Agricultural sprayers: why invest in self-propelled sprayers?

By Stara

Agricultural spraying is a crucial step in protecting the productive potential of crops.

Studies by Cambridge University Press & Assessment indicate that, even with management, pests and diseases can reduce production by up to 20% to 40% in crops such as soybeans, corn, wheat, and rice. Without control, losses can reach 50%.

In this scenario, the self-propelled sprayer takes center stage. Instead of relying solely on implements attached to the tractor, the producer now has an agricultural machine dedicated to spraying, capable of better utilizing weather windows, maintaining a stable working speed, and applying the correct dose with the support of electronic resources.

This guide explains what a self-propelled sprayer is, its main benefits, how many hectares it can spray per hour, when to compare it to agricultural spraying drones, and what to consider when investing.

What is a self-propelled agricultural sprayer?

A self-propelled agricultural sprayer is an agricultural machine that combines the engine, transmission, cab, and spraying system into a single unit. It does not depend on a tractor for movement. Some typical characteristics include:

- Its own engine and high chassis allow it to enter the field at advanced stages of cultivation;

- Wide spray booms with height and section control to increase the area covered per pass;

- Larger capacity spray tank, reducing downtime for refueling;

- A cabin with enhanced visibility and comfort, which improves the working experience for agricultural machinery operators;

- embedded agricultural technology, such as autopilot, agricultural controller, automatic sections and telemetry.

In Stara's line of agricultural machinery, the Imperador 3.0 self-propelled sprayer exemplifies high technology.

It combines spraying with center booms, fertilizer distribution, and pneumatic seeding, as well as features such as a nozzle-by-nozzle system and continuous spray recirculation, which increase precision and prevent overlapping applications.

What is the function of a self-propelled sprayer in agriculture?

The central function of a self-propelled agricultural sprayer is to apply pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, foliar fertilizers) uniformly and at the correct time. This protects the crop against losses caused by:

- weeds;

- pests;

- illnesses.

Without control, pests and pathogens can reduce production by 20% to 40% in major crops, even in systems with good fertility and technology, according to the aforementioned data from Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

Furthermore, the self-propelled sprayer allows for rapid entry into the area when outbreaks occur, taking advantage of short windows of favorable weather and maintaining the dose, spray volume, and droplet pattern within the recommended levels.

When combined with precision agriculture technologies, such as the Eco Spray localized spraying system, the agricultural machine applies herbicide only where weeds are present, further reducing pesticide consumption.

Main benefits of the self-propelled agricultural sprayer

Below, we've compiled 3 of the main benefits of this type of sprayer, to be considered depending on the investment and specific contexts of each crop. Check it out:

1. Operational efficiency and area coverage

The combination of boom width, tank capacity, and appropriate speed allows the self-propelled sprayer to cover large areas in a short time. Field capacity can be estimated using the formula:

- ha/h = (speed in km/h × boom width in m × field efficiency) / 10.

For example, if we have a 30 m boom, a speed of 15 km/h, under adequate safety conditions and a field efficiency of 75% (time spent on maneuvers, refueling and adjustments), the formula will be:

- ha/h ≈ (15 × 30 × 0,75) / 10 = 33,75 hectares per hour (approximate value, which varies according to terrain, plot shape and stopping points).

Models like the Imperador 3.0 can achieve operational yields of up to 40 ha/h in seeding operations, reinforcing the machine's ability to cover large areas in short periods. This efficiency reduces working hours per hectare, fuel consumption per area, and the risk of missing the ideal agricultural spraying window.

2. Precision in application and less waste.

Modern self-propelled sprayers feature:

- integrated agricultural controller;

- Automatic shut-off of sections or nozzle by nozzle;

Automatic rate control (fixed or variable);

- autopilot;

- continuous recirculation systems for the slurry.

In the Imperador line, the Nozzle-by-Nozzle system automatically shuts off each nozzle in areas where pesticides have already been applied, which reduces overlap and generates savings of up to 5% on pesticides.

The Imperador Eco Spray incorporates computer vision and artificial intelligence for targeted spraying, with cameras that identify weeds and activate the nozzles only on the target. This process can generate average savings of 30% to 60% on herbicides, and can reach 95% in certain scenarios.

3. Comfort and safety for the operator

The self-propelled agricultural sprayer was designed for long workdays. The spacious cab, with proper ergonomics, reduces physical fatigue and facilitates access to the controls. Features such as a suspension seat, adjustable steering wheel, intuitive dashboard, and good visibility of the spray boom assembly help the operator maintain focus throughout the operation.

Efficient climate control and, in many models, a pressurized cabin reduce the entry of dust and spray mist, improving operator safety and well-being.

With the support of autopilot, agricultural controller and real-time monitoring, the machine requires less effort to maintain alignment and application rate.

This reduces errors, increases the regularity of spraying, and contributes to a more professional and sustainable work routine on the farm.

Read moreAgricultural machinery operator: 5 common challenges in farming | Stara

How many hectares can a self-propelled sprayer cover per hour?

The working capacity of a self-propelled agricultural sprayer depends on the boom width, safe operating speed, field efficiency (plot shape, number of maneuvers, refueling time), and terrain conditions.

The formula used to estimate capacity is:

- ha/h = (speed × width × efficiency) / 10.

In a scenario with a 24 m boom, a speed of 12 km/h and 70% efficiency, the result is around 20 hectares per hour.

With a 36 m boom, 18 km/h and 75% efficiency, the capacity can reach approximately 48,6 hectares per hour.

Therefore, many producers work in the range of 20 to 40 ha/h, depending on the model of self-propelled agricultural sprayer and the characteristics of the rural property.

Where does self-propelled equipment deliver the best results in agriculture?

Here, the key to understanding the potential of this investment is the size and type of property. On properties with large grain areas, self-propelled equipment is often the focus of investment planning.

Autonomy, speed, and regularity make it easier to adhere to the spraying schedule. Other common options, in this scenario, may offer limited performance.

- Tractor-mounted sprayers remain useful in smaller or highly irregular areas, especially when the property already has the necessary tractor;

- The spraying drone excels in hard-to-reach locations and for targeted applications in affected areas. It can also be an alternative when excessive rain hinders the entry of ground machinery or when the slope of the terrain increases the risk of slippage and soil compaction.

Overall, in large-scale operations, it is the self-propelled sprayer that concentrates the daily volume, consistency, and efficiency of applications.

Does a self-propelled agricultural sprayer generate a return on investment?

Yes. Agricultural machinery tends to offer a good return on investment because it directly impacts three sensitive areas of operational cost:

1. Application time;

2. volume of pesticides;

3. Losses due to delays in control.

The larger the cultivated area and the shorter the windows of favorable weather, the greater the perceived gain. Reducing the application time by two or three hours can mean entering the field while the crop is still at its ideal stage and avoiding losses that can range from 20% to 40% in crops such as soybeans, corn, and wheat.

In practice, many producers calculate ROI based on the cost per hectare sprayed. When the machine covers more hectares per hour, reduces overlap with the support of technology, and decreases pesticide waste, the operational cost per hectare becomes more predictable throughout the growing season.

In large areas, the savings generated by systems like Bico a Bico and Eco Spray It tends to offset a significant portion of the initial investment.

Alternatives for acquisition through consortium and rural credit

To make the purchase feasible, rural properties often consider alternatives such as agricultural financing and consortiums. Financing adjusts the payment flow to the production calendar, while a consortium allows for planning the replacement of machinery and reduces exposure to interest, since the investment is spread over the months.

In both formats, understanding the annual spraying volume and the potential gain in efficiency helps determine which method best fits the farm's reality.

Read moreFinancing Agricultural Machinery: 5 Recommendations | Stara

How to choose the ideal sprayer

The decision begins with the total area and the spraying schedule. Properties that work many hectares per season require greater operational capacity.

During short periods of favorable weather, wide roof racks and longer fuel tanks make a difference. In this scenario, models from the Imperador family tend to deliver better daily performance.

The embedded technology directly influences the application pattern. The type of spray bar and the stabilization system determine the regularity of the spray.

On uneven terrain, the central boom of the Imperador 3.0 helps maintain a stable height. Features such as Nozzle-to-Nozzle and continuous recirculation reduce overlap and prevent waste.

The autopilot with signal correction and the agricultural controller compatible with prescription maps increase precision. In Stara sprayers, integration with the Tops It facilitates map reading, dose definition, and real-time operation monitoring.

Since a self-propelled machine is a high-value item, the support surrounding it influences its performance. Initial setup, upgrades, and preventative maintenance reduce failures and downtime.

Services like Conecta, combined with the stara dealer network, ensure quick guidance for the operator and better use of the onboard technology throughout the harvest season.

Calibration, adjustment and safety

The efficiency of spraying depends on a well-defined routine in the field. Before each operation, it is worthwhile to:

- Measure the flow rate of the nozzles and check if it is within the recommended range;

- Check working pressure and travel speed;

- Check filters, hoses, and for possible leaks;

- Adjust the height of the booms according to the crop and nozzle type.

This calibration discipline improves application uniformity, reduces waste, and increases the lifespan of components.

Security is part of the same process. Among the basic practices, the following stand out:

- Correct and complete use of PPE during preparation, refueling, and application;

- compliance with the guidelines of NR 31.7 when organizing the preparation, application and disposal area;

- Be careful when preparing the syrup and dispose of leftovers properly;

- Return empty packaging to authorized collection points.

These routines become more consistent when the operator has access to reliable information. Technical materials, training, and educational platforms help standardize procedures and avoid common errors.

In the case of Stara agricultural machinery, the Operator Portal brings together updated content, videos, manuals, and practical guidance, facilitating the adoption of safe procedures and the continuous improvement of spraying throughout the growing season.

Investing in technology increases productivity.

Investing in a self-propelled agricultural sprayer is a strategic decision for those seeking productivity, savings on inputs, and greater control over phytosanitary management.

With the right choice and a routine of calibration, preventive maintenance, and training, the self-propelled sprayer becomes one of the main allies of agriculture in protecting productive potential and business competitiveness.