PIETMAN BOTHA,
INDEPENDENT AGRI-
CULTURAL CONSULTANT
No matter what piece of equipment you buy, it comes with a manual or user’s guide which should be read before using the equipment. Understanding how your sprayer works and brushing up on the electronics is important, so review the manual annually.
BEFORE HOOKING UP THE SPRAYER
Inspect the power take-off (PTO) shaft (Photo 1).
Examine the sprayer pressure pump and look for oil leaks. Inspect the oil level of the pump. You also have to look at the colour of the oil. If it is white or milky it means that there is a water leak in the pump which needs to be repaired.
If the pump is a diaphragm pump and air is used in the pump, make sure that it is on pressure. If not, pump up to the required pressure and recheck it an hour later. If there is any change, replace the diaphragm of the pump.
Inspect the spray beams, frame and the tank of the sprayer for cracks and rust and repair if necessary (Photo 2).
AFTER HOOK-UP
Fill the sprayer with clean water and rinse. Clean all the filters and nozzles as well as the nozzles in the tank. Run water through the system and flush out all hoses and nozzles. Make sure that the spray pattern is the same for all nozzles. If not reclean or replace the nozzle (Photo 3).
Clean the outside of the sprayer.
Check the pump pressure, control valves and spray pattern (Photo 4). Refill the tank with clean water and engage the sprayer pump. Open the booms and control valves (Photo 5). Examine the pressure delivered by the pump. Set the pressure 20% higher than working pressure and check the pressure again. If the pump pressure is too low the pump needs to be repaired.
Lastly, calibrate the sprayer according to the herbicide or pesticide used.
Refresh your memory every year on how to set up your sprayer.
Photo 1: Replace the universal bearings of the PTO shaft if necessary.
Photo 2: Lubricate all lubrication points especially the hinges of the spray beams.
Photo 3: After flushing out the nozzles, reclean all filters and nozzles.
Photo 4: Looking for leaks on the pipes and fittings when the sprayer is working and when the valves are closed is important.
Photo 5: Replace or repair the control valve if it is not working properly.
