Why consistency counts when the robots are doing the spraying
For Mathew Malloy, spraying looks a little different to most broadacre operations. When the machines refill themselves, every product going into the tank has to behave the same way every time.
On his 10,500-hectare arable farming operation at Binya, New South Wales, a fleet of autonomous SwarmFarm robots now handles much of the summer spray program across the sandy loam soils. Supported by an automated dock and refill station, the system is designed to keep machines moving with minimal human intervention.
That level of autonomy brings a simple but critical requirement: every product going into the tank needs to be consistent, easy to measure and simple to handle.
“OUTRIGHT 770 was brought to our attention through our agronomist,” Mathew says. “We were looking for a liquid-based ammonium sulphate and wetter to help with our dock and refill system. But since we’ve started using it, we’ve also found mixing chemicals into the self-propelled sprayers a lot easier. We’re not having to handle as many different products.”
The liquid advantage for automation
For automated docking systems to work efficiently, inputs must flow seamlessly. VICCHEM Territory Manager Jeshua Smith says OUTRIGHT 770 is perfectly suited to Mathew’s automated setup.
“The current dock and refill station requires a liquid product that it can measure out accurately. It can’t handle granules. That’s where OUTRIGHT 770 has a real fit. An IBC can be connected to the system, and the exact liquid dose is administered into the water as the machine is filling.”
This efficiency proves crucial during the post-harvest window, when targeted weed control becomes the farm’s primary focus. With their weed-detection technology, the robots are able to optimise the spray application to only weeds, applying chemicals where it’s needed rather than across bare ground.
Practical benefits in the paddock
The logistical benefits of consolidating inputs have rippled across the entire Binya operation. Running a large spray program across a big area means labour and simplicity are just as important as the technology deployed in the paddock.
“I employ a lot of staff, and having one product that can do two or three jobs at once makes things easier,” Mathew says. “It significantly reduces the number of shuttles of different products we have to move around. Ultimately, it just makes the mixing process a lot simpler.”
There have also been practical benefits in the sprayers themselves.
“When mixing OUTRIGHT 770 and running it through the sprayers, we’ve seen a reduction in crystal build-up in our filters and nozzles after repeated use and long days of spraying,” Mathew says. “That’s helped reduce our cleaning time.”
For an autonomous spray system, reliability is critical. Fewer interruptions mean more time working in the paddock and less time spent managing problems at refill. According to Jeshua, that consistency is exactly what automated spraying systems need.
“In Matt’s swarmbot ecosystem, with multiple robotic sprayers and a refill and dock station, reliability is critical given the cost and complexity of the equipment. Having a consistent product, where you know what you’re getting out of the drum and it’s easy to measure and use from fill to fill, really matters, especially in a variable climate like the one Matt is farming in.”
“OUTRIGHT 770 makes the mixing process a lot simpler.”Mathew Malloy, Binya NSW
At a glance
- Operation
- 10,500 ha arable, Binya NSW
- Soils
- Sandy loam to loam
- Machinery
- Autonomous SwarmFarm robot sprayers plus self-propelled sprayers
- Refilling
- Automated dock and refill station, IBC-fed liquid dosing
- When
- Summer phase, after harvest
- Result
- Fewer shuttles, less crystal build-up in filters and nozzles, more reliable refills
About OUTRIGHT 770 Spray Adjuvant
Farming is tough, but herbicide application doesn’t need to be complicated.
OUTRIGHT 770 Spray Adjuvant by VICCHEM combines ammonium sulphate, penetrating oil and non-ionic surfactants in one convenient liquid formulation. Designed to simplify summer fallow spraying, it helps improve herbicide performance while reducing mixing complexity, compatibility issues and downtime.
OUTRIGHT 770 also helps manage the impact of variable and hard water, supporting more reliable spray performance where water quality can otherwise affect herbicide results. Compatible with glyphosate and commonly used knockdown programs, OUTRIGHT 770 is used by growers looking for straightforward, dependable spray solutions when timing matters most.
For more information, contact VICCHEM on 03 9301 7000, or ask your agronomist or local rural retailer about OUTRIGHT 770 and the full VICCHEM range.