Buyer's Guide: What to look for in a used Condor sprayer

INDUCTION hoppers could be stainless steel or plastic items, and are raised and lowered manually, with gas-strut assistance.

Gas struts weaken over time, and the hopper’s single box-section linkage can wear significantly from constant lifting and lowering, causing the hopper to sit awkwardly.

It is likely that new fixings will be needed to secure the hopper.

A supplementary control screen adds functionality at the fill-point too. Check that everything functions properly and the screen can be viewed.

EARLY Condors were equipped with a pair of Comet 260-litre piston diaphragm pumps.

Later models, and any which have been through the firm’s Cambridgeshire workshop, are likely to have had them replaced by a single, 560-litre Altek piston diaphragm unit.

Access is to the pump is clear and unhindered, affording a thorough inspection of components, filters and plumbing. A 3in fill pipe is standard.

ALL Agrifac Condor models share the same back frame, and first boom sections.

It is not a lightweight affair and is clearly built to withstand some longevity.

Even so, inspect carefully for damage or poor repairs, as putting them right could be costly. Boom pivot pins should be well-greased, as should the tie-bars on the folding geometry.

Grooving

Check break-back too, as each tip is managed by a large gas strut mechanism.

Wear plates are located within the back-frame to allow boom oscillation rollers to run smoothly.

Look for excess wear or grooving and replace as necessary.

Heavy-duty push-pull linkage across the rear of the boom manages yaw, with cushioning achieved by rubber blocks. These blocks can soften and deteriorate over time, and may need to be replaced to maintain boom control.

Early ‘chem-saver’ valves on each nozzle body can stick, leading to non-operation or leaking. Later models got Arag valves.

CONDOR uses the Stabilo Plus chassis, with air suspension and hydraulic track width adjustment from 150-225cm, adjustable from the cab.

The chassis’ two halves act like a rocking beam trailer axle to keep the sprayer’s wheels in contact with uneven ground, while the upper structure rides almost unhindered.

Pay attention to corners and joint plates for signs of cracking on machines with 7,000-plus hours.

Air brakes bring the machine to a stop, using brake shoes within drums. They are a wear item and adjustment is needed, so note how far the brake pedal moves when sat in the cab.

Linde hydraulic wheel motors are shielded for added protection, but hubs can still leak. Look for oil weeping down the inside of each wheel rim.

Drivelines can be distinguished by the hub bolt pattern. Eightstud Brevini hubs are standard items fitted to the lower powered Condor. The 285hp model was fitted with 10-stud hubs, offering more traction and better performance for hills.

Auto-lube systems are common, and can be chassis-only; chassis and back frame; or chassis, back frame and boom pivots, depending on specification.

AGRIFAC’S Condor II arrived in 2010 and came with a Claas Vista cab. A nine-inch touchscreen terminal called Ecotronic Plus replaced the previous model’s clunky dials and switches.

Condor II also came with Agrifac’s own SBG guidance system to operate auto-section control.

“We have the flexibility to adapt the Condor to use any proprietary third-party guidance system,” says Mr Carse.

“And with a modular approach to boom construction, we can reconfigure any working width on a used machine, to suit a customer’s tramline system.”

■ Chem-saver: £47.23
■ Boom pivot pins: £38.92-£67.34
■ Nozzle body: £45.86
■ Rubber yaw blocks: £104.41 each
■ Light duty brake shoes: £301.58 each (eight required)
■ Heavy duty brake shoes: £334.62 each (eight required)
■ Suction filter: £41.19
■ Pressure filter: £21.38
■ Cab carbon filters: £33.81-£65.35

■ 2017, Condor III, 1,000 hours, 5000/36m: £225,000
■ 2015, Condor III, 5,300 hours, 5000/32m: £160,000
■ 2014, Condor III, 5,800 hours, 5000/36m: £115,000
■ 2012, Condor II, 7,500 hours, 5000/40m: £109,994