John Deere has announced that GUSS Automation’s autonomous herbicide orchard sprayer, the Herbicide GUSS, will now be available at select dealers. With this sprayer, customers no longer need to be in the vehicle during the spraying process, eliminating the potential for chemical contamination. The machinery can be controlled directly from a computer or the safety of a different vehicle.
“The announcement of Herbicide GUSS underscores why we are so excited to have GUSS as part of our High Value Crop solutions lineup,” said Greg Christensen, John Deere marketing manager for 5 Series Tractors and High Value Crops. “The GUSS team has years and depth of experience in the high-value crop spraying business. They were their own first customers, so they are able to solve true customer needs very quickly. Orchard and vineyard customers in the high-value crop space face many labor, safety and sustainability challenges. GUSS, Mini GUSS and now Herbicide GUSS can help producers overcome these challenges.”
The Herbicide GUSS is 23.5 feet in length and stands 6.5 feet tall. Depending on the boom extension, it can extend up to 19 feet wide. The boom is hydraulically controlled and can accommodate 18- to 22-foot row spacing. Herbicide GUSS also uses LIDAR technology, which ensures that chemicals are accurate applied. The nine sensors on the sprayer detect, target, and spray weeds on the go.
“Growers have been asking for an autonomous herbicide machine. We took that concept to the next level by implementing weed detection technology to give the grower a machine that provides immense value. Lower chemical usage helps the grower reduce costs and is a benefit to the environment,” said Gary Thompson, COO at GUSS Automation.
More information on the herbicide solutions John Deere has to offer can be found at Deere.com. Specific Herbicide GUSS dealer location information is available at GUSSag.com.