Driving impression: Berthoud Raptor self-propelled sprayer Berthoud’s self-propelled Raptor sprayer has sunk its talons into the UK market. Sales are reportedly on something of a roll, and a new 5,200-litre model is on its way. Nick Fone takes the big Raptor for a spin in the Eastern Counties
It’s fair to say that Berthoud’s success in the UK self-propelled sprayer market has been modest. Over the past ten years the company has shifted just 45 machines on this side of the Channel. Relatively speaking, that number is particularly low when you consider how many turquoise-liveried mounted and trailed sprayers you see out working on farms across the country. In fact, big selfpropelled machines have only accounted for 2-3% of the French firm’s UK sales in the past decade, but apparently that’s all set to change.
Last year Berthoud introduced a completely new self-propelled sprayer to take over from its outgoing Boxer line-up. Available with 3,200-litre, 4,200-litre and now 5,200-litre tanks, the Raptor is being billed as a high-output machine for largescale arable enterprises and contractors. “The UK self-propelled sprayer market is an incredibly difficult nut to crack,” says Berthoud’s Martin Shackcloth. “British manufacturers have a strong grip, but I really believe that the Raptor has got what it takes to give them a run for their money.” Such confidence is backed by a significant upturn in user interest in the firm’s latest offering. If things continue as they are, Berthoud believes its self-propelled sales will double in the next two years. So what has changed to bring about this sudden shift in Berthoud sales success?
We jump on a 3,200-litre 3240 to get a feel for the Raptor’s in-field performance. True sprayer anoraks will recognise the Raptor’s silhouette. With its mid-mounted cab and long bonnet, the skid unit is shared with Tecnoma – a sister company owned by the Exel Group, which also includes Hardi and Caruelle. But that’s where the similarities end, according to Berthoud.
The twin-turbine pump, tank, spray rig, booms and controls are all unique to the blue brand. Controls With more and more users reportedly taking an interest in the opportunities that precision farming technology can offer, Berthoud has taken the decision not to ally itself to any particular GPS kit provider. Instead, it claims to have worked hard to ensure its DP-Tronic control boxes are as versatile as possible, allowing the software from various suppliers to talk to the Raptor to provide features such as autosection switching and auto-steering. The Raptor will marry up with virtually all GPS systems, according to the French firm, the only obvious exception being John Deere’s GreenStar set-up.
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