My name is Ben O’Driscoll, and I farm alongside my grandfather and cousin, David. Together, we manage 350 acres of tillage land in East Cork. After 11 years of using another brand of sprayer, we decided to switch back to HARDI, and it’s been an absolute game-changer.
We initially switched from HARDI to a different brand sprayer 11 years ago, but after seeing the HARDI Navigator 4000 first hand at Lynch & McCarthys, we knew we had to give it another try. HARDI’s dedication to sprayer technology made it an easy decision. They focus exclusively on sprayers, and that level of specialisation really shows in the quality and performance of their machines.
We’ve worked with Lynch & McCarthy for years, particularly with Stuart Hosford, whose exceptional customer service has made all the difference in our experience. Their support, combined with the innovation of the HARDI Navigator, has made this investment more than worth it.
When the Navigator 4000 first arrived, it looked bigger and wider than what we were used to. But once we got behind the wheel, we quickly realised that its size didn’t hinder its performance. The steering drawbar made the machine surprisingly easy to manoeuvre, and the sprayer follows the tractor’s tyre lines closely, minimising crop damage—something that was a concern for us with previous models.
We run the sprayer on a Ford 7810 with ISOBUS integration, which isn’t the most common setup, but it works perfectly for us. The real standout upgrade, however, is the section control. Our previous sprayer didn’t have this feature, but it’s made a huge difference. Section control reduces chemical and liquid nitrogen usage, translating to substantial savings each year.
Switching to the HARDI Navigator sprayer did have a bit of a learning curve, but the team at Lynch & McCarthy, along with John from IAM Agricultural Machinery, provided excellent hands-on training in the field. Once we got the hang of it, using the sprayer became second nature.
A feature that has been a total game-changer for us is the TurboFiller. No more messy premixing in buckets—just add the product directly, and the sprayer automatically mixes it for you. A quick agitation in the field, and you’re good to go. It’s all about efficiency.
Maintenance has been minimal—just the usual routine greasing. It’s a relief to have a sprayer that’s as reliable and low-maintenance as the Navigator 4000.
One of the most significant upgrades has been in terms of output. Our previous sprayer was 2500L with 21m booms. Moving to 4000L tank and 24m booms, we’re now able to cover 55–60 acres per fill, nearly doubling our output. This has greatly sped up our work and made our farming operations much more efficient.
After two seasons with the HARDI Navigator 4000, I can confidently say that we made the right choice. The combination of innovation, efficiency, and exceptional service from Lynch & McCarthy has exceeded our expectations. HARDI is the only brand I would consider when upgrading again in the future.
If you’re a farmer looking to upgrade your sprayer, I highly recommend considering HARDI. Their focus on sprayer technology ensures you’re getting a product that stands out in performance and reliability.
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