With spring nearly here workloads will intensify so now is a good time to get out and check the sprayer advises Hutchinsons agronomist George Baxter.
A well-maintained and correctly set up sprayer is essential for accurate application and optimal efficacy Here’s his checklist for achieving just that:
Make a visual inspection
Start with a walk round to visually check all components individually for cleanliness and condition, says George.
“Look at everything from the hitching and steering points on a trailed or mounted sprayer, to the tank, filters, hoses, and electrics. Pay particular attention to perishable rubber components and water ingress into electrical systems.”
Also check PTO guards, beacons, work lights and tyres are in good condition and free from defects. Open out the boom and check the general condition of joints, hydraulic rams, pivots, etc, and boom movement, which should move and reset itself to the centre, he says.
“Sprayers must be tested annually for farm assurance, so check that your sprayer has a valid, in-date NSTS certificate, and book a test where appropriate.”
Check tyre pressures
Correct tyre pressures can help improve boom stability in the field and minimise potential compaction of tramlines.
“Although many sprayers have self-levelling systems, these can be put under greater strain if tyre pressures are uneven. For those with mounted sprayers also check tractor tyre pressures.
“The optimum pressure depends on several factors, such as tyre type and size, machine weight, and the amount of field and roadwork to be done, so a compromise may be needed.”
Ensure tanks are empty and clean
After autumn work ideally, the sprayer will have been put away clean but George says there is no harm in washing it out again, doing so also provides an opportunity to check for leaks at the same time.
Although water will do the job, some product labels require a specific tank cleaner to be used, and even if not, cleaners can be worth using occasionally for further assurance, particularly for those concerned about potential sulfonylurea residues on sensitive crops, he notes.
“Remember, all washings must be disposed of correctly, which can be quite complex in the absence of a designated washdown area and biobed system. Seek advice if in doubt.”
Look for leaks
It is always worth operating the sprayer with clean water to check for leaks and ensure the on-off mechanism and anti-drip valves are working correctly.
He recommends running the sprayer at a minimum of 5 bar“If there are no leaks, pressurise the sprayer to operating pressure to check that the pressure reading (gauge or electronic) is operational and correct.”
Test the nozzles
Inspect and jug test the nozzles for damage and ensure that they are within tolerance for desired application rates. Cross reference the flow rate against manufacturers data, and also check that nozzles are correctly aligned, he advises.
“Take this opportunity to evaluate whether current nozzles are delivering the coverage required. Recent years have seen an industry trend towards lower water volumes to improve work rates, but there is a risk this could be compromising coverage and efficacy in some situations. Again, if in doubt seek advice.”
Check PPE and first aid
Finally, George highlights the importance of making sure that the correct PPE and a complete first aid kit (including eyewash) is available to the sprayer operator. “Also consider things like a spill kit, fire extinguisher, signage, and an action plan/emergency contact numbers in the event of an accident,” he says.
“Taking a bit of time to make sure everything is in good working order before the season gets going can help to reduce the risks of downtime once things get busy. With relatively narrow windows to apply products at the optimum stage, anything to avoid lost time and keep sprayers working properly has to be worthwhile.”
