Originally developed in New Zealand for use in apple orchards more than 50 years ago, Croplands spray equipment has been designed and manufactured specifically for New Zealand conditions. Today, as one of the country's most trusted sprayer brands, Croplands Equipment supports growers across the horticulture, viticulture, vegetable, berry and arable sectors.
Richard Flatman, Fruitfed Horticulture National Product Manager – Machinery, says the partnership between Croplands and Fruitfed Horticulture dates back to 1972, when the two companies first collaborated to distribute an airblast orchard sprayer tailored to the needs of New Zealand growers. Richard says, “More than five decades later, our relationship continues to deliver value to growers with a complete service offering, from machinery selection and purchase through to product recommendations, nozzle selection and in-field spray application support.” As New Zealand horticulture has evolved, so too has the ag-tech supporting growers. Labour shortages, increased demands for efficiency and sustainability have driven significant innovation in spray equipment.
“The way we grow our crops in New Zealand has certainly changed since 1972. With this evolution in our growing techniques in the field, our infield equipment has had to evolve with Croplands continually adapting to these changes. From the introduction of multirow vineyard sprayers in 1999 and the development of the latest VinePro range, to the evolution of pipfruit spraying from
the traditional Cropliner to advanced multi-row systems such as the Hol Spraying Systems (HSS), the focus has remained the same: helping growers achieve accurate, efficient and reliable spray coverage.” Today, as the industry embraces automation, precision application and advanced crop sensing technologies, Croplands continues to lead the way with innovative solutions that help growers reduce inputs, improve efficiency and address labour challenges. “Along with the Croplands team, we are pleased to showcase two of the latest advancements in spray technology now available for New Zealand growers.”
Kilter AX-1 autonomous robot weeding technology
The first Kilter AX-1 autonomous weed control robot has arrived in New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for vegetable growers. Designed specifically for vegetable production, the Kilter AX-1 combines green-on-green weed detection with single drop technology, enabling highly targeted herbicide application and cleaner crops while reducing labour requirements. With AI vision, the AX‑1 identifies and targets weeds in a 360‑degree area around each crop. Richard says, “We’ve been following the testing journey of the Kilter AX-1 in Australia and see strong potential for New Zealand vegetable growers to benefit from the same advantages seen in Australia, particularly in high-value cropping systems where labour efficiency and precision are critical. Running multiple AX-1 units increases productivity, while their compact size and portability make it easy to move between locations.” Richard adds, “We are delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Croplands as the sole distributor for the Kilter AX-1 in New Zealand.”
Features and benefits:
» Green-on-green weed detection
» Precise single droplet weed detection technology
» Autonomous operation to reduce labour pressure
» 21 crops currently classified, more in trials
» Supports organic farming practices
Hol Spraying Systems (HSS) multi-row orchard sprayers For orchardists looking to maximise efficiency, HSS multi-row sprayers represent the latest generation of orchard spray technology. The partnership between Croplands and Hol Spraying Systems combines innovative European engineering with Croplands’ extensive experience in New Zealand horticulture, delivering a solution designed for modern narrow-row orchard systems, available through Fruitfed Horticulture.
Features and benefits:
» 1000L, 1500L, 2000L and 3000L tank sizes for single row models
» 2000L and 3000L tank sizes for three row models
» Even, low drift air distribution matched to the canopy
» Individual rows monitored for flow rate, ensuring even spray distribution across all 3 rows
» Low decibel efficient fan with simple and robust mechanical drive system
» Low maintenance
» Operator-friendly headland-assist features, including synchronised folding
» Mid-mounted boom for efficient folding and improved weight distribution
» Narrow folded width for safe transport
» Flotation tyres
Whether it’s autonomous solutions, precision application or advanced multirow spraying, Fruitfed Horticulture and Croplands remain committed to providing equipment designed around the needs of New Zealand growers. With a focus on spray coverage, reliability, efficiency and lower maintenance costs, these technologies are helping growers meet the challenges of modern horticulture with confidence.
For more information about the Croplands Kilter AX-1 autonomous weed control technology or the Croplands HSS multi-row sprayers, talk with your Fruitfed Horticulture Representative.