Manufactured in Italy by Tifone – and launched at the recent Esposizione Internazionale Di Macchine Per L’Agricoltura E Il Giardinaggion (EIMA) show in Bologna – the new Cobra Interceptor is a compact, streamlined, low-profile unit that can operate in narrow rows under overhanging branches. It has a 2 000l-tank, 4WD and four-wheel steering with three operational modes – front only, all-wheel steer for maximum manoeuvrability and crab-steer for hillside work.
The Cobra is powered by a turbocharged 71kW VM engine, and the mechano-hydrostatic transmission has two ranges, 0km/h to 10km/h for spraying and 10km/h to 40km/h on the road. The cab is air-conditioned with filtered air, keeping the driver safe from the possible harmful effect of chemicals in the spray.
With an overall height of only 1,3m, the Cobra Interceptor is claimed to be the world’s lowest self-propelled sprayer. A steering radius of no more than 2,75m means the unit can easily manoeuvre in and out of tight rows. Wild Rush Distributors, based in George in the Western Cape, is the SA importer.
Touch-screen dashboard
The Cobra’s controls include a check-control speed lever for progressive and continuous speed adjustment. All spray adjustments are made from the driving seat. The dashboard has four digital touch-screen panels controlling engine operation, drive selection and other functions.
Adjustable turbofan
The adjustable fan propeller can produce from 30 000m³/h to 74 000m³/h of spray. Changing the pitch of the fan blades, for more or less spray volume, takes just eight minutes, as all blades are adjusted simultaneously.
Spray head options
The orchard spray head has two heads that can be independently adjusted. When spraying very tall trees, both heads can operate on the same side, and the angle of the spray can be adjusted remotely from the operator’s seat. The cannon spray head, meanwhile, has an extremely long range – up to 45m in an open land and 55m in greenhouses. The angle is controlled by the operator.
