Sprayer tests
As part of this initiative, the Irish government was obliged to introduce a system of testing crop sprayers in 2015. The legislation applies to all sprayers over five years old and more than 3m in width. It also apples to orchard misters and weed wipers, although it is the standard boom type crop sprayer we look at here. The test must be conducted every three years by an approved agricultural equipment inspector, who has the responsibility of ensuring the machine is safe to use and does not constitute an environmental hazard due to leakages or incorrect application rates. Jim Dockery of Farm Relief Services (FRS) is one such inspector and here he guides us through the items that are examined on a sprayer to allow its continued use.As with all inspections, a report is generated and this is then lodged online, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
However, it is not simply a matter of a pass or fail on the spot, the inspector can guide the farmer and work towards getting it through the test.Jim's first task is to identify the sprayer and pump, and these are recorded along with the type, capacity and working width of the unit.
These are all noted before moving on to the equipment itself, and here the primary item is the safe condition of the PTO shaft. Click on the below images to enlarge and scroll across. The general state of repair is also noted with any damage or leaks being noted and highlighted for attention. The presence of drips and puddles, along with 'wonky' booms are a definite red flag and will need to be rectified before a certificate can be issued.Constant pressure
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The sprayer's pressure gauge is checked against an annually calibrated master gauge (left) -
A gauge fitted at either end of a spray line checks for pressure drop along its length & must not exceed 10% -
The line pressure gauge may be attached directly to the nozzle mount, or clamped directly to the nozzle
Flow rate
Having examined the components responsible for delivering the spray to the nozzles, these final items must also be checked. The flow rate for each set that is in use, must be tested on a separate basis. This can be a long and arduous job, that is much relieved by the advent of digital flow meters.-
Checking the flow rate from each nozzle is now performed by a meter rather than cylinder and stopwatch -
Checking the boom height. The nozzle tip should be between 70 - 75cm above the crop canopy -
The spacing between nozzles must remain at 50cm. Pipes may become loose causing this to vary at the pivot points of the boom sections
Ongoing care for your sprayer
Once compliance is achieved, Jim suggests the best way of ensuring it stays serviceable, is to simply use it. Making sure it is well drained before putting it away is also essential and it may be necessary to disconnect hoses and filters to do so.Extremes of heat and direct sunlight can also take their toll, so keeping it in a shed over winter is highly recommended.
There is no reason why a well maintained and lightly used sprayer should not last for many years. A regular check up is an essential part of keeping it going.