The Hardi Navigator
The Hardi Navigator has long been recognised as a high-quality, mid-size trailed sprayer, delivering robust performance and versatility on farms across New Zealand. Built on a foundation of reliability, precision, and ease of use, it remains a trusted choice for growers looking to optimise spraying efficiency while maintaining exceptional boom ride and fluid control.
“The Navigator is, without a doubt, the most popular Hardi sprayer,” says Hardi’s Territory Manager in New Zealand, Ross Dickson. “Designed as a high-quality, high-capacity sprayer that’s very user friendly, it continues to provide outstanding value to farmers.” A key feature of the Navigator range is its ability to match different operational needs, with main tank capacities of 3000, 4000, 5000, or 6000 litres and boom options spanning from 18 to 36.5 metres.
This versatility ensures that whether on small broadacre farms or in row cropping operations, farmers can configure their Navigator to suit paddock size and productivity goals. The Navigator’s heavy duty chassis and axles are engineered for high-speed driving under tough field and road conditions. Constructed from high-tensile steel, the robust frame is designed for durability and performance. The long drawbar maintains a straight-line connection from the coupling point to the axle, ensuring exceptional stability even when crossing uneven paddocks at speed.
Farmers can also choose between a fixed or steering drawbar on the 3-4000 litre machines to best suit their operational needs. Hardi’s boom technology enhances the Navigator’s efficiency, with several options available to meet the demands of different farming environments. The TR4 boom offers widths from 24 to 30 metres, while the Force boom, available on the 5000 and 6000 models, extends from 30 to 36 metres, combining wide coverage in the field with compact transportability.
The Eagle boom, ranging from 18 to 30 metres, provides superior performance in rough conditions, while the Hys boom is a lightweight, compact option available in 12 to 18 metres on the 3-4000 litre units. For those requiring drift control, the Hys Air Stream boom provides an effective solution. A major advantage of the Navigator is its Isobus compatibility. This universal communication protocol ensures seamless integration with modern tractor systems, allowing farmers to operate the sprayer using their existing tractor terminal without the need for additional displays or controls.
This not only reduces set-up complexity but also ensures that farmers can operate the Navigator using a familiar interface. “It also saves a lot of tedious sprayer set-up and calibration work,” Ross explains. “There’s no risk of running into installation or interface problems—it’s a ‘plug and spray’ solution.” For tractors without an ISOBUS-compatible guidance system, Hardi offers dedicated ISOBUS controllers, the HC8600 and HC9600. Designed specifically for agricultural applications, these controllers provide seamless integration with the Navigator’s spray functions.
The HC8600 features an 8.4-inch colour touchscreen, while the HC9600 offers a larger 12.1-inch screen, ensuring clear and precise control over spraying operations. Both controllers provide access to key functions such as guidance mapping, autosteer, auto section control, and monitoring of application rate, tank levels, boom height, and spraying speed. Additionally, auto section control, boom height control, and steering are unlocked as standard, ensuring efficient and precise application in every spray job.
“The simplicity of ISOBUS connection makes it easy to access the precise steering and application controls that modern farming demands,” says Ross. “The combination of main tank and boom choices means farmers can optimise the Navigator to their specific needs while benefiting from the latest precision spraying technology.” With its well-balanced design, high-speed capability, and cutting-edge ISOBUS integration, the Hardi Navigator continues to set the benchmark for mid-size trailed sprayers. Whether tackling demanding broadacre conditions or fine tuning application rates with precision electronics, it remains a reliable and indispensable asset for New Zealand farmers and contractors.