After testing a new Rears 500 Gallon Powerblast Standard orchard sprayer I can say I am really impressed by the performance and features of this machine.

The 28 degree fan gives a tremendous volume of air at relatively slow speed, which gives the air blast considerable inertia and is able to penetrate thick canopies without really damaging fruit or even blooms.

This is important, because canopy penetration is not a question of high speed, but being able to displace the air that is already in place, so that the air with the spray particles can move them into the canopy and deposit them on the leaves. I usually relate the canno type sprayers to trying to sweep the patio with a toothbrush!

Very impressive in initial airspeed out of the tiny cannon opening, but no weight, mass and punch to follow through!

Anyway, aside from the excellent air volume, the Rears machine is equipped with Hu valves, which work on a by-pass differential pressure system which is very ingenious and quite efficient, that, added to the electric manifold controls, make running this unit a pleasure.

Another feature that caught my fancy is the Constant Velocity Hitch, which allows you to make tight turns (the ends of the the rows are always too tight!) without damaging the driveshaft and without having to turn off the PTO.

This hitch operates off the lower arms of the three point hitch and the driveshaft is comprised of 3 equally long sections, so that there is no sliding in and out of the telescoping standard shaft.

Our Rating on a scale from 1 to 10 : 8 1/2

Stay tuned; we are currently testing other units and innovative spray systems.