Delvano makes the difference in the field with a more stable spray boom

Delvano makes the difference in the field with a more stable spray boom 

Every detail counts in the field. For Delvano, a specialist in agricultural spraying machines, the stability of the spray boom is a prime example. Their self-propelled sprayers are designed to apply crop treatments precisely as the machine travels across the field. But to carry out that treatment efficiently and consistently, the spray boom must follow the terrain as closely as possible, without coming too close to the ground or making contact with it.

That was precisely the challenge. Delvano wanted to improve the performance of boom stability, both for the current generation of self-propelled sprayers and with future machines in mind. This required not only technical optimisation, but above all a better understanding of how the system behaves under real field conditions.

From analysis to smarter control

Together with Flanders Make, Delvano first mapped the existing performance. Drawing on measurements and field analyses, we built a dynamic model of the spray boom's behaviour. That model revealed how the machine, terrain and control system interact with one another. On that basis, we developed a targeted approach to identify mechanical improvement opportunities and to enhance the existing controller through software improvements. This collaboration led to a clear step forward. The improved control system delivered better boom-terrain tracking and reduced the oscillating behaviour of the existing controller. As a result, the spray boom remains more stable as the machine travels over varying field conditions. The outcome is a more consistent and accurate spray pattern.

Added value for Delvano and its customers

For Delvano, this translates into tangible added value. A machine that sprays more precisely delivers higher quality in the field and strengthens customer confidence in the solution's performance. At the same time, that greater precision helps meet increasingly stringent expectations and regulations around efficient and correct use of crop protection products. This innovation therefore also reinforces Delvano's competitive position: with better spray quality and more stable performance, the company can differentiate itself even more strongly in the market. The improved controller was rolled out on both existing and new machines and demonstrated to customers. This makes the result immediately relevant to today's practice, while the knowledge gained also lays a solid foundation for further optimisation of the next generation of self-propelled sprayers.