Technical
Get the measuring jug out and check your sprayer calibration
than using a hand throttle to set the forward speed of the vehicle. For those using a top of the range sprayer, speed is far less important to the accurate application, as the wide operating range of the twin nozzle systems mean they can cope with most speed variations without any operator input. This allows the operator to concentrate more on where they are going, than worrying about the speed.
Steering (streaks and overlaps)
It seems obvious that the operator must carefully steer the sprayer, as missed areas can be very noticeable, and overlapping wastes expensive product and can also lead to over application issues. Areas like semi‐ rough don’t need the same levels of attention, so spraying them as well can be a waste of product, and an ethical/ecological concern.
Base units just have to do the best they can to avoid missing or streaking and, on fine turf areas, this can mean applying a 50% weaker mix and double applications in different directions (very time consuming, and therefore expensive).
Mid‐range units may have foam markers, which certainly help on larger areas and, if the pressure of speed control is removed by a controller, then more attention can be given to maintaining correct bout matching (maintaining a one nozzle overlap for an even application).
Top of the range units will have an onboard mapping display, showing the areas which have not yet been sprayed, whilst
individual nozzle control will shut off each nozzle independently to avoid any overlapping. This is where a more expensive sprayer can save money on expensive product applications, get better results and reduce spraying times as the operators simply drive over the area and the sprayer does the rest for them. Managers can even set up “no spray” zones using the mapping software. This would stop spraying into a fairway bunker, for example, giving a further saving of product. For even greater accuracy and to assist with operator error and fatigue, self‐steer options for dedicated sprayers are also coming into our market.
Calibration
This would have been the obvious starting point for a sprayer article, as every sprayer needs to be re‐calibrated regularly. Hopefully leaving it to the end of the article will not mean that you overlook it! Calibration, much like nozzle maintenance, is an area so often overlooked, but can have a big impact on product application rates and the resulting costs or the results of different applications. Base model sprayers will need to be regularly calibrated, to ensure that the flow rate and pressure combination is delivering the right amount per minute. Without accurate calibration, it’s all just guesswork and luck. For the higher specification units, calibration is still needed to check nozzle wear. As the flow rate for each boom is
checked, it is also a good time to check the spray pattern and identify any nozzles which need cleaning or replaced.
So, get that measuring jug out and check your sprayer’s calibration!
Flushing and cleaning
After each use, the sprayer should be emptied out and flushed with clean water to remove all traces of the product. A safe and environmental (as well as legal) disposal method must be used. Remember that the nozzles may have filters fitted to them, and these should also be checked for any deposits; its not just the tank that needs to be flushed.
PPE
Unless it’s a clean sprayer using just water (on a demonstration event), the operator should always wear the current PPE. Boots, waterproof overalls, nitrile gloves and a face shield. Wash facilities must be available to the operator and the warning labels on the product must be read and understood by the operator.
PC JUNE/JULY 2018 I 131
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