Why should you consider affordable crop spraying drones?
A few years ago, using crop spraying drones was considered a high-cost solution, reserved for large-scale farms or advanced producers. However, with the widespread adoption of UAV technology and agricultural mechanization, the market now offers many affordable drones that still deliver effective spraying and cost efficiency.
Farmers are now asking: Are budget drones reliable enough to invest in? And among all the flashy advertisements, which models are truly trustworthy?
In reality, agricultural drones can reduce spraying time from hours to just minutes per hectare and minimize chemical exposure for the operator. Choosing the right drone doesn’t just impact initial costs but also directly affects productivity, safety, and long-term operational efficiency. This guide takes you from the basics to specific recommendations to help you confidently pick the most suitable affordable crop spraying drone.
Key criteria for choosing a budget-friendly crop spraying drone
Not all cheap drones are good, and low price doesn’t always mean value. Here are the essential criteria to evaluate before choosing an affordable spraying drone that meets real farming needs and keeps costs in check:
Tank capacity and payload
- Most budget drones offer 5–16L tanks, suitable for small to mid-sized fields.
- Choose a model that can carry at least 10kg of liquid stably for optimal spraying performance.
Flight time and coverage radius
A good drone should fly 15–20 minutes per charge and cover 5–10 hectares per hour, depending on battery, motor, and payload.
Control and automation features
Even affordable models should have dual GPS, semi-auto flight, or auto turn features to reduce pilot workload.
Spray uniformity and wind resistance
Strong propellers and advanced nozzles ensure even spray coverage. Avoid drones with weak pressure systems that struggle in windy conditions.
Total cost of ownership
Factor in spare batteries, fast chargers, replacement propellers, delivery fees, and warranty. A cheap drone without available parts or warranty may cost more in the long run.
Brand support and technical service
Prefer models from brands with official dealers in Vietnam like DJI, XAG, or Hubsan. Avoid generic Chinese drones with no post-sale support.
Top 7 budget-friendly crop spraying drones in Vietnam
Detailed evaluation of each model based on lift capacity, spraying efficiency, and estimated pricing in Vietnam:
PG100/P100 (TOPXGUN / Globalcheck)
- Max Payload: 40kg (40L tank)
- Tech: Modular build, Gen-6 centrifugal spraying, up to 12L/min, ~13.8 m/s flight speed
- Pros: High power, fast spray, accurate, modular design
- Cons: High price (contact for quote), limited support
- Ideal for: Large farms, commercial use
- Estimated Price: [Updating]
DJI Agras T25
- Max Payload: 20kg (spray), 25kg (spread)
- Spraying: Dual atomization, 16–24 L/min
- Pros: Front/rear radar, FPV camera, smart controls, foldable
- Cons: Smaller tank than T50
- Ideal for: Mid-sized farms, professionals
- Price: ~129 million VND
XAG P60
- Max Payload: 30kg (approx. 30L)
- Spraying: RTK, IPX7 waterproofing, smart valves, 10m wide coverage
- Pros: Fine mist, precise, waterproof
- Cons: High cost, aimed at pro users
- Price: ~330–350 million VND
DJI Agras T50
- Max Payload: 50kg (spray), up to 75kg (spread)
- Spraying: 4-nozzle system, 24 L/min, omnidirectional radar, FPV
- Pros: Large tank, wide coverage, ideal for orchards & plantations
- Cons: Heavy, requires skilled operators
- Price: ~190 million VND
VECTOR AG DH580
- Max Payload: 70kg (est.)
- Target: Large-scale farms
- Pros: Extremely powerful
- Cons: Expensive, bulky, high skill requirement
- Price: [Updating]
DJI Agras T10
- Max Payload: 8–10L
- Note: Compact quadcopter, light sprayer for small farms
- Price: ~95 million VND
DJI Agras T20P
- Max Payload: 20kg
- Tech: Omnidirectional radar, RTK, FPV, LX8060SZ nozzles
- Price: ~220 million VND
Which drone is right for your farming needs?
Every farm differs in size, budget, and technical expertise. The best drone for you is one that maximizes efficiency without overspending or underdelivering. Here are recommendations by user type:
Small farms (<5 ha)
- Suggested: DJI Agras T10 or T20P
- Why: Compact, easy to fly, high automation
- Benefits: Low initial investment (~120–150 million), low maintenance
Medium farms (5–20 ha)
- Suggested: DJI T25 or XAG P60
- Why: 20–30kg payload, wide spraying radius
- Benefits: RTK/GPS precision, fast spray, upgradable features
Large enterprises (>20 ha)
- Suggested: DJI T50 or VECTOR AG DH580
- Why: 50–70L tanks, powerful spraying
- Benefits: Covers large areas fast, labor-saving, long-term ROI
New users – low budget
- Suggested: PG100/P100 or DJI T10
- Why: Simple design, easier repair, often bundled with training
- Tip: Choose suppliers that offer warranty and training
Challenging terrains (hills, terraces)
- Suggested: XAG P60 or DJI T25
- Why: Terrain mapping, RTK, multi-directional radar
- Benefits: Stable flight, obstacle avoidance
Legal regulations, drone classification, and investment tips
Besides specs, buyers must understand the legal and financial aspects of owning a spraying drone.
Do you need permission to fly?
- Yes. Under Circular 19/2019/TT-BQP, all UAVs must be registered if not used for entertainment.
- Agricultural drones are civil UAVs and require registration and flight zone declaration with the Ministry of Defense.
- Reputable suppliers like Globalcheck or Digidrone can assist with legal documentation.
Drone classification by payload
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Group
|
Payload
|
Examples
|
|
A
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<10kg
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DJI T10, DIY drones
|
|
B
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10–30kg
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DJI T25, XAG P60
|
|
C
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>30kg
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T50, DH580, PG100
|
Group C drones require certified operators.
Full investment costs
Beyond the drone price, expect to spend on:
- Spare batteries: 10–20 million VND each (need 2–3 units)
- Fast charger: 5–10 million VND
- Propeller & controller replacements: 5–8 million/year
- Training and flight certification: 3–5 million
- Registration and liability insurance: 1–2 million/year
→ Example: DJI T25 (~129 million) + accessories + licenses = ~160–170 million VND total.
Warning about ultra-cheap drones (<50 million VND)
- Usually lack stable GPS and auto flight modes – risky for pesticide spraying
- No warranty or available spare parts
- Limited flight range, no return-home when battery is low → high crash risk
From detailed analysis, it can be seen that:
- DJI T25 and T10 are safe, beginner-friendly, and ideal for small and medium farms.
- T50 and XAG P60 are great for professional farms with large areas and need high automation.
- PG100/P100 and DH580 offer massive power but require high budgets and skilled pilots.
To invest wisely, evaluate your farm size, frequency of use, and technical capacity before buying a crop spraying drone.
FAQ: Crop Spraying Drones
Should I buy a crop spraying drone under 50 million VND?
No. Most cheap models lack GPS, automation, and support. They’re unsafe for spraying.
When should I choose a drone with >30kg payload?
If you manage >20ha, spray multiple fields frequently, or need to spread fertilizer/seeds at scale.
Is DJI drone maintenance easy?
Yes. DJI has widespread authorized dealers and spare parts in Vietnam, making repairs and servicing hassle-free.
