Which spraying drone is best for durian orchards

On agricultural forums and grower communities, the question “Which drone is best for spraying durian?” is frequently raised - especially by those managing orchards larger than 1 hectare. This reflects a growing reality: manual spraying for durian trees is increasingly labor-intensive, hazardous, and inefficient. But with dozens of drone models on the market, which is the best choice in terms of features, durability, cost, and real effectiveness?

Criteria for evaluating durian spraying drones

When evaluating which drone is best for durian spraying, general agricultural drone standards aren't sufficient. Durian trees have dense foliage, tall canopies, and require uniform chemical distribution across all leaf layers. The following key criteria determine real spraying performance:

• Canopy penetration & spray pressure: High-pressure nozzles or centrifugal sprayers are essential for penetrating durian's dense leaves. A spray pressure of at least 3.5 bar is recommended.
• Tank capacity & flight radius: For large orchards, drones should carry 15–25L tanks and have strong batteries that last 20–25 minutes per charge.
• Automation & smart AI features: Modern drones must support waypoint mapping, obstacle detection, and auto-return when the battery is low to ensure safety and reduce risks under tall trees.
• Spray precision & chemical savings: Features like flow sensors, zoned spraying, and synchronized speed control can reduce chemical use by 10–20% per season.
• Brand & after-sales support: Prioritize brands with official service centers in Vietnam, fast spare parts delivery, flight training, and at least 12 months warranty.

Additionally, drones for durian spraying must adapt to hilly terrains (e.g., Central Highlands), so stability and balance control are mandatory.

Comparison of Popular Durian Spraying Drone Models

Although all are classified as “spraying drones,” each model varies in design, power, and suitability for different durian farming scales. Below is a comparison of three top-rated drone models by real users:

1. DJI Agras T25

The most popular choice among durian growers, thanks to its high stability, intuitive software, and powerful 4.5 bar spray mode for efficient canopy penetration. Smart mapping, obstacle avoidance, and auto-return help reduce operating errors.

2. XAG V40

For high budgets and maximum performance, the XAG V40 is ideal. It uses AI to recognize canopy structure and adjust spray rate accordingly, improving absorption efficiency by 20%. Best suited for farms over 5 hectares.

3. HY-BRAVO X20

A budget-friendly option for small orchards or beginners. It features a large 25L tank but lacks auto-return and stable navigation. After-sales support is limited.

Pros and cons of each drone model

There is no “perfect drone” - only one that fits your needs. Here's a summary of the advantages, limitations, and risks from real-world users:

DJI Agras T25

• Pros: Very stable, user-friendly software, great for beginners. Easy warranty service and spare parts.
• Cons: More expensive than local brands. Limited upgrade potential.
• Risks: Battery degradation if not used consistently over a year.

XAG V40

• Pros: Cutting-edge AI, efficient chemical use, suitable for complex terrain.
• Cons: Requires experienced operators. High initial investment.
• Risks: Replacement parts must be ordered from the official distributor, with potential delays.

HY-BRAVO X20

• Pros: Affordable, large tank, easy manual repair.
• Cons: Lacks smart features, unstable GPS.
• Risks: Spray output may be inconsistent due to lack of speed-matching controls.

Choosing the right drone based on orchard size & budget

Not all orchards are the same - and no drone fits every need. Here’s a recommendation guide based on specific scenarios:

Case 1: Small orchard (<2 ha) with limited budget

• Suggested models: HY-BRAVO X20 or DJI Mini Spray Drone (12L)
• Reason: Under 130 million VND, sufficient for basic spraying needs
• Tip: Buy from dealers offering training and equipment insurance

Case 2: 2–5 ha orchard requiring precision

• Suggested model: DJI Agras T25
• Reason: Supports smart mapping, obstacle avoidance, and auto-return
• Benefit: Cuts labor by 30%, saves chemicals each season

Case 3: Large farms (>5 ha) with need for automation

• Suggested models: XAG V40 or DJI Agras T50
• Reason: AI controls spray rate based on canopy density - ideal for durian
• Tip: Requires trained operators or advanced training

Special Case: Hilly terrain with multi-layered trees

• Suggested features: Strong gyroscope (6-axis), dual motors
• Examples: XAG P100 or DJI T50 (with wind-resistance software upgrades)

Top recommended drones for durian

Legal & Technical Notes

• All agricultural drones over 250g must be registered with the Department of Operations – Ministry of National Defense.
• Some provinces near border zones (e.g., Đắk Nông, Gia Lai) may require flight permits.
• Avoid flying in strong wind hours (before 6AM or after 5PM) to prevent loss of control.

Even with many options, the best durian spraying drone depends on canopy penetration, tank size, AI automation, and real-world durability.

• For a balanced option, DJI Agras T25 is reliable and well-supported.
• For maximum performance, XAG V40 is the smart choice.
• On a tight budget? HY-BRAVO X20 still covers the basics.
• Choose a drone aligned with your orchard size and needs to maximize your ROI.

FAQs: Durian Spraying Drones

Should I use a drone for durian orchards under 1 ha?

Yes, especially for labor savings or hard-to-reach terrain. Choose compact models with 10–12L capacity.

Why is high spray pressure necessary for durian trees?

Durian trees have dense canopies, over 6m tall. A pressure of ≥3.5 bar is needed to reach the underside of leaves.

Do spraying drones need registration?

Yes. Drones over 250g must be registered with the Defense Ministry. Some regions also require flight permits.

When is the best time to spray durian trees with a drone?

Early morning or late afternoon, when winds are low and humidity is stable to ensure better chemical adhesion.

Can durian spraying drones be used on other crops?

Yes. Versatile models like DJI T30 or XAG V40 support multiple crops (e.g., mango, jackfruit, coffee, rice) via multi-map programming.