When it comes to protecting a crop from insects, diseases and weed pressure, the sprayer is a front-line piece of equipment; if it?s not doing its job properly, you?re losing yields. David Mills, Case IH Sprayer Marketing Manager, says there are a few things farmers can do now, before the season starts, to make sure their sprayer is up to the job.
?The most obvious thing is checking the sprayer tips to make sure you?re getting an even, consistent deposition,? Mills said. ?Running water through the system is a great way to do this. If you find one or two tips that aren?t working right, we?d like to see you replace them all. While you?re checking the nozzles themselves, you may want to check the nozzle mounts for damage, especially on the ends of the boom. A bent nozzle mount can mean misdirected spray ? and that?s wasted money and potentially lost yield. Finally, you?ll want to make sure you have the right tips for the job. Floods, fans, cones ? they all do different things, so think about what your first applications of the season will be, check the label for recommendations and make sure you have the appropriate spray tip for the product.?
Mills said farmers should look over the spray system of their unit as well.
?A good visual inspection can help prevent a lot of problems, so check every hose for any kinks, cracks, sagging or other signs of wear,? Mills said. ?Make sure you check all the fittings too. You don?t want to see any residue on or around hose fittings and, obviously, you don?t want to see leaks. If you?re running water through the system to check your nozzles anyway, that?s a great time to look for any leaks in other parts of the system. Also make sure to remove and clean any strainers. We don?t want any solids getting into the spray system.?
Mills added that farmers need to be sure to check the mechanical systems and components as well.
?Make sure all your fluids are topped off to the recommended levels and you have fresh fuel, oil, and air filters,? Mills said. ?Go ahead and check the tires too. You?re looking for excessive or abnormal wear. Don?t forget to check the individual tire pressures, and look at the mounting lugs to make sure they?re tightened to the recommended torque. Finally, get out the grease gun and hit all the grease points, and make sure the boom suspension and joints are properly lubed as well.?
For more information, visit caseih.com.
