44 | Greer expanding its equipment range Russell Fredric “There’s so many different crops out there, you’ve got to know the speci c application requirements for each.” K eeping pace with strong growth has prompted Marton-based family business Greer Ground Spraying to expand its equipment range. Director Graham Greer says steady demand for the company’s broad-acre spraying services on livestock and cropping farms has resulted in investing $450,000 in a new Mercedes Benz Unimog-based spraying unit. With six units comprising three purpose-built self-propelled four wheel steer sprayers, two truck- based units and the Unimog, Greer Ground Spraying is well-equipped to meet virtually any need. The Unimog was purchased because of its higher ground clearance and greater capacity which allows it to cover about 25% more than the other rigs in the same time, Graham says. “The business has grown over a period of time and the Unimog creates ef ciencies both on and off the job.” While the self-propelled units can only travel on public roads at 50km/h, the Unimog and trucks can do 90km/h, cutting down the travel time between jobs. Graham and his partner Christine have owned the business since 2002. Graham’s two sons, Hamish and Isaac are among their team of six. He notes the changes in technology since then, especially GPS and TracMap which are widely used by rural contractors in New Zealand. “When I rst started we used to use foam markers to nd our way around the paddocks, but now we’re all GPS and two of our vehicles are auto-steer.” GPS and TracMap not only provide extremely accurate guidance, but also indicates hazards and provides proof of placement both for the company and its clients. “On TracMap you can click on a paddock and it shows us where to go and what to put on it.” Despite the automation and assistance of technology, spraying requires skill and the accumulation of knowledge of the products needed as well as the plants and ground areas covered. “It’s not something you learn overnight, there’s training involved.” “Since I started 40-plus years ago there was half a dozen chemicals that you used and they were all very basic, but now there’s more and there’s so many different crops out there, you’ve got to know the speci c application requirements for each and what chemicals can be mixed together.” Training a spray applicator takes a minimum of three to four years to achieve a reasonable level of RURAL SERVICES » Greer Ground Spraying 021 705 048 | nextlevellineboring@gmail.com Heavy fabrication • Lineboring • Hydraulic system design • Hydraulic hoses Mobile & In-House Need tyres? Here at All Terrain Alignments Marton, we offer more than just tyres, providing suspension and accessories. We can do tyres for all makes of cars, 4WDs, ATVs, trucks and tractors, in store or out in the field. We can supply all the top brands and can recommend the correct tyre for your application. We also stock hydraulic hoses, oils, and batteries. P 06 327 4087 M 027 255 8776 (After hours) E allterrainalign@xtra.co.nz W allterrainalignments.nz 22 High St, Marton 4710 COME IN AND SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU! competency and with the spray booms spanning up to 24 metres, driving the spray rigs is also a key skill, Graham says. The steady but strong demand for the business’ services has been the result of the quality of work over many years, as well as ensuring good communication and developing good relationships with clients. Graham describes the regulatory environment it operates and ballooning compliance requirements as being extremely challenging. Graham, Hamish and Isaac are registered chemical applicators through Rural Contractors New Zealand and certi ed handlers of speci c chemicals that require particular care. Graham says despite much of the North Island being hit by a storm mid-December, the season has been favourable overall.
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