07 Feb Ground Rig Setups
Selecting the drone for your operation is the first step. having the right ground equipment is equally important.
If you have been considering an Ag Drone to help you with spraying and/or seeding crops, weed control, etc., then you have probably seen a range of videos showing operating off the back of trucks, trailers and all sorts of other ground support setups.
The range of considerations and options can be a bit overwhelming if you are just starting out. Most experienced operators will have strong opinions on the pros and cons of each option, shaped over time by field experience.
So how do we accelerate the learning curve when you’re just starting out? It is one of those journeys where the more you research, the more questions you will have. Our team have been using Spray drones for over 6 years now in a variety of operations. We also have discussions with users in Australia and ,around the world. We are here to help.
In this article we will outline the range of considerations, options and then pull it all together and give you a place to start. The reality is that for a range of reasons, your first setup will change over time. Our approach takes this into account, and we build in flexibility so that your setup evolves over time.
Truck based setups vs Trailer option
We are starting to see some impressive setups based on using a flatbed truck as the platform. They are usually off-road capable and have fully customised fitouts. For the purpose of this article, I am not going to cover them in much detail as I think it is outside the scope for most readers, mainly due to the cost and level of fabrication required.
You need to have a very clear plan for the layout and some fairly deep pockets.
The UTE setup.
Working out of the back of a ute is a desirable option for some users. Some of our users do most of their work using a small drone and spot spraying in difficult access environments. They generally do less than 10ha in a day and therefore don’t need to carry much in the way of liquid. It’s a tight squeeze, but with careful planning, you can fit a mixing tank, generator and drone onto a reasonably sized tray and literally go anywhere.
equipment Check List
- Trailer
- Water Tank (1000lt IBC x 2)
- Mixing Unit
- Generator
- Hose and Reel
Aim for overall setup.
The aim is to achieve a functional cost effective setup that is large enough for larger jobs while maintaining maneuverability and ease of towing. One of the initial considerations is the ability to launch the drone from the roof of the trailer. There are several advantages to this kind of setup. The main ones are improved visibility and a cleaner operating environment. (i.e., keeping the drone and equipment away from dust, which can cause problems.) If you have the means, definitely consider this as an option, but it will add cost, and you will have to start with a larger trailer to have sufficient landing area. A lot of our operators land and take off from the ground without any issues.
Our entry solution is a 10 x 7 flatbed trailer that will accommodate the required equipment, as shown below. Some users have converted the flat-bed into a landing platform layout with clever fabrication, but you may need a larger trailer to ensure there is enough space on top.
Flat Bed Trailer
We recommend starting with a flat bed trailer. The 10×7 size trailer will fit all of the necessary equipment for a days operation. (2000 lt plus 350 lt mixing tank). The benefit of a flat bed is that it is a modular approach. Items can removed as required to suit the job. Or all items can come off making it a functional trailer for other uses. The key item here is that at 7ft wide it is possible to fit 2 x 1000lt IBC (as shown below) and maximises the space available.
IBC x 2 (2000lt Water Capacity)
For a broadacre operation, our larger drones are capable of achieving between 60 and 100ha per day. (depending on the application rates, etc.) It is common to use over 2000 litres of water (plus chemicals) per day in operation. (per drone) The IBC’s hold 1000lt’s each and combined with the mixing unit you can arrive on site with 2300lt’s of water.
SCUD 350 Mixer
The SCUD 350 mixer is a mid-sized mixing unit complete with an electric pump. The mixing unit draws water from the IBC/s, mixes the required chemical and delivers the mixed product to the drone quickly and hassle-free. In addition to chemical mixing, the unit includes features for container cleaning, draw features, and others that minimise contact with the chemical.
More information can be found here:
https://scudagchem.com.au/product/350-mixer/
MaxWatt 9000 Generator
The Maxwatt 9000 generator is a high-performance generator that we have tested with our drone chargers. Generator selection is crucial and ensures that the charge rate matches your workflow and allows for achieving multiple consecutive flights with a minimal number of batteries. For our larger drones, 2 generators running in parallel provides over 16,000watts of continuous power, which is sufficient for battery charging and running other accessories.
Hose & Hose Reel
Sometimes underestimated, the hose selection is important. The hose needs to deliver a maximum flow rate, be durable for chemical use, and long enough. High volume hoses, paired with the correct pump will ensure that your able to fill the tank quickly. High flow rate without high pressure will also ensure there is minimal foaming during refill.
Putting it all together
As mentioned, the starting point is the trailer size. A 10 x 7 flat top trailer is a strong place to start. It will be functional and a low-cost entry option. This-sized trailer is small enough to get into most fields. It needs to be pointed out that with this option, there is only room for 1 generator, and the 2nd generator will need to be stored in the back of the ute.
Large and small Job Flexibility
Approximate Cost Overview
In most cases, our customers have sourced and built their trailers based on their own ideas. Our primary aim is to assist you with your setup as needed. Our packages can include just the Drone, Drone plus ground equipment or Drone, ground equipment, and Regulators Training. Finance packages are also available.
10 x 7 Trailer – $5,900
Mixing Unit – $6,800
IBC’s – $900
Generators – $8,730
Hose’s & Fittings – $900
Total $23,230 (plus GST)
Other considerations-
OH&S
Showing up to a site with good and practical OH&S considerations will add to your professional look and, more importantly, help prevent accidents. Consider the following items:
– Eye wash sink.
– Lighting for night operations
– Signage
– PPE
– Sun protection (Shade, clothing, and sunscreen)
– Either a lift option or a ramp/trolley for moving the drone.
In addition to cleanup and spill response (including an eye wash), the ability to collect chemicals is required. Chemical spill kits can be used, or having a collection tank under the trailer is also a good option. You will move between Herbicide and Insecticide roles. These two do not go well together. Cleaning the drone and equipment quickly and before the product dries will make the job much easier and more effective.
Site Efficiency
Keeping the site clean and organised will help with the overall flow through the day. Positioning equipment so that items like chargers and batteries are in the shade, hose management, white boards for checklists/notes and battery charge management will help the day run more smoothly. Especially towards the end of the day when fatigue starts to set in and potential for mistakes increases.
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