Question 1

How do I mix chemical for the sprayer drone system?

Accepted Answer

Three ways you could mix chemical include:
1.Mix each tank load.
This is the least efficient method but good for small plots.

2. Mix big batches, or hot loads, in a bulk tank.
Mix enough for a full day using IBC/chemical totes (125-, 260- and 330-gallon totes).
*Need to recirculate throughout the day to keep the product in suspension.

3. Mix batches as you go.
Keep a big tank of water, enough for the day, as well as the chemical and two 30–60-gallon, cone-bottom tanks on your trailer. Mix up batches in the cone bottom tanks while the drone is out operating.

An automatic mixing system can be used to mix product as you operate throughout the day as well.

To fill the drone, use a 10 to 20 gallon per minute electric pump. A mini-bulk pump and a 30- to 40-foot hose work well.

Question 2

What pump system is needed for filling drone tank?

Accepted Answer

Pump: Electric mini bulk pumps (CT6 high flow) work well. You can purchase at Shop.FarmChem.com. Another option is a DEF diaphragm pump (8-10 gallons per minute) which can be purchased on Amazon.

Hose and plumbing: You will need a 1” nylon applicator hose, along with valves and banjo couplers which can all be purchased at Shop.FarmChem.com.

Nozzles: We recommend a ¾” fuel nozzle along with a swivel connector similar to those used at a gas station. You can purchase fuel nozzles at your local farm supply store or on Amazon.com.
* Note: Auto shut off fuel nozzles work well but can cause some chemical products to foam.

Fill-through cap: This piece allows you to fill your sprayer tank without having to remove the cap providing operational efficiency. It is available for purchase from Agri Spray Drones. To install the cap you must cut a 41-mm or 1 5/8-inch hole in your existing cap on your drone tank.

Question 3

What truck and trailer setup is needed to operate a sprayer drone?

Accepted Answer

This is dependent of several factors including what drone you have, carrying capacity needed for water and chemical and what areas you will be spraying. Below are some general setup recommendations.

The T10 will fit in the bed of a half-ton pickup with everything you need to spray about 50 acres in a day: 100 gallons of water, a small generator, T10 batteries and chargers.

The T20 will fit in a three-quarter or one-ton pickup with 330 gallons of water/pre-mixed chemical tote, a big generator, T20 batteries and chargers.

A flatbed trailer is recommended when using the T30 due to its size for loading and unloading. Land the drone on the trailer and strap it down to the trailer for transportation. This limits kicking up rocks and potentially damaging the drone’s props as well.

All our drones have IP67 water and dust proofing, but some customers do prefer to use an enclosed trailer to store and transport the drones. In this case, unload the drones at the field and take off from the ground. A longer trailer may be needed when using multiple drones.

Question 4

How many drones can an individual operate at one time?

Accepted Answer

Under the 107 license, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits one pilot to operating one drone at a time. There are exemptions, though. If those are met, a pilot can legally operate up to three drones. The T10 and T30 allow one remote to control up to three drones autonomously in the field, though multiple remotes could be used.

Note that it would be difficult to operate three drones at once by yourself. You will want someone with you to help refill charged batteries, mix chemical, etc.

Question 5

How much can I charge for custom application with a sprayer drone?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on the services you provide and the local market.

We recommend for large acreage jobs charging the same amount helicopters charge or even $2 more per acre. Typically, this will be around $14-15 per acre. If it is a smaller job, we recommend charging by the hour at a rate of $400-450 per hour with the T30.

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