Dji T40 Vs T50: Ultimate Drone Comparison for 2024

Hey there, fellow drone enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my experience with two of DJI’s latest agricultural drones: the T40 and the T50. As someone who’s been using drones for aerial photography and now venturing into agricultural applications, I’ve had the chance to put both of these machines through their paces. In this article, I’ll be comparing the DJI T40 vs T50, highlighting their key features, performance, and which one might be the better choice for your needs. So, let’s dive in!

I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can transform traditional industries, and agriculture is no exception. Drones have revolutionized the way we approach farming, making it more efficient and precise. The DJI T40 and T50 are at the forefront of this revolution, offering advanced features that can significantly benefit farmers and agricultural professionals. Whether you’re looking to spray crops, spread fertilizers, or even map your fields, these drones have got you covered. In this comparison, I’ll break down their specifications, performance, and usability to help you make an informed decision.

Dji T40 Vs T50 Comparison

Design and Build

Let’s kick things off with the design and build of these two drones. Both the T40 model and the newer T50 feature DJI’s innovative coaxial twin-rotor system, which allows them to carry heavier payloads compared to traditional single-rotor drones. This design boosts payload capacity and ensures better stability during flight, which is crucial when you’re hauling 40-50 kg of liquids or granules.

The T40 has a truss-style body with pitched arms that fold down, making it a breeze to transport and store. When fully unfolded, it measures 2800 mm x 3150 mm x 780 mm, shrinking to 1125 mm x 750 mm x 850 mm when folded. The materials—primarily plastic and metal—strike a balance between strength and weight, keeping it sturdy yet manageable.

The T50, meanwhile, boasts a split anti-torsion fixed structure, which DJI claims enhances strength and stability. Its dimensions are close: 2800×3085×820 mm unfolded and 1115×750×900 mm folded. The use of advanced composite materials gives the T50 a sleeker, more resilient feel, potentially making it better suited for rugged environments.

Weight-wise, both drones are nearly identical, with an empty weight of about 39.9 kg and a gross takeoff weight of 52 kg with the battery. Fully loaded, the T50 can handle up to 92 kg for spraying and 103 kg for spreading, while the T40 manages 90 kg for spraying and 101 kg for spreading. These minor differences might matter for heavy-duty tasks, but for most users, they’re negligible.

Both drones are built to withstand the harsh conditions of agricultural fields, with core components protected by an IPX6K rating for water and dust resistance. Whether you’re dealing with muddy fields or dusty barns, these machines are designed to keep going.

Durability

Durability is a big deal for agricultural drones, and both the T40 and T50 deliver. Their IPX6K-rated components can handle splashes, dust, and the general wear and tear of farm life. I’ve flown these drones in less-than-ideal conditions—think light rain and windy days—and they’ve held up impressively. The T50’s composite materials might give it a slight edge in long-term resilience, but the T40’s robust construction is no slouch either.

Flight Performance

When it comes to flight performance, the T50 pulls ahead slightly. It can hit a maximum speed of 70 km/h, compared to the T40’s 60 km/h. That extra 10 km/h means the T50 can cover larger fields faster, which is a boon for time-sensitive tasks like spraying before a storm rolls in.

Maneuverability is another strong suit for both. Thanks to their advanced obstacle avoidance systems, they’re agile and responsive. The T40 uses front, rear, and downward sensors, while the T50 adds lateral sensors for full 360-degree coverage. This makes the T50 a safer bet in complex environments with trees, fences, or power lines.

Both drones support Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning, offering ±10 cm accuracy in both horizontal and vertical directions when RTK is enabled. This precision ensures even application of chemicals or seeds, minimizing waste. They can also handle winds up to 6 m/s, which is standard but sufficient for most farming scenarios. With a maximum flight radius of 2000 meters, you’ve got plenty of range from a single takeoff point.

Battery and Charging

Powering these heavy-duty drones requires serious juice, and both come equipped with the DB1560 battery, boasting a 30000 mAh capacity at 52.22 V. With a full payload, expect about 7-8 minutes of flight time for spraying and 6-7 minutes for spreading. That might sound short, but given the weight they’re carrying, it’s impressive.

The real magic happens with charging. Using the D12000iE Multifunctional Inverter Generator, you can fully charge a battery in just 9-12 minutes. This fast turnaround means you can swap batteries and keep working with minimal downtime. For those who prefer a slower approach, the C10000 Intelligent Power Supply takes about 2 hours per battery, but in the field, the generator is your best friend.

Spraying and Spreading Capabilities

Now, let’s get to the heart of what these drones do: spraying and spreading. Both the T40 and T50 have a 40-liter spray tank, perfect for holding pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Their dual atomizing spraying systems deliver even coverage with adjustable droplet sizes from 50 to 500 micrometers, letting you fine-tune for different crops or conditions.

For spreading, the T40 has a 70-liter tank, while the T50 ups that to 75 liters. Both can carry up to 50 kg of granular materials like seeds or fertilizers. The T50’s spreading system is slightly more efficient, capable of distributing up to 1,500 kg per hour compared to the T40’s 1,400 kg per hour, according to some sources (Talos Drones). This could make a difference for large-scale operations.

Coverage is nearly identical, with the T50 spraying up to 21.3 hectares per hour and the T40 hitting 21.33 hectares per hour. The T50’s faster flight speed might give it a slight edge in overall efficiency, but both are powerhouse performers.

Obstacle Avoidance and Safety

Safety is critical when flying drones around people, animals, or equipment. Both the T40 and T50 are equipped with top-notch obstacle avoidance systems. The T40 uses an Active Phased Array Radar and Binocular Vision system, detecting obstacles up to 50 meters away in multiple directions. It can automatically follow terrain and bypass obstacles, making it reliable in varied landscapes.

The T50 steps it up with front and rear phased array radars and a binocular vision system, offering 360-degree obstacle sensing. Its enhanced terrain-following capabilities shine in hilly or uneven fields, reducing the risk of collisions. Both drones feature automatic return-to-home functions for low battery or signal loss, ensuring they come back safely.

Autonomous Flight Modes

Autonomous flight modes make these drones a dream to operate. Using the DJI Terra app (DJI Terra), you can plan spraying or spreading missions in advance, and the drones will follow the routes automatically. Features like Waypoint Navigation and Terrain Follow ensure even coverage without missing spots.

Both support mapping, spraying, and spreading missions, with the T50 offering a few extra modes like Gesture Mode, though this is less relevant for agricultural use. The ability to generate high-definition maps and 3D models with DJI Terra is a huge plus for planning and monitoring crops.

Ease of Use and App Integration

Both drones are user-friendly, especially if you’re familiar with DJI’s ecosystem. Their remote controllers feature large, bright screens (7.02 inches for the T50, 7 inches for the T40) and intuitive controls. The DJI Fly app provides real-time flight data, mission planning, and live video feeds from the onboard camera.

The T50’s additional features might introduce a slight learning curve, particularly for new users. The T40 feels a bit more straightforward, making it ideal for beginners. Experienced operators, however, will appreciate the T50’s advanced settings for fine-tuning performance.

Camera and Mapping Features

Both drones come with a 12-megapixel camera for mapping and surveying, adjustable for capturing images from various angles. While not designed for cinematic photography like DJI’s Mavic series, these cameras are perfect for agricultural tasks. Using DJI Terra, you can process images to create detailed maps showing vegetation health, soil moisture, and more.

The mapping process is seamless, with both drones capturing images automatically along predefined routes. Some sources suggest the T50 might have a 20MP camera, but most reliable data, including third-party reviews (Talos Drones), confirm both have 12MP cameras. For farm planning, this resolution is more than adequate.

Comparison Table

To make it easier for you, here’s a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the DJI T40 vs T50:

Aspect	DJI T40	DJI T50
Max Flight Speed	60 km/h	70 km/h
Payload	40 kg (spraying), 50 kg (spreading)	40 kg (spraying), 50 kg (spreading)
Spray Tank	40 L	40 L
Spread Tank	70 L	75 L
Battery	30000 mAh	30000 mAh
Flight Time (spraying)	~7-8 min	~7-8 min
Obstacle Avoidance	Front, rear, downward sensors	360-degree (includes lateral)
Camera	12 MP	12 MP
Ease of Use	Beginner-friendly	Slightly advanced

Decision-Making: Which One Should You Choose?

When deciding between the DJI T40 vs T50, it all boils down to your needs and budget. The T40 is a fantastic choice for small to medium farms or those looking to save a bit. It delivers robust performance, reliable flight times, and all the essential features for spraying, spreading, and mapping.

For larger fields or more demanding tasks, the T50 might be worth the extra investment. Its faster flight speed, larger spread tank, and superior obstacle avoidance make it ideal for complex environments or high-volume operations. If mapping is a big part of your workflow, both drones perform well, but the T50’s advanced features could give you a slight edge.

Consider your farm’s size, the types of tasks you’ll tackle, and how much you’re willing to spend. If possible, check out demo videos or read user reviews on sites like Rantizo to get a feel for each drone’s real-world performance. Both are stellar, but one will likely suit you better.

FAQ

1. What are the main differences between the DJI T40 and T50?
The T50 has a higher max speed (70 km/h vs. 60 km/h), a larger spread tank (75L vs. 70L), and 360-degree obstacle avoidance with lateral sensors. Both share similar spraying, spreading, and mapping capabilities.

2. Which drone is better for beginners?
The T40 is likely easier for beginners due to its simpler feature set and potentially lower cost. Both are user-friendly, with intuitive controls and apps.

3. Can these drones be used for purposes other than agriculture?
Yes, their mapping and surveying features can support industries like construction or environmental monitoring, but they’re optimized for farming, not high-quality photography.

4. How do I maintain these drones?
Regular maintenance involves cleaning spray nozzles, inspecting propellers, and proper battery care. DJI provides detailed guides in their manuals (DJI Support).

5. What is the range of these drones?
Both have a max transmission distance of up to 7 km (FCC), 5 km (SRRC), or 4 km (MIC/CE), depending on regional regulations.

6. How long does it take to charge the batteries?
With the D12000iE generator, batteries charge in 9-12 minutes. The C10000 power supply takes about 2 hours.

7. Are these drones weather-resistant?
Yes, both have IPX6K-rated components, making them resistant to water and dust, suitable for typical farm conditions.