The role of self-propelled vehicles in Precision Agriculture

By Stara

In Precision Agriculture, self-propelled vehicles play a strategic role by combining autonomy, technology and operational intelligence in a single agricultural machine. 

They don’t just replace the tractor — they deliver application efficiency, reduced waste and greater control over field operations.

With features like variable rate, nozzle-to-nozzle shutdown and telemetry, Stara self-propelled sprayers perform applications with precision, whether spraying, broadcasting or cover seeding — all with the same standard of accuracy that precision agriculture demands. 

In this article, you will understand how self-propelled vehicles contribute to agricultural efficiency, learn about their components, applications and differences — with emphasis on the models from the Imperador line and the Hércules spreaders, a reference in innovation in the field.

How do self-propelled vehicles increase efficiency in Precision Agriculture?

Having a self-propelled vehicle in grain farming increases agricultural efficiency by allowing precise applications, at the right time and with minimal waste of inputs. In practice, they combine autonomy, on-board intelligence and connectivity to meet the needs of the farmer. Agronomist Lucas Luersen explains: “they are essential equipment in precision agriculture. With our Topper 5500 controller, for example, we can apply fertilizers at a variable rate, reduce the use of pesticides with nozzle-by-nozzle shutdown and ensure safer and more sustainable applications with technologies such as Eco Spray”.

This type of agricultural machinery performs operations with high performance and total control, thanks to technologies such as:

• Variable rate: adjusts fertilizer dosage according to prescription maps.
• Nozzle-by-nozzle shutdown: avoids overlapping of pesticides, reducing waste in the use of sprayers.

The result is a more productive, sustainable and technically efficient crop, where each application is driven by data — and no longer by estimates.

Composition and operation of self-propelled agricultural vehicles

Among Stara's self-propelled agricultural machines, the models aimed at spraying and distributing inputs stand out — two fundamental operations in precision agriculture. 

Each category of agricultural self-propelled vehicles has specific construction and technological characteristics, but they share the same purpose: to guarantee autonomy, precision and operational performance.

Below, learn about the main components that make these machines strategic for efficient application in the field.

Engine, traction and chassis 

The Stara self-propelled sprayer from the Imperador line features Cummins electronic engines that offer high power with low fuel consumption and lower pollutant emissions. 

The 4x4 hydroelectric transmission with electronic traction control guarantees performance even on uneven properties, in addition to operator comfort.

The monoblock chassis provides stability and reduces vibrations, which directly reflects on the quality of the application — an essential point in precision spraying.

Central bars: more stability and precision

Stara is a world pioneer with central booms, which ensure 58% more spray on the target by maintaining stability even at higher speeds or on challenging topography. This configuration improves droplet distribution, prevents oscillations and reduces the risk of phytotoxicity in plants.

Tanks and reservoirs 

The mixture tanks vary according to the model, ranging from 2.000 to 4.000 liters, with a wave-breaking design that improves the homogeneity of the mixture. 

In addition, all self-propelled vehicles have a clean water tank, product incorporator and bottle washer — items that facilitate the preparation and cleaning of applications.

Spray nozzles: types and adjustments in self-propelled vehicles

The selection and adjustment of spray nozzles are essential to avoid drift and ensure correct deposition of pesticides. 

Stara self-propelled sprayers use trijet nozzle holders, which make it easy to change depending on the type of pesticide and desired pressure.

Tech tip: When spraying herbicides, it is essential to use air-induction nozzles — a legal requirement in many cases — to reduce drift and protect neighboring areas.

Recirculating system and mixture agitation

Another difference is the Continuous Recirculating System, which keeps the mixture homogeneous and in movement, avoiding sedimentation, improving application efficiency and extending the useful life of the components.

Topper 5500 agricultural controller

The Topper 5500 is the brain of the operation and a Stara differential. Through it, the agricultural machinery operator can configure variable rate, nozzle-by-nozzle shutdown, double-line system, and also has the “follow me” feature, which facilitates adjustments in the cabin in an intuitive way, even for novice operators.

Smart rotation and free span: more accessibility

Thanks to the Intelligent 4-wheel Turn, Stara self-propelled sprayers maneuver with up to 45% less crushing, especially on borders. 

The Up and Down System allows you to increase the free space by up to 40 cm, enabling applications even in more advanced stages of crops.

Self-propelled technology applied in Precision Agriculture

When it comes to technology in agriculture, it’s not enough to simply apply it — you have to apply it intelligently. That’s why Stara’s self-propelled tractors stand out for integrating technologies that increase productivity, reduce costs and increase crop sustainability.

Nozzle-to-nozzle and double line control: economy and quality

The sprayer's nozzle-to-nozzle system automatically shuts off the nozzles whenever an area that has already been sprayed is detected. This prevents overlapping, reduces the use of pesticides by up to 5% and contributes to a more sustainable application.

The Dual Line system, present in the Imperador 3000 and 4000 models, allows the alternating or simultaneous use of two lines with nozzles of different flow rates. This allows speed variations during work without changing the droplet size, maintaining application uniformity and avoiding drift.

Variable rate application

With the help of the Topper 5500, Stara self-propelled sprayers perform variable rate application, adjusting the amount of inputs according to prescription maps. This means greater efficiency, as the product is applied only where it is really needed.

This function is essential for agricultural efficiency and the rational use of fertilizers, contributing to increased productivity and reduced environmental impact.

Telemetry and Syncro

Stara telemetry allows real-time monitoring of operations, facilitating strategic adjustments and efficient machinery management.

Syncro technology, in turn, allows up to four machines with the same function to work in sync, sharing information. This allows producers to plan efficiently, optimize the use of inputs, have more agility in processes and ensure more balanced and complete coverage of their crops.

Stara Weather Station and Apps

The integrated weather station provides data on temperature, humidity and wind direction, helping producers choose the best conditions for application. In addition, the Stara Distribution App speeds up the calibration of the agricultural distributor, optimizing the adjustment of blades, performing profile tests and evaluating the quality of inputs, directly from the smartphone. 

Complementing the operation, the Stara Spraying APP allows you to view the machine's performance and estimate the savings generated by the onboard technologies.

Conecta: factory technical assistance for agricultural machinery

Through the Conecta service, the operator can communicate with factory technicians directly from the cabin, via Topper 5500, to clarify doubts or resolve unforeseen issues — at no additional cost and quickly.

Eco Spray and AI in the field

The Eco Spray self-propelled sprayer is a solution that is revolutionizing field operations, providing greater precision, efficiency and savings in the application of pesticides. The system uses high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence to identify and apply herbicides only where there are weeds. 

This makes it possible to significantly reduce the use of pesticides and save water, contributing to more efficient and sustainable agriculture. Stara engineer Lucas Luersen states:

Artificial Intelligence is already present in our products, and Eco Spray is proof of this. Each camera on the machine takes 15 photos per second, so on a bar with 37 cameras, 555 photos are recorded per second. The system analyzes these images in real time and decides whether to spray the product in that location or not, in milliseconds. This is true precision.

Applications and advantages of self-propelled vehicles

More than autonomy, Stara self-propelled vehicles deliver versatility with precision. They are designed to integrate operations that require agronomic efficiency, productivity and loss reduction:

• Pulverization: requires pesticides, with electronic flow control, nozzle-to-nozzle shutdown and spray recirculation — ensuring maximum use of inputs.
• Distribution: of fertilizers to be broadcast, with variable rate and prescription maps that avoid excesses and failures.
• Sowing: of small seeds, exclusive to Imperador 3.0, reducing the number of passes in the crop and promoting coverage management. Luersen reinforces:

Self-propelled machines allow for safer and more assertive applications, with savings on inputs and reduced losses. All this with ease of operation, quick adjustments and technical assistance directly from the factory.

The Hércules 4.0 and Hércules 6.0 self-propelled spreaders are a reference in the market for combining robustness, performance and high precision in the application of broadcast fertilizers. 

Developed for rural properties seeking operational efficiency and agronomic quality, these models feature technologies such as variable rate control, telemetry and intelligent four-wheel rotation, allowing uniform and economical distribution on any rural property.

All these features make self-propelled vehicles strategic partners for producers, optimizing resources and delivering real results in the field.

Conclusion

Stara self-propelled vehicles are protagonists in an increasingly demanding and technological agricultural scenario. 

With solutions that combine autonomy, precision and on-board intelligence, these machines raise productivity standards, reduce operating costs and contribute to more sustainable and efficient agriculture.