PRACTICAL TEST: Welcome to the ‘New’ generation Heading back slightly more than 12 months, Hardi added a ‘New’ moniker to its already popular Commander series of trailed sprayers (profi 12/03). Granted, that may be just three extra letters, but then don’t let this modest badge-tinkering exercise detract from what were unquestionably important design changes. Over the next four profi pages we take the 4,400-litre New Commander 4400 trailed sprayer out on test
After a couple of months’ break, we are back with the familiar Hardi red and yellow – and a return tour of the firm’s New Commander trailed sprayer. Last time out, we had a rather brief drive on the 3,200-litre model, whereas on this occasion we get more comprehensive, with a full practical test on the flagship but-one 4400 machine.
Obviously, there will be some repetition because many of the 3200/4400 elements are shared. Then again the exercise is still worth carrying out, as practical tests, in which we try out the machines over a number of weeks, tend to reveal items that there is simply no hope of picking up on in a short driving impression. So here goes. Warming up with a glance over the front end, the drawbar leaves plenty of space through which to thread the sprayer’s pto shaft, and the robust jack is capable of supporting the entire machine, irrespective of whether the 4,400-litre tank is empty or full.
Our test was carried out on the Continent, hence the fitting of the European-style hitch; check out the pictures for photographic evidence. On this subject, our Continental counterparts have to take care, because up at this size of machine the tongue/pin load creeps over the 2t marker when the Commander is loaded up with water and a 24m wide boom hangs off the back. Suck liquid fertiliser rather than straight water into the tank, and that load climbs even higher – by another 30%, which is almost certain to push the tongue total beyond the rating of many of these hitch designs. There are other European options, though, namely the ball coupling design. And, of course, here in the UK we tend to go for a ring.
