It may look similar to the original, but our latest Variable Geometry boom is the product of 25 years design evolution. Now in its third generation, our Variable Geometry boom was the first 36 metre steel boom of its kind manufactured in the UK. It was launched at Cereals in 2000.

Often copied, but never bettered, the floating design of the boom provides greater control of boom height and contouring compared to other booms on the market. One of our Bateman principles is to keep the machine as light as possible. The latest generation of the third section on the boom is 30% lighter than the previous design. The second section and breakback feature a similar reduction in weight. Eighty percent of the components on our latest VG Boom are different to those on the original design.

Our Variable Geometry boom comes into its own when spraying on more challenging and undulating ground. Positive and negative incline off the main centre frame provides greater accuracy when spraying on banks.

When you’re spraying and get too close to that tree or hedge, our Variable Geometry boom springs into action. Hydraulic breakback is situated at every fold point along the boom, even at the main centre frame joint. The boom is designed to cushion the impact by working with the forward motion of the sprayer and folding backwards before correcting itself once the obstacle has been negotiated, leaving you to carry on spraying without causing any damage to the boom.

Because our booms are modular designs you can retrofit the latest third section to any previous generation. Manufactured in-house, there are endless possibilities for bespoke configurations. However, it doesn’t stop there. Should you decide to change your on-farm plans further into your Bateman ownership, it’s relatively quick and inexpensive to change the boom width retrospectively. Available in widths from 24m to 42m, our Variable Geometry boom is an optional extra on the RB26 and RB35 but a standard fitting on the RB55.

For Jason Bateman the VG boom is a perfect example of Bateman’s design thinking: “Over the years, the VG boom has carried sleeve booms, air tech systems and now pulse width modulation with AI spot spraying technology. We test our products to their limits, anything launched to market must be capable of many years’ service in the field.”