrom Wine IndustrySuppliers Australia Inc.Croplands undertakeresearch and testing ofalternative drive systemfor <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong>.2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Croplands expanded their sprayerrange, capitalising on the success ofthe <strong>Quantum</strong> <strong>Mist</strong> fan, to manufacturesprayers designed specifically forapples, citrus and kiwifruit.QM380 fan developed and released in market.Specifically designed for cool-climate spraying. Benefitsinclude reduced hydraulic oil-input and oil pressure withouta reduction in air velocity making 3-row spraying possiblewithout the need for a hydraulic power-pack. The smallerfan also has better ability to band-spray for targetedapplications such as flowering and bunch line sprays.Continueddevelopmentof crop specificsprayers forniche markets.5