The editors of No-Till Farmer unearthed a large number of equipment innovations at the 2011 Farm Progress Show, held Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 in Decatur, Ill.

From sprayers to fertilizer applicators to planter technology, it’s clear that manufacturers are continuing to introduce new tools to help no-tillers and strip-tillers farm more profitably. What follows is a brief summary of equipment featured at the show.

Spraying

Case IH featured its new Patriot 4430 self-propelled sprayer with interim Tier 4 technology offering a 12% increase in horsepower and lowered emissions.

The Surveyor cab spans 132 square feet — similar to the cab dimensions in a Steiger tractor — and offers improved exterior and interior lighting. The AIM Command spray system allows operators to maintain constant spray rate and pressure independent of vehicle speed.

“Farmer can cover more acres per day and still use less fuel,” says Ken Lehmann, Case IH’s marketing manager for application equipment.

AGCO exhibited its new RoGator 1100 series self-propelled sprayers. Along with 8.4-liter, Tier IV interim compliant engines, a shorter wheelbase than previous models and a quieter cabin, the 1100 series features improvements in handling that can minimize crop damage.

Engineering changes eliminated the “rooster-tail” effect of tires digging into the ground when the machine turns at end rows, says Lloyd Schmidt, regional sales manager for AGCO.

“We’ve changed that so the wheel stays flat when you turn,” he says.

Hardi North America showed its Navigator 4000 sprayer, now available with a 120-foot boom that folds to…