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Mini crop spraying drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) specifically designed for agricultural use. They help farmers save time, reduce labor, and enhance farming efficiency. This article explores their functionality, cost, usage, and tips for selecting the right device.

mini crop spraying drones

WHAT IS A MINI CROP SPRAYING DRONE?

Definition and Applications in Agriculture

A mini crop spraying drone is a compact UAV equipped with spraying systems for pesticides, foliar nutrients, or fertilizers, designed to serve small-scale agricultural work.

These drones help farmers reduce manual labor, save time, and increase spraying efficiency in modern farming.

Common applications include:

  • Spraying pesticides for rice, corn, cassava in flat or hilly regions
  • Fertilizing and applying nutrients in small to medium-sized fruit orchards
  • Minimizing human exposure to toxic chemicals

Differences from Other Types of Drones

Compared to consumer drones used for filming or photography, mini spraying drones have specialized features:

  • Equipped with 5–10 liter chemical tanks
  • Anti-vibration propellers to carry loads at low altitude
  • Integrated pressure spraying system and altitude sensors

Unlike large spraying drones, mini drones are compact and easier to deploy for small farm owners with limited land areas.

POPULAR MINI CROP SPRAYING DRONES TODAY

In Vietnam, commonly used models include:

  • DJI Agras T10 mini
  • Domestic models like G10, G20
  • DIY drones assembled for household farming

ADVANTAGES OF MINI CROP SPRAYING DRONES

Save Labor and Time

One drone can replace 5–10 manual workers. Spraying 1 hectare takes only 10–15 minutes—ideal amid rural labor shortages and the need to speed up farm operations.

Accurate Spraying with Less Pollution

With precise navigation and sensors, mini drones reduce chemical waste and environmental drift, ensuring ecological and human safety.

Ideal for Small Fields and Narrow Terrain

Their compact design enables operation in:

  • Fragmented fields
  • Perennial orchards in hilly areas
  • Locations inaccessible by tractors or traditional sprayers

LIMITATIONS AND DRAWBACKS TO NOTE

Small Tank Limits Performance

With only 5–10 liters per load, mini drones require multiple refills for large areas, affecting work efficiency and speed.

Requires Drone Operation Skills

Users must understand basic drone control, GPS setup, and software installation. Lack of experience may lead to crashes or uneven spraying.

Maintenance and Replacement Costs

Parts like motors, propellers, batteries, and sensors may wear out within 6–12 months. Replacement can be expensive, especially for imported models.

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES IN MINI DRONES

GPS-Guided Automatic Flight

Modern mini drones can:

  • Fly based on pre-mapped paths
  • Spray predefined areas automatically
  • Return to base after completing tasks

This helps minimize errors and maximize spraying efficiency.

Obstacle Avoidance and Safe Landing

Ultrasonic or radar sensors help:

  • Avoid trees and mid-air obstacles
  • Land safely on uneven surfaces
  • Auto-land on low battery or system errors (depending on model)

Remote Control and Real-Time Monitoring

Users can operate the drone via:

  • Remote controllers
  • Mobile apps or tablets

Flight data and spraying progress are monitored live for timely adjustments.

MINI VS LARGE SPRAYING DRONES

Capacity and Coverage Comparison

Criteria

Mini Drone

Large Drone

Tank Capacity

5–10 liters

20–40 liters

Coverage per Flight

0.3–0.5 ha

1.0–1.5 ha

Operating Time

~15 minutes

~30 minutes

Price

40–80 million VND

150–300 million VND

Performance Based on Farm Scale

  • Mini drones are suitable for areas under 5 hectares with complex field divisions
  • Large drones are more efficient for large-scale farms needing fewer refills

Select based on land size, crop type, and investment budget.

Best Choice for Small Farms or Large Operations

Use mini spraying drones if you're a small-scale farmer or new to drone technology.

For cooperatives or large farms, combining 1–2 mini drones with a large one offers flexibility.

MINI CROP SPRAYING DRONE PRICES

Popular Models Under 50 Million VND

Affordable mini drones are now more accessible thanks to domestic brands and local assembly.

Features typically include:

  • 5–10L tank
  • 6S or 12S lithium batteries
  • 500–800m operating range

Examples:

  • DIY carbon-frame drone with 6215 motor and Flysky controller
  • Upgraded G6, G8 models with basic GPS and sensors

Note: Budget models may lack warranty and require setup knowledge.

Imported Chinese Drones (55–90 Million VND)

Vietnam offers several imported models in the 55–90 million range:

Popular examples:

  • DJI Agras T10 mini (~90 million VND): radar, sensors, 12-month warranty
  • 10L local Chinese drones (~55–65 million VND)
  • OEM drones from Guangdong, Xiamen via agents

Advantages:

  • More stable flight performance
  • Electronic spray control and pressure regulation
  • Easier maintenance and spare parts available

Some resellers lack proper import documents or Vietnamese manuals.

DJI AGRAS T10 MINI DRONE PRICE COMPARISON

Brand

Price Range (VND)

Tank Size

Warranty

DJI

85–95 million

10L

12 months, official

XAG

110–140 million

10–16L

Official agents

Hylio

150+ million

16–25L

U.S.-based, varies

If you need a high-quality, reliable spraying drone, DJI is a solid mid-range choice with good support in Vietnam.

máy bay phun thuốc mini

HOW TO OPERATE A MINI CROP SPRAYING DRONE

Pre-Flight Checklist

  1. Battery check: fully charged, no damage
  2. Propellers: no cracks, securely mounted
  3. Correct chemical mix: properly diluted for specific crops
  4. GPS and software: stable signal, no interference
  5. Flight zone: define safe area to avoid flying out of range

Always check all systems before flight to ensure safety and efficiency.

Programming Automatic Flight Routes

Steps to set up:

  • Step 1: Open the control app (e.g., DJI Agriculture)
  • Step 2: Map the farming area
  • Step 3: Set speed, altitude, and spray intervals
  • Step 4: Sync with the drone

Some premium drones allow voice control or AI-based visual area detection.

Routine Maintenance and Common Errors

Maintenance tasks:

  • Clean nozzles and tubing after each use
  • Charge batteries properly, avoid <20%
  • Check sensors, motors, and controllers regularly

Common issues:

  • GPS failure: restart or update firmware
  • Signal loss: switch frequency, check controller battery
  • Leaks: tighten fittings or replace seals

WHO SHOULD USE MINI CROP SPRAYING DRONES?

Small-Scale Farmers

Perfect for:

  • Farms under 5 hectares
  • Labor shortages
  • Reducing chemical exposure

Though the upfront cost is high, the long-term labor savings make it worthwhile.

Fruit Orchards in Hard-to-Reach Areas

For orchards like durian, pomelo, jackfruit, or citrus in hilly terrain, mini drones are better than tractors or manual spraying.

The drone hovers close to the canopy without hitting branches, ensuring deep leaf coverage.

Agricultural Cooperatives

Cooperatives can share 1–2 drones among members:

  • Centralized technical training
  • Cost-effective investment
  • More modern, professional operations

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT MINI DRONE

Match with Farm Size and Crop Type

Choose based on:

  • <5 ha: use 10L models
  • 5 ha: consider 16L or larger
  • Leafy crops need high spray pressure
  • Orchards need precise navigation

Choose Brands with Local Warranty

Prefer brands that:

  • Have official service centers in Vietnam
  • Work with certified distributors
  • Offer Vietnamese-language manuals

Avoid unbranded products to prevent service issues later.

Evaluate After-Sales Support

Check for:

  • On-site technical training
  • Free software updates
  • Availability of parts and accessories

Since mini crop spraying drones are high-tech devices, choosing a reliable supplier with long-term support is crucial.

Mini crop spraying drones are not just labor-saving machines—they represent a major step toward smart, sustainable agriculture. Knowing how to select and use them properly helps farmers reduce costs, increase yield, and protect the environment.