Tips from Tech: Pre-season Application Checklist
By now, planting operations should be wrapping up in most locales in the United States so it’s time to turn to another field operation, spraying. The following list is a good starting point for getting your machine field ready but think safety first. Do you have an adequate supply of gloves, goggles, particle masks and chemical jump suits?
Mechanical Inspection:
- Clean or replace tank and boom sprayers as needed.
- Inspect hoses, clamps and fittings for wear or leaks. Repair or replace as needed.
- Test nozzle flow rate and compare to new. Replace any tip that has 10% or more error from new nozzle flow rate. If two or more nozzles fail, replace the whole set.
- Inspect boom suspension and general mechanical condition. Repair as needed. Automated boom height control can’t perform well if boom mechanicals are worn.
- Inspect the flow meter. Clean, test or replace as needed.
A Hagie STS sprayer getting an updated tank.
Electronic Inspection:
- Inspect cable for corroded connectors and physical damage. Pay extra attention to possible pinch points like drawbar and boom fold areas.
- Calibrate ground speed sensor for backup GPS speed source.
- Test flow meter, boom and flow control valves for proper operation by adding water to the tank and placing the Ag Leader display into “Rate not Responding.” You may want to create and load a test field for this procedure in order to prevent garbage data. Calibrate or repair as needed.
The following guides will outline these procedures a bit more in-depth:
New to DirectCommand? These resources will be of great help!
Ag Leader® Integra/Versa Sprayer Quick Reference Guide
Ag Leader® Integra OptRx Quick Reference Guide
Ag Leader® Integra/Versa NORAC UC5 Quick Reference Guide
“Meanwhile Back at the NCRS.” Web log post. Live From the NCRS! Ed. Jerry L. Wilhm, Dr. N.p., 18 Mar. 2011. Web. 27 May 2014.