Technical “ Nozzle height Pressure gauge Equaliser chamber
Whilst still looking at the gauge, switch off different sections of the boom to check that the pressure remains consistent
likely cause is that the pressure regulating chamber (identified by having a bicycle Schrader valve on the top and usually situated by the pump), does not have sufficient air to equalise the sprayer. To rectify this, take off the valve cap and, using a bicycle or car-tyre pump, put in the same pressure that you would be working at - typically three bar. The needle on the gauge should now remain steady. If not, there may be another mechanical fault that needs addressing by an engineer. Then, whilst still looking at the gauge,
switch off different sections of the boom to check that the pressure remains consistent at all times. If it goes up when one section is switched off, for example, that means the remaining sections will be applying more spray and give an inaccurate result. The pressure can usually be regulated and balanced by adjusting the rotating caps on the back of the section isolating valves. Turning attention to the nozzles; with the
sprayer switched on, check that the pattern from each nozzle looks even and consistent. Small particles of grit can give a streaky effect to the pattern. Flat fan nozzles are notoriously susceptible to these partial or full blockages, where the shape of the orifice gives narrow pinch points that can collect debris. The Syngenta XC Nozzle, however, has been designed with a more open orifice which means that any blockages are extremely rare, especially with the 04 or 08 sizes.
Priming equaliser chamber
Also, take the nozzles out and visually check any filter that is in place. Where iron or trace elements have been regularly sprayed, as is frequently the case on sports turf, fine filters can be blocked with residues that interrupt even flow. Poorly formulated liquid fertilisers can also prove problematic. Our nozzle design facilitates the use of a larger 50 mesh wire filter (usually identified with a red plastic insert), compared to the finer 100 mesh (blue insert) filter typically fitted with standard turf sprayer nozzles. I do suggest to always fit wire gauze filters, which are far more effective than the predominantly solid metal filters with slots that are sometimes used. Then, we need to do a test to check for
nozzle wear, which I advocate is a good routine every two to three months, or if you suspect there has been any change in the area you normally expect to cover from a fill. I am often asked how long a set of nozzles should last, but it is entirely dependent on how much spraying is done and, more to the point, what has been applied. Syngenta
Lewis Pattinson, Leeds Rugby Assistant Head Groundsman and sprayer operator for the PitchFocus event, welcomed the chance to glean Tom's experience to set up his Hardi tractor mounted sprayer, including fitting the new Syngenta XC Nozzles.
“It really highlighted that spending just a few minutes checking the sprayer before any application can make a real difference in the accuracy of results - and hopefully ensure that we get the very best from every treatment,” he reported.
“We are aiming to be far more precise with the Everris-led nutrition programme, including liquid feeds to keep the turf in good health through the extended playing season, but avoid wasteful over-application; accurate spraying is crucial to get that right.”
“With timeliness also important for proactive disease control applications and Primo Maxx programmes, the tips we have learned from the sprayer set-up session will certainly further help.”
Lewis Pattinson 132 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
“Having seen it in practice, it is not that difficult and something that we can beneficially build into the routine.”
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