Slimline Manufacturing

High-density planting is steadily replacing traditional methods by maximizing land use and yield through cultivating numerous smaller, closely spaced plants rather than fewer large, well-spaced ones. Concentrating crops in a smaller area brings multiple benefits, such as reduced diesel consumption, lower labor costs, and fewer chemicals required. These advantages enhance farm productivity and promote sustainable practices.

However, high-density planting can be more challenging than traditional planting due to its need for precise resource management, optimized irrigation, targeted fertilization, and efficient pest control. Airblast sprayers can help with effective pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide applications, ensuring optimal pest management in dense plantations.

Spearheading technological innovations to support this modern agricultural practice is Slimline Manufacturing, a premier international manufacturer of airblast sprayers and industrial evaporators.

“For decades, innovation has been our language, and we have been delivering nuanced, high-quality, durable, and intelligent agricultural technologies to growers,” says Roman Astrachan, engineering manager at Slimline Manufacturing.

The company’s technologies are built to meet the evolving needs of high-density planting. They are more compact to help growers navigate narrower rows and tighter turning radii while still providing effective nutrient applications. Slimline has also implemented technologies like the Gear Up Throttle Down concept to encourage operators to use higher gears at lower throttle settings. This gives the operator the desired speed while allowing them to save up to 40 percent on fuel. Slimline’s solutions guarantee reduced diesel consumption, thanks to their advanced fan technologies. These smaller, more efficient fans cut diesel usage without compromising nutrient application accuracy.

Another focus is addressing labor shortages and increasing labor costs. The company prioritizes building more durable equipment that requires less preventative maintenance. By using high-quality, vibration-resistant hardware, Slimline minimizes the need for frequent maintenance. As a result, growers can reduce labor costs and improve overall farming efficiency.

Chemical use optimization is another area where Slimline excels. Its machines are designed for precise targeting, drift elimination, and savings on fuel, chemicals, and water, along with the associated financial and ecological benefits. Their spray nozzles and advanced calibration systems ensure accurate chemical application.

What makes Slimline’s machines more accurate is the use of canopy contouring attachments. The TurboMist brand is known for its longevity in part due to their exclusive powder coating, which protects the steel from external elements, and polished, welded stainless steel tanks, which ensure life after warranty. This focus on durability and quality makes these products highly appreciated by growers who need reliable, long-lasting machinery.

And how do these solutions perform in regular farming?

In one case, a Slimline customer relied on a heavier machine that required more diesel to operate and tended to overspray, resulting in wasteful chemical usage. While the plants received sufficient nutrients, the excess was unnecessary and led to higher costs. Slimline stepped in to educate the farmer and explore the potential of using a smaller machine with a reduced fan size that still provided the necessary airflow to effectively apply chemicals. The efforts were successful. The customer replaced their large machine with a more tailored, smaller machine with a smaller fan. This change resulted in significant savings in both diesel and chemical usage. The optimized approach allowed the farmer to maintain the same level of chemical concentration and deposition rates as before, but with reduced operational costs and enhanced efficiency.

Slimline understands the value of crops for growers and uses an iterative process, frequently refining designs based on customer input to ensure they meet expectations. This approach also guides the company in improving its innovations over time, such as customizing sprayer attachments. These machines can be upgraded based on the crop type, including apples, hops, or citrus fruits.

Slimline’s solutions provide farmers with the tools they need to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape, delivering superior returns on investment and driving industry innovation. To date, the company has consistently delivered safe, durable, and economically sustainable machines to over 600 locations worldwide. Its ongoing commitment to excellence and increasing pack-out rates continues to drive progress in agricultural practices globally.