Best Spraying Drones For Agriculture

Agricultural drones are broadly of two types- spraying/spreading drones and data collection/inspection drones. I’m focusing on the former in the article and awarding the best agriculture drone title to the DJI Agras T50.

DJI has successfully penetrated the drone market, and the agricultural sector is no exception. The Agras T50 is loaded with features and shows a deep understanding of the needs of farmers.

However, DJI is not the only entrant here. There are a few other top agricultural drones as well that are making a mark with their stellar performance. Let’s explore more.

Best Overall

DJI Agras T50

Best Large-Sized Drone

Hylio AG-272

Best Sustainable Drone

Guardian SC 1

Best Compact Drone

DJI Agras T20P

A Quick Overview of The Best Agriculture Drones

Feature	Best Overall	Best Large-Sized Drone	Best Sustainable Drone	Best Compact Drone
Product ➡️ Criteria ⬇️	DJI Agras T50	Hylio AG-272	Guardian SC 1	DJI Agras T20P
Payload & Stability	4.8/5	4.8/5	4.8/5	4/5
Battery & Flight Time	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.2/5
Spraying System	4.8/5	4.5/5	4.7/5	4.8/5
Connectivity & Controller	4.8/5	4.5/5	4.8/5	4.5/5
Obstacle Avoidance	4.8/5	4.3/5	NA	4.8/5
Overall Rating	4.9/5	4.5/5	4.7/5	4.5/5

Best Drone for Agriculture – My Detailed Analysis

Best Overall: DJI Agras T50

The Agras T50 is the latest in the agricultural drones for precision farming category by DJI. Released in April 24, this drone harnesses cutting-edge tech to deliver convenience and functionality for both family farms and large enterprises. It is capable of spraying, spreading, and aerial surveillance, thus making it a worthy investment.

Specifications

Weight: 52 kg (with battery)
Max Take-Off Weight: 92 kg (spraying), 103 kg (spreading)
Flow Rate: 16L/min
Spreading Capacity: 1500kg/hour
Transmission Range: Max Unobstructed: 30 km. Typical Rural Operation Setting: 5 km
Motor KV: 48rpm/V

Photo Credit: ag.dji.com

Payload & Stability

The Agras can perform both spraying and spreading functions. For spraying the load capacity is 40 kg and for spreading it can carry up to 50 kg weight.

It is equipped with a powerful coaxial twin-rotor propulsion system and a split-type torque-resistant structure. This bestows it with a remarkable hovering capability and enhanced stability when flying.

Battery & Flight Time

The drone is powered by a DB1560 Intelligent Flight Battery with a capacity of 30Ah which gives you around 7-10 minutes of flying time. The incredibly short charging time of 9 minutes is a boon for farmers with large fields.

This is made possible through the D12000iE Multifunctional Inverter Generator, which charges the batteries in an air-cooled heat sink.

This keeps the batteries at optimal temperatures while charging. Not only does this aid faster charging, but also enhances battery life and performance. The only drawback is that the generator is not available in all regions.

Spraying System

The Agras T50 has a unique Dual Atomizing Spraying System which is capable of spraying at 16 L/min. The solenoid valves are leak-proof and ensure uniform and fine spray droplets for precise coverage. The drone can be fitted with a pair of centrifugal sprinklers for higher volume spraying up to 24 L/min.

You can even customize the droplet size manually or set it to the 6 offered levels from very coarse to extremely fine.

For the purpose of spreading, the drone uses a spiral channel spinning disk that gives uniform coverage. The spreading flow rate of 108 kg/min can be regulated depending on the requirement by switching to the small hopper gates option. Be mindful though, that the drone does not support powder spreading.

As mentioned earlier, Agras T50 is also one of the best drones for farm surveying. It comes with a high-resolution FPV gimbal camera, which can be used to capture real-time images of fields and orchards.

You can pair this with DJI RC Plus and RTK service to obtain high-definition maps and design flight paths. It can map a 5-hectare orchard or survey a 13-hectare field in under 10 minutes.

Connectivity & Controller

If you are flying at an altitude of 2.5 meters, without obstruction or electromagnetic interference, then the advertised transmission range is 2 km. The best bit is that the quad-antenna O3 Transmission system works offline and can be used in areas with no cellular coverage.

If you are in an area with interference like tall crops, foliage, or hills, then use the DJI Relay Module. The device can significantly increase your signal transmission range, thus making operations easier.

The high brightness widescreen controller has been designed keeping farming conditions in mind. You can easily view it even in bright sunshine. The 8-core processor delivers quick and smooth operations.

For setting the flight path, you can choose between intelligent and manual modes. The intelligent mode is designed to plan efficient routes which minimize the distance travelled with a full tank.

Obstacle Avoidance

The Dual radar and Binocular Vision capabilities offer advanced obstacle avoidance for stress-free flying. Together these systems offer multidirectional obstacle sensing keeping in mind the wide field areas that these drones cover.

For hilly areas, there is a steep terrain sensing radar that the drone can use to fly at a consistent altitude over a varying landscape.

However, as a friend tells me, the obstacle bypassing is supported at altitudes between 2.5-8 m only. For terrain sensing, the altitude is 1.5-30 m.

Verdict:

DJI Agras T50 is a complete package for farmers eyeing a drone with multi-capabilities. It takes care of surveying, spreading, and spraying needs with best-in-class technology that delivers high performance.

Best Large-Sized Drone: Hylio AG-272

Hylio calls the AG-272 a Texas-sized drone. Considering its huge capacity and 14-foot tip-to-tip diameter it could well be the Texas of drones! Besides its size, the drone delivers on other crucial aspects as well.

Specifications

Weight: 27.5 kg (without battery)
Max Take-Off Weight: 75kg
Flow Rate: 7.6 litres/min
Spreading Capacity: 50 acres/hour
Transmission Range: 5 km (SRRC), 4 km (MIC/KCC/CE), 7 km (FCC)
Motor KV: 100 rpm/V

Photo Credit: www.hyl.io

Payload & Stability

Hylio AG-272 has an impressive load capacity of 18 gallons compared to 10 in the DJI Agras T50. It has a swath width of 40 feet, which makes it ideal for large fields that require expansive spraying. With an application rate of 2 gallons per acre, the drone is capable of covering around 50 acres in one hour.

The drone has an 8-rotor configuration and runs on a motor with a KV of 95 rpm/V. Being an octocopter, the drone has more stability and wind resistance. This configuration also makes it more capable of lifting heavier weights as compared to quadcopters.

Battery & Flight Time

The drone utilizes a pair of 42.0 Amp 12S (44.4V) rechargeable LiPo batteries. The battery charger is not as advanced as the Agras T50 but gets the job done.

You can charge 2 batteries in one go with a charging time of 30-60 minutes depending on temperature, power source, and voltage.

On a full payload, you can fly for around 10-15 minutes subject to moderate weather conditions. This makes it imperative to have an extra set of batteries, especially for large fields.

Spraying System

The AG-272’s USP has a massive swath width of almost 40 feet, making it one of the best drones for spraying crops. This wide width means it can cover a very large area of the field with each pass.

It has 16 high-precision TeeJet nozzles, which produce fine to medium droplets. You can adjust the droplet size or spray style by simply switching the nozzle tips. These drones are compatible with most TeeJet style nozzle tips and are easy to replace manually.

If you are using the standard setting the AG-272 sprays at a max flow rate of 4.0 gallons/minute. But this can be altered using the digital flowmeter, which allows you to apply it at the precise dosage of your choice.

Connectivity & Controller

The Hylio AG-272’s Groundlink Controller allows you to fly in fully autonomous and manual modes. You can control up to four drones using a single controller, made possible by Hylio’s unique mission control software, AgroSol.

The controller features a 13.3” screen, which is wide and offers good clarity. The remote is ergonomically designed with controls on both edges for easy operations. It displays all relevant information like altitude, flow rate, GPS position etc., for a smooth flight.

In the autonomous mode, the drone’s software truly takes over. It follows the waypoints, controls the flow rate, monitors the battery, and returns home upon mission completion.

The built-in features ensure that drones do not collide with each other if you are running more than one at a time.

Obstacle Avoidance

The AG-272’s obstacle avoidance system is quite impressive. It has multiple radars facing laterally, downwards, and upwards. This gives the drone an almost 360-degree vision.

When the drone suspects collision, it immediately pauses. You have the option of turning the obstacle avoidance feature on or off.

There is also the option of marking fixed obstacles like poles on the AgroSol software. This helps the drone design an intelligent path around the obstacles without compromising on mission efficiency.

Verdict:

The AG-272, is ideal for large farms not just because of its size but because of the ability to run multiple drones simultaneously. The AgroSol software makes it easier to acquire digital control over the control, planning, and data storage.

Best Sustainable Drone: Guardian SC1

Guardian is the latest entrant in the agricultural drone segment and holds immense promise. Founded in America by former Apple, BAE, Tesla, and Uber executives, the company’s SC1 is an eco-friendly eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone with enhanced capabilities.

Specifications

Weight: 272 kg
Max Take Off Weight: 91 kg
Spreading Capacity: 60 acres/hour

Photo Credit: guardian

Payload & Stability

The drone has a maximum payload capacity of 200 pounds/20 gallons, which makes it apt for large scale agriculture. The craft has a solid build and features 80” rotors that make it a powerful machine. Its axial gap motors provide sufficient torque for lift and enhanced stability.

Battery & Flight Time

The 9.1 kWh batteries of the SC1 are built to last for at least 10,000 cycles. Another game-changing feature is the minimal battery charging time of 1 minute! Imagine how much can be accomplished by saving all the charging time when working on the fields!

Spraying System

The craft has an 18-foot spray broom fitted with swappable TeeJet nozzles. Powered with a high output 30 GPM pump, the SC1 can spray uniformly and close to the crops while minimizing drift.

The TeeJet nozzles can be changed depending on the spraying requirement.

Connectivity & Controller

The SC1 is a fully autonomous craft and is backed by smart technology to make flight efficient. It is able to do so with the help of tech like redundant avionics power supplies, redundant GPS, automated flight fail safes, battery health monitoring, and radio signal strength smart monitoring.

In simpler words, the redundant avionics power supplies means that more than one power supply feeds the system. So, if the primary power source fails for some reason, there is an in-built backup system.

Same with the GPS as well. A redundant GPS system uses multiple sources to help with the positioning. This makes the craft more reliable and capable of autonomous flying.

The reporting system and intuitive planning make it very simple to set up pathways for the most efficient spraying.

Verdict:

The Guardian SC1 is a one-of-a-kind built in America eVOTL drone that looks very promising. Its emphasis on sustainability is what sets it apart from the other drones in the market. It caters to large farm enterprises and performs well in that aspect.

Best Compact Drone: DJI Agras T20 P

If you are looking for a compact drone that packs all features and fits your budget then the DHI Agras T20 P is it. Despite its small size it does a decent job at coverage and can also be used for mapping.

Specifications

Weight: 26 kg (without battery)
Max Take Off Weight: 52 kg (spraying), 58 kg (spreading)
Flow Rate: 6 litres/min
Spreading Capacity: 12 hectares/hour
Motor KV: 48 rpm/V

Photo Credit: www.dji.com

Payload & Stability

This nimble drone is capable of carrying a 20 kg spraying payload and 25 kg spreading payload. The craft has an interesting tilted truss design which makes it easier to handle.

It is a four-rotor drone with foldable propellers that add to its size efficiency. A person can hold this powerful machine with just one hand!

It also features a magnetic drive impeller pump which does not let the motor and pesticide come in contact. Thus preventing corrosion and increasing the durability of the motor.

Battery & Flight Time

The craft is powered by an intelligent flight battery with a 13,000 mAh capacity, which gives it a hovering time of 14.5 minutes (without payload). On a full payload, the drone gives approximately 4-7 minutes for spreading and spraying operations.

You can charge a battery in around 10 minutes using the Smart Charger, which comes with a power back-up system. If using more than one drone then it makes sense to invest in the D6000i Multifunctional Inverter Generator. It is capable of charging 60 batteries in 9 minutes!

Spraying System

The T20 P carries DJI’s signature dual atomized centrifugal sprinkler with a flow rate of 12 litres/minute. By using a dual atomized disc, this spray system is able to ensure even droplets for uniform coverage. The presence of a centrifugal valve means that leakage and over-fertilization can be easily avoided.

For orchard spraying, the drone is capable of covering 2.6 hectares/hour and 12 hectares/hour for farmland. This is subject to change with environmental conditions and parameters like altitude.

Another way the craft ensures uniform coverage is through the weighing sensor that monitors the spread quantity and remaining payload.

What I also liked about the drone is the ease of cleaning the spreading device. It is simple to dismantle, clean, and put back in no time if you are looking to spray different pesticides.

Connectivity & Controller

The large 7-inch controller is very ergonomic and displays all required information. There are customizable buttons on the side and top of the controller.

What’s inside the controller is even better! It is powered by an 8-core processor, which means you can map 6.67 hectares in 10 minutes.

The intelligent route planning feature will chart the most efficient route on its own based on the payload. While the manual mode is also available, I doubt you will need it given that the auto mode is extremely efficient.

Obstacle Avoidance

Similar to the T50, the T20 P is also equipped with multidirectional obstacle sensing. This is made possible by the Active Phased Array Radar and binocular vision sensor system.

This advanced technology helps the drone acquire 360-degree horizontal obstacle sensing with a detection distance of 50 m.

The precise obstacle avoidance system makes it easier to operate in complex and large field conditions. If the drone detects an obstacle, it immediately halts to prevent collision.

Verdict:

DJI delivers another farm-friendly and robust drone with the T20. It is ideal for farmers who want a small yet intelligent drone equipped with the latest technology.

Conclusion

The DJI Agras T50 is currently the best all-rounder drone for agricultural purposes. It can spray efficiently and is built to address the needs of a medium-large sized farm.

However, with the use of UAVs for agricultural purposes rapidly expanding, it remains to be seen what new technology awaits us in the near future.

Author

Diptesh Das

Diptesh Das is your friendly ‘content maniac’ and drone enthusiastic! Being passionate about content writing. He is a firm believer of the power of words and thereby ended up leveraging them to create an impact by sharing his drone knowledge and experiences.