Your agronomist has just been and recommended that you apply some pesticide and

panic sets in as the spraying machine is at the back of the machinery store.

 

Here are a few simple checks to carry out, to ensure the sprayer is in a fit condition to

apply the product safely and correctly.

 

Firstly make sure that the sprayer has been thoroughly decontaminated (Don't forget

correct protective clothing ( a cleaner such as "Red Alert" will help remove the
contamination from the tank pump and especially the spraylines, it can also be used

to remove pesticide from the outside of the machine (always dispose of the washings

in the correct manner).

 

Once the machine is clean, the checking process can begin, check the safety guards,

particularly the carden shaft (pto), both the guard and the securing chain should be
in first class order.

 

The tank lid, seal and breather valve should be checked, the N.S.T.S. (National Sprayer Testing Scheme) has shown that the hoses that move the liquid around the machine can be in poor condition, normally due to the age of the hose, take particular care to inspect the pinch points where the hoses go around the boom folds, if it suspect in any way replace it, in some cases just cutting out the damaged section and fitting an approved hose joiner will be satisfactory.

 

The next task is to remove all filters, carry out a thorough inspection to see if there is
any sign of damage or wear of the "o" ring seals. If worn they should be replaced.

There could also be filters in the suction hose, tank lid, suction pressure line and
nozzle. Make sure you fit the correct mesh size, your operators manual will be able
to supply you with the correct size.

 

Finally to the most important part of the sprayer, the nozzle tip and assembly. The DCV (diaphragm check valve) should be check to ensure there are no drips when they are switched off, it is often best to replace the whole set.

 

The flow rate of the nozzles should be checked and if they are 10% above normal,

the whole set should be changed. If the flow rate are is correct the spray pattern

should be looked at. A good way to do this is to put a black clipboards behind the

nozzle, if the pattern is streaky or poor repalce all the tips. A final check can be made

by spraying over dry concrete at normal pressure and observe if the pattern dries out

at the same rate.

 

The sprayer should be lubricated as per the manufacturers instructions.

 

Remember if you look after the machine, it will look after you.

 

If you would like your machine independently checked and tested, please contact
your local representative.