Make sure your sprayer is ready come spring:
- Clean and grease machine: After you clean the sprayer inspect all the welds for cracks, and wear. Paint any chips to prevent rust. Grease all fittings and make sure they accept grease, if not replace fitting and try again.
- Calibrate flow, speed, and pressure: Applying chemicals with a sprayer that has not been calibrated could lead to insufficient weed, insect, or disease control. A sprayer should be calibrated more than once a season. A target rate of 24 ounces per acre with a target speed of 12 mph will result in an actual application rate of 18 ounces when the actual ground speed is 15 mph.
- Nozzles do not last forever: Inspect nozzles closely, nozzles will wear differently depending on rates, nozzle construction, and spray material characteristics. As a general rule replace nozzles yearly.
General Inspection Tips:
- Disassemble product pump and check for impeller wear
- Inspect liquid hoses as UV light will make them brittle
- Ensure boom breakaways work properly
- Disassemble product strainers clean and or replace
- Check section valve to make sure they are functioning properly
- Check your boom pressure high limit and low limit
- Make sure controllers and displays are running current software
