Do I have to buy a drone straight away? No – try the service with us first
Published: 22 October 2026
Agricultural drone – buy one or hire a service? That is the first question a farmer asks. Our advice: start with a drone spraying service on your own field and decide on a purchase only after the test.
In short
No. An agricultural drone is a serious investment: equipment, batteries, charging, operator training, authorisation and servicing. The most sensible approach is to first see the result on your own field – and only then work out the payback on a purchase.
3 options – choose yours
| The Agrodron service | Test, then purchase | Buy a drone straight away | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial investment | none | none (test), then purchase | full |
| Operator and authorisation | ours | we help with training and the required SACAA authorisation | on your side |
| Risk | minimal – you only pay for the application | low – you decide after the test | highest |
| Best suited to | Any area | growing farms, grower groups | large areas, service providers |
What a trial with us looks like
- Consultation and quote – crop, area, timing, product (we check the label).
- Application on your field – our drone, our operator; you are welcome to be present.
- Application record – flight map, application rate, spray volume used, working time.
- Assessing the result – together we compare it with your current method.
- Decision – you either stay with the service or move to your own drone.
When a service is enough
- a few up to around twenty applications per season,
- applications in difficult conditions (wet fields, tall crops), planned in advance (we will help prepare an application plan in line with the product label and SACAA RPAS rules), and on short notice: mapping, shade coating, sowing cover crops,
- you do not have anyone who could become an operator,
- you want to test the technology first.
When buying pays off
- a large area and many applications per year,
- your own operator ready for training,
- you plan to offer services to neighbouring farms,
- you need full control over timing.
After the trial: buying on better terms
If, after using the service, you decide on a DJI Agras from Agrodron:
- model selection based on area and crops,
- operator training and help with approvals (SACAA RPAS),
- servicing, spare parts and seasonal inspections.
Agricultural drone: buy one or order a service from Agrodron
Try drone spraying on your own field – request a no-obligation demonstration application. Quote within 24 hours.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
How much does a drone spraying service cost?
At Agrodron, foliar feeding is priced on request, in ZAR (min. 10 ha). Crop protection sprays are quoted individually. Full pricing information: how much does drone spraying cost.
When does it pay to buy an agricultural drone?
With a large area, several applications a year, and your own operator or a plan to offer services to others.
Can I see a drone in action before buying?
Yes – we will carry out a demonstration application on your field.