We last looked at the Hardi Alpha self-propelled sprayer in 2004, and there are now over 20 of these machines operating in the UK. But just like time, technology marches on. With this in mind Hardi has recently transferred many of its top-end trailed Commander features across to the updated Alpha
When it comes to mounted and trailed sprayers Hardi has always been a major UK player. Perhaps surprisingly, though, it has never enjoyed the same level of success with its self-propelled machine, the Alpha, which is built at the Hardi-Evrard plant in Northern France from where more than 200 self-propelleds roll off the line every year. Like other Hardi products the self-propelled remains separate from other members of the Excel Industries family such as Berthoud and Tecnoma; these brands share the skid unit but then add their own design of spray pack.
Big changes came to the Alpha back in 2011 when it gained a larger and much improved cab, with a hinged rather than sliding door: appropriately, EVO stands for Ergonomics, Visibility and Optimisation. In the following years, however, the Hardi designers haven’t simply been sitting around sipping wine and munching on garlic. Oh no. In reality, they’ve been steadily refining the Alpha package, with the latest spec changes applying, in the main, to the transmission and drive units. In addition, Hardi has adopted the Dynamic Fluid 4 system that was introduced on the Commander in 2013.
Hardi sticks with an engine, cab then spray pack configuration, which it says gives an ideal weight distribution between front and rear axles. The front engine layout also provides more direct access to the engine bay as you don’t have to clamber in between cab and tank to carry out a service.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save
