Sprayer Maintenance Checklist
Regular pre-and post-season sprayer maintenance is the key to peak performance when you need it each season
Daily sprayer maintenance is essential to achieve accurate settings and even spray distribution, avoid the risk of breakdown, and extend your equipment’s life.
Before using the sprayer each day
Make sure your settings match the application you will be applying. Determine what is necessary for the area to spray to avoid bottom residue.
At the end of the day
Never leave the spray mixture in the machine. Some products settle in the tank and may clog pipes, filters and nozzles.
Clean the sprayer and wear the proper protective equipment, especially goggles and gloves. Rinse the sprayer as well as the tractor inside and outside. Carefully empty your sprayer tank to prevent deposits and reduce the risk of clogging. This cleaning is also necessary on the same day between two applications of different products to avoid damage to crops during subsequent sprayings.
Check all the piping and fittings and replace worn parts. Clean all nozzles and filters using a brush and water.
Preparing for the end of the season storage
Begin taking steps to winterize and maintain the sprayer for peak performance during the next growing season.
The first step is to inspect the sprayer thoroughly, document any problems, and list parts needed for repairs. Winterization can begin once you have checked the sprayer and documented maintenance and repair needs.
Thoroughly wash the outside
Give your sprayer a good power wash and follow up with a hand wash to remove all debris. Use touch-up paint to avoid rust and corrosion.
Give the cab a refresh
Wash the windows inside and out of the cabin—vacuum to remove and clean the floor liner and any areas that can collect debris. Replace air conditioning and cabin filters if needed.
Application system
Flush the system with recreational vehicle antifreeze through pumps and booms. Use this solution in the main product and rinse tanks, running through all the plumbing. This will safeguard valuable pumps and valves from damage due to freezing.
Now, open the by-pass valve to flush the by-pass line. Open the clean water valve to flush the clean water lines properly. Open the rinse valve to flush the tank rinse line.
Flush the boom and let the solution flow until the tank is empty. Pivot down each end of the boom by hand to allow the remaining liquid to flow out. Leave all valves half-open.
Wash and store removed parts
Store nozzles together to avoid mixing with new nozzles. Check your sprayer’s operating manual for winterizing recommendations specific to your sprayer model.
