The difference is measured target-zone data
Comparison
- Nozzles: ARAG CFLD-XC40 and Agrotop SpotFan
- Fan angle: 40° for both
- Question: What share of one nozzle’s output lands in the central 25 cm when that nozzle fires alone?
- CFLD-XC40 pattern: Tapered, measured by ASJ on a 5 cm patternator at heights from 50 to 100 cm
- Measured example: CFLD-XC4003 at 70 cm and 3 bar—68.7% of its output in the central 25 cm
- Even-fan comparison at 70 cm: Approximately 49% in the same central 25 cm
- CFLD-XC4002 at 70 cm: Approximately 72% in the central 25 cm
- CFLD-XC4006 at 70 cm: Approximately 59% in the central 25 cm
- SpotFan pattern: Agrotop describes a normal distribution; Greenleaf describes a modified tapered pattern
- SpotFan target-zone measurement: No equivalent height-by-height data set was found
- Result: A target-zone rate can be calculated for the tested CFLD-XC40 nozzles. It cannot currently be calculated for the SpotFan with the same confidence.
- Not claimed: That the SpotFan is worse, or that either nozzle responds faster under PWM
The ARAG CFLD-XC40 and Agrotop SpotFan appear to be closely matched nozzles.
Both have a narrow 40° fan. Both are promoted for low-drift spot spraying, optical systems and PWM applications.
For isolated single-spot spraying, however, fan angle and Spray Quality do not answer the most important question:
When one nozzle fires over one weed, how much of its output lands in the target zone beneath that nozzle?
That is where the difference becomes important.
What we know about the two patterns
The ARAG CFLD-XC40 has a tapered pattern. It places more spray through the centre of the fan and progressively less toward the edges.
Agrotop describes the SpotFan as having a normal or modified tapered distribution designed to reduce over-application where neighbouring patterns meet. It therefore appears to be closer to a tapered fan than a true even fan.
The difference is not that one nozzle has a tapered pattern and the other does not.
The difference is that ARAG has measured the CFLD-XC40’s distribution through the target zone at different operating heights.
We have not found an equivalent height-by-height data set for the SpotFan.
That does not prove the SpotFan is worse. It means its target-zone rate cannot currently be calculated from comparable measured data.
Why measured distribution matters
ASJ, the manufacturer of ARAG nozzles, tests individual CFLD-XC40 nozzles over a patternator divided into 5 cm channels.
The testing measures how much of the nozzle’s total output lands within the central 25 cm strip beneath the activated nozzle. This measured share is called Target Zone Efficiency, or TZE.
Testing has been completed across nozzle sizes and boom heights from 50 to 100 cm.
For example, at 70 cm height and 3 bar:
- The CFLD-XC4003 places approximately 68.7% of its output in the central 25 cm
- A theoretically perfect even fan of the same angle would place approximately 49% there
The measured percentage changes with nozzle size, pressure and height. That is why using fan angle alone cannot fully describe where the spray lands.
Why this matters for single-spot spraying
Three different rates may be relevant when an optical spot-spraying nozzle activates:
- Overlapping rate: the conventional rate calculated from nozzle spacing
- Spray-width rate: the nozzle’s output spread over its full individual footprint
- Target-zone rate: the carrier rate delivered into the strip surrounding the detected weed
For an isolated activation, the target-zone rate is the useful starting point.
SpraySpotter calculates that rate for the tested CFLD-XC40 nozzles using ASJ’s measured Target Zone Efficiency figures. It also displays the channel-by-channel catch data so the distribution can be examined directly.
Without measured pattern data, the target-zone rate must be based on an assumed spray shape.
Centring the weed remains important
A tapered fan delivers its highest rate through the centre of the pattern.
That can be an advantage when the optical system reliably positions the weed beneath the centre of the activated nozzle.
If detection, firing timing, boom movement or wind regularly places weeds near the edge of the strip, a flatter distribution may be more forgiving. Allowing neighbouring nozzles to activate may also provide a safer treatment pattern.
The nozzle must therefore be considered as part of the complete machine—not in isolation.
Pre-orifice versus air induction
The CFLD-XC40 and SpotFan use different methods to produce a coarse, low-drift spray.
The ARAG CFLD-XC40 is a compact, two-piece pre-orifice nozzle. It fits a conventional flat-fan holder and can be dismantled for cleaning.
The Agrotop SpotFan is a venturi air-induction nozzle designed with a blockage-resistant air intake.
Both are legitimate low-drift designs, and both are promoted for PWM use.
We have not seen reliable side-by-side high-speed testing that proves one responds faster than the other during very short activations. For that reason, response speed is not the basis of this comparison.
Our position
For isolated single-spot spraying, particularly on 25 cm nozzle spacing, Fantastic Nozzles prefers the ARAG CFLD-XC40.
The reason is straightforward:
ARAG has measured where the spray lands.
The available ASJ data allows the target-zone rate to be calculated from measured distribution rather than an assumed pattern.
An equivalent data set may eventually show that the SpotFan performs very well. Until those measurements are available, we cannot assign it a comparable measured Target Zone Efficiency or calculate its target-zone rate with the same confidence.
Check your own configuration
Nozzle size, operating pressure, boom height, nozzle spacing, travel speed and activation strategy all affect the result.
Always check:
- Your sprayer manufacturer’s approved nozzle list
- The registered chemical label or permit
- The required Spray Quality
- Maximum permitted boom height
- Actual field performance using water-sensitive paper
Calculate your target-zone rate in SpraySpotter
Read the complete technical comparison on The Nozzleista
Fantastic Nozzles sells ARAG nozzles. SpraySpotter was developed by Dave Young, who also cooperated with ARAG on the FlowTron-Carbon Bee App. This commercial connection is disclosed so readers can assess the comparison with that knowledge.
