Mini GUSS: Transforming Vineyard and Orchard Spraying with Self-Driving Technology
29 August 2025, California: California’s Central Valley, known for its world-class vineyards and high-density orchards, is witnessing a quiet revolution in agricultural spraying. Mini GUSS, a self-driving sprayer developed by GUSS Automation, is solving some of the most persistent challenges faced by growers — labor shortages, operational inefficiencies, and safety risks.
The autonomous sprayer is designed to operate row after row, field after field, day or night, delivering faster, safer, and more consistent results than traditional methods. A single employee can monitor up to eight Mini GUSS machines at once, significantly reducing the dependence on manual labor.
A Solution to Labor and Safety Challenges
Labor has long been one of the most difficult aspects of orchard and vineyard management. Unreliable availability, breaks, downtime, and compliance with safety requirements often increase costs and reduce efficiency. Mini GUSS eliminates these issues by driving itself, minimizing human error, and reducing exposure to chemicals. With less reliance on protective equipment, water, and shade, operators can oversee operations from the comfort of a pickup truck using a laptop.
The sprayer’s advanced interface provides real-time data, including position, spray rate, and speed, while also sending instant alerts in case of technical issues, ensuring swift corrective action.
Performance and Specifications
Built for both medium and large-scale operations, Mini GUSS delivers measurable return on investment, often paying for itself within one to three years. Its stainless-steel build and powerful John Deere 4.5L 173hp Stage V diesel engine ensure durability and performance. Equipped with a 400-gallon stainless steel tank, a 36-inch direct drive fan, and multiple nozzle configurations for vineyards and orchards, Mini GUSS is capable of long run times with a 77-gallon fuel capacity that lasts up to 12 hours.
Case Studies: Medium and Large-Scale Benefits
At medium scales, Mini GUSS allows growers to reduce overhead by requiring fewer machines while eliminating labor-related headaches. At larger scales, the savings and efficiency are even more pronounced — replacing large fleets of traditional sprayers and reducing reliance on seasonal labor. In both cases, growers benefit from simplified operations, greater reliability, and reduced costs.
Simple Setup and Monitoring
Implementing Mini GUSS is straightforward. Growers can map fields quickly, configure sprayers based on the crop, and assign routes using built-in tools. Once in operation, one operator can supervise multiple units with ease, making the technology highly scalable.
Made in the USA
Each Mini GUSS is handcrafted at GUSS Automation’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kingsburg, California. The innovation builds on the legacy of Crinklaw Farm Services (CFS), founded by Dave Crinklaw in 1982, a business well known in California and Arizona for its quality and integrity in commercial spraying. GUSS Automation operates as part of John Deere and the acquisition was announced in August 2025. John Deere will support GUSS in expanding its global reach and accelerating innovation.
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