Drones For Hire (DFH) is a DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) and authorised dealer. DFH has multiple staff certified as official DJI Academy Certified Agras Instructors & DJI Certified Agras Repair Technicians.
DJI Authorized Service Centers in Australia: https://www.dji.com/au/service/repair/centers
Please contact us to request this via email
Hi all, we have been super busy with DJI T40 demonstrations and customer setups since the units arrive in late 2022. Please see a variety of images and videos below and please feel free to reach out with any questions or for a list of upcoming demo dates and locations. Thanks to AJ, Simpko, Oscar, Damo and Danny for all your hard work to get these days organized and executed. As a team we have learned a lot about the system in the past few months and feel very confident in addressing customer questions regarding spraying and spreading methods, prescription mapping, Terra , NDVI, nozzle types and just about everything. We have also stipped down a T40 in order to understand its components and inner workings more thoroughly.
Our DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) at Mummel NSW
Mummel NSW, February 2024
St Helens QLD, November 2023
Murrumbateman Field Days 2023
Warroo NSW, October 2023
Harcourt VIC, October 2023
Henty Machinery Field Days 2023
Previous T40 setup days & demo days
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Introducing the DJI Relay, a powerful accessory to enhance your drone's capabilities. Whether you're in agriculture, surveying, or any industry that demands precise positioning and data transmission, the DJI Relay has you covered.
Key Features:
High Precision Positioning: The DJI Relay utilizes RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) technology to provide centimetre-level positioning accuracy for compatible DJI drones. This level of precision is essential for applications like surveying, mapping, and precision agriculture.
Multi-GNSS Compatibility: Equipped with support for multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo, the DJI Relay ensures accuracy and reliability in positioning data.
Rapid Initialization: The RTK system in the DJI Relay allows for fast satellite signal acquisition and rapid initialization, enabling your drone to achieve high precision immediately after startup.
Long Baseline Flexibility: Some RTK Base Stations offer support for long baseline distances, providing flexibility in setting up the base station in various environments, including challenging terrains.
Data Logging and Real-time Correction: The DJI Relay is capable of logging positioning data for post-processing and analysis. Additionally, it can transmit correction data to your drone in real-time, ensuring accurate positioning during flight.
User-Friendly Setup: DJI designed the Relay with ease of use in mind. It comes with an intuitive interface and can be quickly set up in the field, saving you time and effort.
Seamless Integration: The DJI Relay is compatible with specific DJI drone models, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. It works in tandem with the drone's RTK-enabled receiver for precise positioning.
Built-in Communication: Some versions of the DJI Relay feature built-in communication modules like 4G or OcuSync, allowing for remote operation and data transmission without the need for additional external devices.
Weather Resistant: Designed to withstand various weather conditions, the DJI Relay ensures reliable operation in different environments, ensuring your drone can perform even in challenging weather.
Elevate your drone's capabilities with the DJI Relay. Experience cm-level accuracy and seamless data transmission for your most demanding applications.
Standard rental package "dry hire" includes:
1 x DJI Relay standard inclusions
Contact the DFH Head office on info@dronesforhire.com.au or 1300 029 829 for more information, availability, and pick up / drop off arrangements.
3 Requirements to dry-hire
(1) A security deposit
About 80% of the retail value of the equipment new. Can be paid via regular bank transfer or as a hold/freeze for the on your credit card for the deposit amount.
(2) Public Liability (PL) Insurance
Required in case of third party property damage or injury. You will need a Certificate of Currency showing Drones for Hire listed as an 'interested party' (since DFH is the owner of the equipment).
Note that 'hull' insurance (covers costs associated with repairs / replacement of the drone itself), is not mandatory since we take a security deposit. You may choose to have your own hull insurance so you are covered in case there is a crash / theft and DFH needs to retain some of the security deposit for repairs (parts and labour) or replacement.
(3) A Drone licence
You / the drone pilot, will need a CASA drone Licence (RePL) and to be listed as a pilot under a CASA Operators Certificate (ReOC). Note the insurance companies usually require an RePL and ReOC so you will likely have these already if you have PL insurance (point 2 above).
Rental Enquiry Form
This is DJI's RTK system (similar to a Trimble GNSS receiver), for cm-level accuracy spraying. Without this, the Agras can drift off course by about 1-2 m as it moves along its Field Plan. Compatible with the T40, T30, T10, P4M, P4R.
Main features includes:
High Precision Positioning: RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) technology provides centimeter-level positioning accuracy for compatible DJI drones. This is crucial for applications like surveying, mapping, and precision agriculture.
Dual-Frequency GNSS: RTK Base Stations usually support multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo. Dual-frequency GNSS enhances the accuracy and reliability of the positioning data.
Fast and Accurate Initialization: RTK systems enable rapid satellite signal acquisition and fast initialization times, allowing the drone to achieve high precision quickly after powering on.
Long Baseline Support: Some RTK Base Stations support long baseline distances, allowing flexibility in setting up the base station in various environments, especially in challenging terrains.
Data Logging and Transmission: RTK Base Stations often have the capability to log positioning data for post-processing and analysis. They can also transmit correction data to the drone in real-time for accurate positioning during flight.
Easy Setup and Operation: DJI RTK Base Stations are designed for user-friendly setup and operation. They typically come with intuitive interfaces and can be set up quickly in the field.
Compatibility: RTK Base Stations are compatible with specific DJI drone models, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. They work in tandem with the drone's RTK-enabled receiver for precise positioning.
Built-in Communication Options: Some RTK Base Stations feature built-in communication modules such as 4G or OcuSync, enabling remote operation and data transmission without the need for additional external devices.
Weather Resistance: RTK Base Stations are often designed to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring reliable operation in different environments.
Standard rental package "dry hire" includes:
1 x DJI RTK Base Station and Tripod standard inclusions
Contact the DFH Head office on info@dronesforhire.com.au or 1300 029 829 for more information, availability, and pick up / drop off arrangements.
3 Requirements to dry-hire
(1) A security deposit
About 80% of the retail value of the equipment new. Can be paid via regular bank transfer or as a hold/freeze for the on your credit card for the deposit amount.
(2) Public Liability (PL) Insurance
Required in case of third party property damage or injury. You will need a Certificate of Currency showing Drones for Hire listed as an 'interested party' (since DFH is the owner of the equipment).
Note that 'hull' insurance (covers costs associated with repairs / replacement of the drone itself), is not mandatory since we take a security deposit. You may choose to have your own hull insurance so you are covered in case there is a crash / theft and DFH needs to retain some of the security deposit for repairs (parts and labour) or replacement.
(3) A Drone licence
You / the drone pilot, will need a CASA drone Licence (RePL) and to be listed as a pilot under a CASA Operators Certificate (ReOC). Note the insurance companies usually require an RePL and ReOC so you will likely have these already if you have PL insurance (point 2 above).
Rental Enquiry Form
Very handy for knocking over small jobs that are missed by the boom / crop duster such as sections of blackberry in gully's, steep areas, fence lines etc. Small, light and easy to carry on and off a ute to get spraying and seeding jobs done fast. No CASA licence needed if on your own land. Excess floor stock must go.
The T10 is essentially a smaller-scale version of the T30 – it shares most of the same tech smarts (e.g. uses the same Agras app to fly, same front and rear FPV cameras and same spherical radar system), but has around 1/3 the spray tank capacity. Whilst its called the ‘T10’, the spray tank capacity is actually 8L (where the line is marked on the tank). However it is possible to overfill it to around 9.3L. Interestingly, the T10 can fly with the larger T16 (older model) batteries, taking your flight time from around 8 mins (T10 battery) to around 16 mins (T16 battery). This will however increase the total weight, as will overfilling the spray tank. But where the elephant fails the mouse succeeds - being smaller that the T30 it is more agile, easier to re-fill and to carry around in general (weighs only 13kg when dry and no battery, and folds up to 30% of its original size). The T10 is generally very good for isolated target areas that utes and tractors cant access or get bogged in after rain – hilly, rocky or low lying terrain. It can spray 16.5 acres per hour on average (with a dosage of 4.8 L/acre, spraying width of 5 m, speed of 5 m/s, and height of 2 m). The T10 can also carry 12 kg of solid dry particles via the optional spreading system.
Click here to read about the 4 Steps required by CASA to be able to operate a spray drone on your own land in Australia.
Main features includes:
Considering Ownership After Rental
If you've been enjoying your rental drone, here's an opportunity to make it a permanent part of your gear. Once your rental period is complete, you can choose to purchase the rental drone and save the waiting time for its arrival.
Drone Specs:
For detailed specifications and additional information, please visit the DJI Agras T10 web page.
Standard rental package "dry hire" includes:
1 x DJI Agras T10 standard inclusions
2 x extra battery (3 in total)
Contact the DFH Head office on info@dronesforhire.com.au or 1300 029 829 for more information, availability, and pick up / drop off arrangements.
3 Requirements to dry-hire
(1) A security deposit
About 80% of the retail value of the equipment new. Can be paid via regular bank transfer or as a hold/freeze for the on your credit card for the deposit amount.
(2) Public Liability (PL) Insurance
Required in case of third party property damage or injury. You will need a Certificate of Currency showing Drones for Hire listed as an 'interested party' (since DFH is the owner of the equipment).
Note that 'hull' insurance (covers costs associated with repairs / replacement of the drone itself), is not mandatory since we take a security deposit. You may choose to have your own hull insurance so you are covered in case there is a crash / theft and DFH needs to retain some of the security deposit for repairs (parts and labour) or replacement.
(3) A Drone licence
You / the drone pilot, will need a CASA drone Licence (RePL) and to be listed as a pilot under a CASA Operators Certificate (ReOC). Note the insurance companies usually require an RePL and ReOC so you will likely have these already if you have PL insurance (point 2 above).
Rental Enquiry Form
Are you interested in advancing your drone technology skills? Drones for Hire provides the DJI T40/T50 Type Rating Certification, designed for current Multi Rotor RePL holders. With this certification, you gain the ability to operate your personal T40 drone on your property. If you plan to extend your flying activities to other properties, consider obtaining an additional ReOC license in conjunction with your type rating certification.
Pricing
Here is the pricing for Type ratings (for T30/T40/T50) in a single booking/day. It's possible to do up to 3 people in one day.
1 person – 889.0
2 person – 1389.0
3 person – 1689.0
Pricing is inc GST
The travel fee is $68c per km and can be calculated when we match your location to the nearest Type Rating Instructors location.
FAQs’
Q1: Can I fly my T40/T50 drone anywhere with the type rating?
A1: The DJI T40/T50 type rating certification allows you to operate your T40/T50 drone on your property. However, if you intend to fly on other properties, you may need to obtain an additional ReOC license.
Q2: Can I fly any large drone with the type rating?
A2: No, the type rating is specific to the DJI T40/T50 drone and does not grant permission to operate drones over RePL standards. Different certifications or licenses are required for larger drones.
Q3: How long does it take to complete the type rating certification?
A3: The duration to complete the DJI T40/T50 type rating certification varies based on prior experience. If you are familiar with DJI products, such as the T30, the endorsement can take just a few hours. However, for those less experienced, it typically involves training courses and assessments, spanning several days to weeks.
Q4: What are the prerequisites?
A4: To obtain the DJI T40/T50 type rating certification, you typically need to hold a Multi Rotor RePL (Remote Pilot License) and fulfill any additional qualifications specified by relevant authorities.
Q5: How much does it cost?
A5: The cost of obtaining the DJI T40/T50 type rating certification varies, but it's generally around $1300. If you get it with a T40/T50 drone get $300 off your purchase.
Q6: Does it expire?
A6: The DJI T40/T50 type rating certification does not expire.
Q7: What should I expect during the training?
A7: During DJI T40/T50 Type Rating Certification training, you can expect to learn the following:
- Comprehensive instruction on the operation of the DJI T40/T50 drone.
- Training on the maintenance and care of the drone.
- Practical hands-on experience in flying the DJI T40/T50.
- Guidance on safety protocols and regulations.
- Evaluation through assessments or exams to ensure competency.
Get an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) from CASA. It’s like a passport number for pilots and drone pilots. Start the process on this CASA webpage
No fee and easy process. Note if you are a manned aircraft pilot (e.g. have a helicopter or crop duster on your property) you will already have an ARN.
Fill out this form ( https://dronesforhire.com.au/training-enquiry ) to get upcoming course dates and prices in your area.
It is normally sold as 5 days – 4 days learning online from home and 1 day (with the other students ) doing the flying test and theory test at a park / open space.
Approx. $1,300.0 - 1,800.0 (depending on the training company).
You can just fly a small drone such as a Mini 3, Air 2S or Phantom 4 as training for, and during the course. If you don't have one, some training companies offer to supply one for the day as part of the course fee. But note you will need to practice beforehand so best to borrow one or buy one before your course
Attention PPL, CLP or ATPL holders
There are reduced requirements for holders of a crewed aircraft licence PPL, CLP or ATPL (fixed wing or Helicopter) to gain an REPL:
All the above is typically done in less than a full day and you will receive some light material beforehand to study. Doing an AROC is usually not required as you would have had that covered already.
After you take delivery, register your spray drone with CASA, here is the myCASA page to register your drone.
$40.0 and valid for 12 months. 1 min video showing how to do it.
After you have your REPL done, and have booked in and paid for your flight test, you can start flying your spray drone on your own property in order to build up some flying hours as training for the flight test. You should ask CASA about this beforehand ( rpas.pac@casa.gov.au ).
This Type Rating means you are now approved / rated to fly a particular aircraft - in this case the T50/T40.
This involves a CASA inspector or approved person observing you flying your spray drone and checking that you are able to fly it safely. You will need to have your REPL completed first. Type Ratings generally cost around $900.0-1400.0 depending on your location and the supplier.
Note, you should also consider what chemicals licences you may need. These licences are nothing to do with CASA and requirements vary for each state. For example in NSW it is the EPA. Please check out this article for full details.
A side-by-side comparison
A spray drone can be very useful addition for property owners and contractors in Australia in 2023. But they are technical machines and not everyone has the time to do all the research before making a decision. This table has been prepared as a summary of the important things to consider and what to look out for when doing your research.
1. Availability: By having a T40 yourself, you can spray/spread anytime. No more waiting for helicopter pilots to show up, or for the ground to dry out. And less stressing about missing a spraying window in relation to timing with irrigation or incoming rain.
2. Efficacy: The drones' propellers sit just 3m off the ground, forcing the droplets down and circulate them to get more liquid on-target (on the weed/plantation). Drones very often achieve the same kill rate with less water and less chemical.
3. No ground compaction Meaning no yield loss & no machine wear from ground impacts. Particularly so for small plot broad acre drone spraying
4. Accuracy and control: Spray drones can get into steep areas you've never felt safe taking your tractor into, or near fence lines, close to trees, gullies etc
Not being able to spray because the ground is too wet or the area is inaccessible can create large losses for any farmer - sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. An event like this can make the cost of adding a spray drone to your list of machines laughable. Even having a spray drone purely as a backup can create an ROI in just a year or two when used at those critical times when your boom sprayer is out of action, helicopter pilot is too busy, or your contractor is unavailable. It's also quite likely your neighbors will take an interest and ask you to spray sections of their property as well, meaning there's potential for a new side-income stream.
Important to note, there's more to it than just buying one - spraying by any method, needs to be done at the right application rate, performed carefully to manage drift, and done on-time. Like most farming activities, it is a workflow which can also be done efficiently or inefficiently. The drone spraying workflow usually involves designing aircraft missions with the controller (see 2-min video), moving chemical/granular into it, battery charging, trailer design and whether pre-mapping (see 7-min video ) is needed or not.
It helps to be supported by people who use the equipment themselves and know what they're doing and to be connected to a community of other drone sprayers. People who can assist you with understanding your spraying goals and the capabilities of drone, setting you up properly and with legitimate equipment, planning suitable spray missions for each section of your property, supplying useful value-adding accessories and supplying parts and support quickly when needed to reduce machine downtime. The initial cost of the equipment is important, but it's only the first step and only one part of the consideration set when you plan for long term success and cost minimisation.
1. DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) & Authorised Dealer
Drones For Hire (DFH) is a DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) and authorised dealer. DFH has multiple staff certified as official DJI Academy Certified Agras Instructors & DJI Certified Agras Repair Technicians.
Our stock (T40’s, M3M’s etc) is legitimate and correct for the AU region and backed with an official DJI warranty. Being an Ag focused DJI dealer means our capability is uniquely focussed around spray drones and mapping drones. Here are some example images from setup days and demo days. And some example instructional videos . DFH has supplied over a hundred Agras units to growers and contract sprayers nationwide. Clients also include the QLD dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries, WA Dept. of Primary Industries, CSIRO, AECOM, Department of Defence, Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, and Anglo Coal. Other non-ag focused DJI dealers are likely to be focussed on the more common consumer drones which significantly affects their capacity to guide and support agricultural customers.
2. Onsite training on your property
DFH has technicians in most states who own and use this equipment themselves and are competent in drone-spraying and mapping operations. Our technicians are qualified with CASA type ratings/endorsements, and are often farmers themselves. Doing the setup day at your property is important as it means your technician will be able to understand the terrain in conjunction with your specific spraying/spreading goals and be able to advise the best spraying methods for each section of your property. They may also be able to map and start spraying/spreading the paddocks that are the highest priority for you to get started. Before the day, your technician will send you a list of pre-setup day procedures (activations, charging, firmware updates etc) that you can do at home so you can hit the ground running when he arrives.
The DFH team also includes degree qualified engineers, photogrammetry experts, PhD’s, OAM, robotics experts, members of agribusiness advisory committees, and an ex-RAAF pilot. The team has a diverse mix of capabilities who can assist with the various goals and challenges our customers face and bring to us for professional advice. This could be about facets of their unique workflow design to maximize hectares covered per day, capture and interpretation of multispectral data, software setup, trailer design and engineering (to carry drones, IBC carrier tank, batching tank, chemical tank, generator, pump etc), custom modification of your spray drone, and payload lifting kits.
3. Included spares kits and spares availability
DFH includes a spares kit with your spray drone order - spares that typically wear out sooner than other items (e.g. washers, sealing rings), and items that are good to have onsite ready to go if you have a mishap (e.g. propellers). Being able to continue spraying on the same day can make a huge difference especially when under time pressure with e.g. weather coming in.
In addition to supplying spares kits, DFH also maintains an extensive parts supply in NSW, ready for express shipping when customers need to get flying again fast.
4. DFH-exclusive value adding products
The DFH team of engineers and technicians has developed our own DFH-unique products designed to help our customers optimise their workflow when spraying/mapping. These include for example our T40 Fast Mover wheel sets, fast-fill tank caps, custom spares kits, HDS: Heavy Droplet Spinner discs, Granular Sherpa System, dual 15-amp socket extension cables, cooling station modifications, custom made CNC hard cases, and modified laptops for faster image processing on the go.
5. Backed by the largest drone site Australia since 2013
DFH has deep roots in the Australian drone industry. We started in 2013 , building DJI Flame Wheel F550 ARF Kits (pre the first Phantom and pre the MG-1P - DJIs first spray drone). With 10 years of relevant experience DFH has now grown to become Australia's largest drone site, supplying $M of hardware sales each year and attracting more than 40,000 drone marketplace requests.
To speak to a DFH representative about your spraying, mapping or drone related goals in general, reach us on 1300 029 829 or info@dronesforhire.com.au .
More information to consider:
Spray drone case studies & articles
Image gallery: spray drone demo days
Spray drones for sale
Mapping drones for sale (regular images & NDVI)
Thermal drones for sale (animal spotting etc)
Finance providers - get quotes
CASA requirements for spraying
Chemicals license requirements (ChemCert tickets etc)
Parts store (spray drone parts)
View upcoming ag. demo days
Drones For Hire (DFH) is a DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) and authorised dealer. DFH is one of only three organisations in Australia with these authorisations and we have multiple staff certified as official DJI Academy Certified Agras Instructors & DJI Certified Agras Repair Technicians. We have been operating for over 10 years and have come across almost every make and model drone, whether it’s a DJI, Parrot, Phantom, Swellpro, Autel, a custom built FPV racing drone and more.
Get a Quote
If you’re looking for a repair, please fill out this form to let us know how much your repair will cost, the timeframe and whether we can save you the hassle and tell you how you can fix it yourself, free of charge.
FAQ
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on info@dronesforhire.com.au or 1300 029 829 for more information. We're here to help you with all your drone repair needs.
Case Studies
Matrice 600 Pro
Incident: During a data collection mission, a Matrice 600 Pro drone experienced a crash while utilizing a ground-penetrating radar antenna. This incident occurred as the drone was operating near its maximum capacity, carrying nearly its full payload at a speed of 30 km/hr, with only 35% battery remaining. As the drone initiated its return journey, the propellers failed, leading to a rapid descent and causing the arms to snap upon impact with the ground.
Fix: After the unfortunate crash of the drone, it was handed over to our repair expert, Mark, for restoration. He promptly replaced the damaged propellers, arm and motor with brand new ones, ensured the firmware was intact, and conducted a comprehensive system diagnostics. Thanks to Mark's expertise and our thorough repair process, we successfully brought the Matrice 600 Pro back to its optimal condition, ensuring it is ready to soar through the skies once more.
Parrot Anafi
Incident: During flight, a Parrot Anafi drone collided with a tree, causing extensive damage to all of its propellers. Additionally, the impact also damaged a stabilizing antenna located on one of the drone's legs. Consequently, the drone experienced erratic behavior and lost stability due to these combined damages.
Fix: In our repair center, our technical manager, Mark, replaced the damaged propellers and repaired the compromised stabilizing antenna and ensured the firmware was intact. This led to a full restoration of the Parrot Anafi drone to peak condition, ensuring stable and smooth flights once again.
SwellPro Splash Drone 4
Incident: The SplashDrone 4 encountered connectivity issues, failing to pair with both the controller and the phone. Additionally, the firmware had not been upgraded as required.
Fix: Mark performed a firmware upgrade, ensuring that both the drone and the controller had the latest software. This resolved the connectivity problems, allowing seamless communication between the SplashDrone 4, controller, and phone, restoring the drone's functionality.
