Introduction

 

In modern agriculture, efficiency and precision are paramount. Ag spray drones have revolutionized the way we manage and maintain crops, offering unparalleled accuracy and time savings. But to fully harness the power of these drones, having the right support infrastructure is crucial.

 

Enter your ag spray drone trailer—a mobile command center that ensures your operations run smoothly. You can conceive of your trailer like a NASCAR pit stop where every second counts. When your drone lands, your trailer has everything you need primed and ready to go so you can get your drone back in the air as quickly as possible. Because when your drone isn't in the air, it's not making you any money.

 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ag spray drone trailers, from understanding their importance to choosing the right one for your needs. We will explore costs, features, maintenance, and real-world examples to help you make informed decisions. 

 

 

 

Understanding Ag Spray Drone Trailers

 

Ag spray drone trailers are specialized mobile units designed for the transportation, refiling, recharging, and facilitation of smooth spray drone operations.

Drone trailers at their core provide the following value to your business:

 

Transportation:

 

Agras drones are big. And moving them around isn't always the simplest task. Ag spray drone trailers are the most convenient and efficient way for you to bring your Agras drones to your worksite. Typically they are outfitted with specialized racks, straps, or compartments to securely transport your drones and equipment from one location to another.

 

Efficiency and Convenience:

 

With dedicated spaces for tools, water tanks, and chemical mixers, battery chargers, and more, drone trailers ensure that all the necessary equipment is in the optimal position for you to work as efficiently as possible. It's hard to overstate the importance of being able to roll up to any worksite fully equipped, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

 

Safety:

 

Larger trailers often provide a landing and take-off zone for the drones, which ensures that there's always a safe area to operate from, regardless of field conditions. With systematized water and chemical solution organization, drone trailers help minimize the risks associated with the manual handling of agro-chemicals. 

 

 

 

Trailer Features Essential for Efficient Operation

 

Core Components

 

Water Tanks:

 

You'll want to be sure you have enough water for the acreage you intend to cover. Not every farm or spray site will have straightforward access to water, so it's important to prepare . And you might prepare to bring more water Minimum of 800-1000 gallons, split into 2x 400-gallon tanks for balance and security.

 

 

 

Mixed Chemical Tanks / Batch Tanks:

 

The chemical solution you spray should be stored in a way that makes it easy to access for quick refilling of your drone. Cone bottom tanks with self-agitation are ideal for preventing chemical sedimentation. We've seen trailers with batch tanks anywhere from 30 to 100 gallons. The volume you go with depends on your needs and how much space you have. 

 

 

 

Chemical Mixing and Mixers:

 

Advanced drone trailer setups include features such as chemical mixers that can accurately measure out chemicals and mix them before filling up the drone's tank. An automatic mixing system will enhance safety and efficiency.

 

Power Sources and Generators:

 

To keep your batteries charged and your pumps powered, you'll need to dedicate space for one or more generators. We recommend multiple smaller generators over a single large generator because they can fit better in compact spaces, and they offer an important redundancy.

 

 

 

Refilling and Recharging:

 

It's worth taking some time to carefully plan your refilling and recharging workflow. This is where the majority of your efficiency gains will come, by streamlining this process to minimize drone downtime. When planning your drone trailer layout, the recharging and refilling will center around the takeoff/landing zone.

For trailers that have a dedicated takeoff/landing zone, you'll want the hose and pump system connecting to your batch tank to have adequate length to reach the drone. You can consider adding a flowmeter to the system to track how much volume you're moving. Similarly, the battery chargers should be as close as safely possible, so you can swap batteries with as few steps as possible.

If your trailer doesn't have a dedicated takeoff/landing zone, a longer hose is recommended to flexibly cater to more distant takeoff/landing zones.

 

Storage Solutions:

 

Keeping your workspace organized and free of clutter will improve your efficiency, and ultimately your bottom line. It's worth considering investing in sturdy shelving, countertop, and compartment space to help store anything from chemicals, batteries, spare parts, backup generators, and more.

 

Observation Deck:

 

An elevated position from which the pilot in command can stand is helpful when operating over tall crops like corn, or rolling hills and terrain. This is important not just from a legal perspective where visual line of site must be maintained, but also in terms of safety and performance. A sturdy ladder or stairway can give access to the observation deck, which should be outfitted with protective railing where the operator or operators stand. 

 

 

 

Optional Enhancements

 

Landing Zone:

 

Some larger trailers have specially marked landing zones for drones, making it easy for them to land safely and take-off without any hassle. This feature is particularly useful when you’re working in remote or rugged terrain where a designated landing area may be hard to come by. Also, if you're taking off from an elevated platform, it minimizes the dust that's kicked up by the propellers when taking off and landing. In some trailers, the landing zone and the observation deck are the same platform.

 

Remote Key Fobs:

 

We've seen creative users set up remote control of various equipment from generators to pumps that can be turned on/off with a click of a key fob. For example, you don't need your pump system on all the time if they're dead heading against a closed valve. You can turn the pump on with a remote key fob attached to you belt when it's time to refill the drone, and then turn it off after you're done refilling.

 

Comfort Items:

 

Think of how stools, benches, or adjustments you can make to minimize strain from repetitive movement. For hot summer months, air conditioning, or some sort of umbrella holder or canopy covering for shade can make long workdays more bearable. We mention shade as a comfort item, but it can make a big difference in charging efficiency to give your generators, chargers, and batteries protection from direct sunshine. 

 

 

 

Choosing the Right Drone Trailer for Your Needs

 

When deciding on a drone trailer, it's important to consider your specific needs and operational requirements. Factors such as the size of your farm or spray site, type of terrain you'll be working in, and the amount of water and chemicals you'll need should all be taken into account. It's also important to choose a reputable and reliable manufacturer that offers customizable options to best fit your unique needs.

 

Factors to Consider

 

Budget:

 

Set a budget for your drone trailer and consider long-term costs such as upgrades, maintenance, and insurance.

 

Premade or DIY:

 

One option is to purchase a premade drone trailer from a reputable manufacturer. These trailers often come with standard features and can be customized to fit your specific needs. Another option is to build your own DIY drone trailer, which can be considerably cheaper and allows for complete customization but requires more time and effort.

 

Trailer Size - Gooseneck Trailer vs Pickup Truck Bed: 

 

Consider the size of your farm or spray site and how much acreage you'll need to cover. This will determine the size and capacity of the water tank, chemical tanks, and overall trailer dimensions. Gooseneck trailers typically offer more space and stability, but they also require a larger vehicle to tow them. For smaller operations, a pickup truck bed may suffice. It depends on your region and the type of farms and fields you will be servicing, and what kinds of roads and accessibility they have.

 

Weight Capacity:

 

Make sure the weight capacity of your chosen trailer can handle all the equipment you plan to carry. Overloading a trailer can be dangerous and cause damage to your equipment. For example, if you're planning on carrying around 800 gallons of fresh water, along with the drones, generators and everything else, you'll need a trailer with two 5,500 pound axles.

 

Enclosed or Open Air:

 

An enclosed trailer offers protection from the elements, safeguarding your equipment from adverse weather conditions like rain, wind, or extreme heat. This can be particularly beneficial for safeguarding sensitive electronics and maintaining chemical integrity. However, enclosed trailers also present challenges such as limited ventilation.

On the other hand, an open-air trailer provides easier access to equipment and a natural ventilation system but at the cost of exposure to weather and potential physical damage. The choice between an enclosed or open-air trailer will largely depend on your operational environment and the specific needs of your drone operations.

 

Landing Deck vs. Ground Takeoff:

 

Consider the type of takeoff and landing you prefer for your drone operations. A dedicated landing deck on the trailer can offer a secure and designated space for safe drone landings, while also minimizing dust kicked up by propellers. However, dedicating space on your trailer for the drone to takeoff and land may mean additional costs. If you're confident that the fields you are servicing will have flat, open space for safe takeoff and landing, then you should be fine foregoing a landing deck. 

 

 

 

Tips and Advice

 

Backups are Essential:

 

Always have backups for critical equipment such as generators, chargers, propellers and spare parts, etc. This will ensure that if one fails, you can continue operations without delay.

 

Label Everything:

 

To avoid any confusion or potential mistakes, label all equipment and chemicals in your trailer. This includes labeling the water tank and chemical tanks with their respective contents for easy identification.

 

Check Trailer Laws:

 

Some countries or states have specific laws and regulations for towing trailers, so make sure to research legal requirements in your area before hitting the road.

 

Train Operators on Proper Handling:

 

Ensure all operators are properly trained on how to safely operate the trailer and its various components. This includes training on loading and securing equipment, as well as proper driving techniques when towing the trailer.

 

Shade for Equipment:

 

As mentioned earlier, providing shade for your equipment can not only make working conditions more comfortable but can also protect sensitive electronics from direct sunlight and prolong their lifespan. Consider options such as umbrella holders or canopy coverings to provide shade for your generators, chargers, and batteries.

 

Plan Ahead:

 

Plan your routes and refueling stops ahead of time to minimize downtime and keep operations running smoothly.

 

Inspect Your Trailer Regularly:

 

Just like any other equipment, it's important to regularly inspect your drone trailer for any issues or damage that may impede its performance or safety. Make sure to check things like tires, brakes, lights, and hitch connections before each use.

 

Clean Thoroughly:

 

After each use, it's important to clean your trailer and equipment thoroughly. This will prolong their lifespan and prevent any potential contamination from leftover chemicals or debris. 

 

 

 

Costs Involved

 

Budget and Customization Options

 

When planning your drone trailer, consider both your budget and the level of customization you might require. While costs can vary based on region and specific needs, here’s a ballpark estimate:

 

• Basic Setup: $10,000 - $20,000
• Mid-Range Setup: $20,000 - $50,000
• Advanced Setup: $50,000 - $100,000

 

Investing in an ag spray drone trailer requires careful budgeting. While a higher initial investment in a well-designed, customized trailer can boost efficiency and productivity, it’s important to balance that with available financial resources. Many manufacturers offer base models with optional upgrades, allowing you to start with essential features and add more as your budget allows. On the other hand, DIY options can yield major savings, but require investment of time and energy. Look for flexibility in design to accommodate future growth and technological advancements.

 

Budgeting Tips

 

Assess Your Needs:

 

Determine what features are essential versus optional.

 

Plan for Growth:

 

Consider future expansion and opt for a modular design that can be upgraded.

 

Seek Financing Options:

 

Some suppliers offer financing plans to ease the initial investment burden.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Investing in an ag spray drone trailer is a strategic decision that can significantly enhance your agricultural productivity. By understanding the key features, budgeting wisely, and maintaining your equipment, you'll be well-equipped to harness the full potential of drone technology.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you'll be better prepared to navigate the exciting world of ag spray drone trailers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, the right equipment can make all the difference. Happy flying!

 

Special thanks to AgriSpray Drones for the photos used in this article. 

 

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DJIAgriculture

Follow us on YouTube: youtube.com/@DJIAgriculture

Follow us on Instagram:  instagram.com/djiagriculture_official