02/10/06 Improvements on the Stinger

It was last summer that the Aturas Stinger, a prototype propane powered steam weed control machine, toured vineyards and orchards in Washington State as part of a demonstration tour. And according to Kevin Smith of Stinger manufacturer D.J. Batchen of Australia, that time visiting growers in the Northwest and California was the equivalent of having consultants in the Stinger's design room. SMITH: I would say that ninety per cent of the changes on the new generation Stinger that is coming out are the result of grower feedback on how it is more functional and usable and durable in their situations. You heard right about the latest advances on the Stinger. In fact, the latest model will be on display at next week's World Ag Expo in Tulare California. So what does the Stinger 2006 offer? The most significant improvement is a pump that will operate up to seven hours without refueling. That means greater efficiency and a machine that is easier to use. And Smith adds that is combined with the advantages of having a propane powered machine. SMITH: Propane is the best choice simply because it's a very portable fuel and it releases a very high amount of energy per pound. And according to members of the Propane Education Research Council, which sponsored last year's U.S. tour of the Stinger, plans are being developed for another round of demonstrations in the Northwest later this summer.