Design of the GoldAcres self propelled sprayer commenced in October 1997 after extensive market research in both Australia and America was completed. A decision was made to build a unit with a mechanical drive line system as opposed to hydrostatics.

A factory in Ballarat, Victoria, was chosen as the design centre for the self propelled sprayer and Roger Richards was put in charge of the operation. Construction of the first prototype commenced in March 1998 and was completed in October, 1998. After successful testing of the prototype, two more units were built in 1999 and sold to contractors.

In the year 2000, organised production commenced.

GoldAcres sales staff were becoming increasingly aware of widespread use of small self propelled sprayers in northern NSW in the large cotton growing areas. One reason for the trend was the move away from aerial spraying, which was gaining increasing criticism with regard to spray drift. From this observation, it was clear this trend would continue, and that other areas of specialised agriculture such as broadacre farming and horticulture would move towards the use of self propelled sprayers.

Roger Richards, John Richards and Rex Bridges spent three weeks in central USA visiting four of the larger self propelled sprayer manufacturers (Ag Chem, Tyler, Wilmar and Hagie). The main objectives of the trip were to obtain an understanding of the types of machines built in the US and to eventually look at importing one of the models and reselling throughout Australia.

After much discussion regarding the American built self propelled sprayers, it was decided that none of these units would be suitable in the mix of sprayers currently being designed and built by GoldAcres. These units would have proved to be quite expensive and a large parts and inventory store would be required to be held. At this stage it was decided to delay entry into the self propelled market and to further evaluate the situation.

The popularity of self propelled spraying was increasing. The machines designed for spraying cotton were now being extensively used in the north. Some of the larger machines marketed by Ag Chem and Nitro were in use in Western Australia in broadacre applications. The market was starting to grow. The people buying these units were predominantly contract sprayers, however, several large farms in the west were also buying these machines.

GoldAcres decided to design and build a self propelled sprayer. The project was going to be based away from the St Arnaud head office, in Ballarat. This would enable access to a larger range of products, as well as allowing staff to concentrate on the development of the machine rather than on production of the current range of sprayers already produced. The next step was to work on the design concept of the machine.

The first workable model of the GoldAcres self propelled sprayer was introduced to the public at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. The main purpose of this was to show people that GoldAcres were moving into the self propelled sprayer market and also to gather information regarding what people’s thoughts were of the concept.

The machine was delivered to a contract sprayer in Hamilton who had seen the machine at the field days for its first in-field testing session. Reports came back that the unit was excellent and an order for a new unit was placed shortly after. There were some changes required in the design, however the basic design concept remained the same.

Word of mouth traveled quickly and the unit was sent over to a contractor in South Australia. It also worked well and another order was taken shortly afterwards. These two new machines were basically the test beds for the design and we are constantly liaising with owners on the performance and suitability of the designs.

Drop leg profile was narrowed to decrease crop damaged. The bottom of the drop leg was stepped so it fitted snug in side the tyre rim.

Drop leg idler shaft improved for increased reliability and ease of maintenance.

The four wheel steer system was redesigned. Proximity sensors on the steering cylinders were replaced with linear potentiometers and control relays replaced with electronic processors. More control and easier operation was the result.

Major changes were made to the braking system, the multi caliper design was replaced by large stilfirini calipers with 600mm diameter discs.

The wiring layout and electric controls (fuses and relays) changed to push in relays and blade fuses. Weather proof connectors were used and more professional wiring looms implemented.

The four wheel steer system was modified to use a plc electronic micro processor to increase reliability and become more user friendly.

The hydraulic system was changed from Oil Path to Rexroth to accommodate the the four wheel steering improvements Cabin roof was redesigned to incorporate the head lights, this was done to beautify the sprayer as well as increase vision for night work.

The cabin layout and internal decals where changed slight for beautification. Switches were replaced to increase reliability and looks.

The air conditioner system was improved by adding a second condenser to the side of the cabin. This increase comfort in the cabin on hot summer days, especially in the north.