How many acres can a DJI Agras T40 Drone spray? This is critical to know since you need to estimate the time custom application jobs will take, how many drones, and how many pilots you need.
The DJI T40 is incredibly efficient, thanks to it's high capacity 10.5 gallon tank and high-performance pumps. Coupled with intelligent flight planning software, the T40 can cover a lot of ground, or forest, or rangeland... in a relatively short time compared to traditional methods of spraying. However, the exact coverage capacity depends on various factors, including the drone's speed, flight height, swath width, and application rate for the chemical and crop being treated.
DJI Specs the drone at 52 acres per hour. But is that what you can expect? Not exactly.
The T40 performs best when spraying row crops like corn or potatoes, which typically have large, uniform fields. Spraying orchards at a high gallon per acre rate on a hillside at high altitude will require a lot more from the batteries and slow things down significantly.
Let's break down the key factors influencing the T40's application rate:
-
Flight Speed: The typical rating is 7 meters / second or 15.6 mph. But you often need to fly slower to get a higher gallon per acre rate.
-
Flight Height / Swath Width: Around 32 feet when flying at a 12 foot altitude
-
Application Rate: 2 gallons per acre. The T40 has a 3 gallon per minute max flow rate. Check your label and make sure you are following the recommended aerial application rate.
-
Flight Time and Battery Life: The DJI T40's flight time on a single battery charge is rated at 15 minutes but we bring it home to refill well before the battery is out. Typically 25% remaining or more. The goal is to empty the tank before the battery.
Based on these factors you can expect the following:
To achieve the maximum acres per hour you want to hold your flight speed constant at the maximum 15 mph. This works until your flow rate exceeds 3 gallons per minute at which point the flow rate becomes the limiting factor and flight speed must slow down.
Notice how many changeovers you have to perform to hit the higher gallon per acre rate. Best to get a fast pump and charger!
The bottom line is, you probably can't get 52 acres an hour like DJI says you can, but you can be very productive if you work on your changeover times and pay attention to your flow rate and flight speed.
If you are interested in getting this spreadsheet, just send us your information using the form below.
Happy spraying!
