Top 5 Sprayer Maintenance Tips

It is no secret that dealing with pesticides, herbicides and other agricultural chemicals can be complicated and make you feel like you’re back in chemistry class.

Agricultural chemicals can cause damage to equipment and crops if not cleaned properly. Corrosion, clogs and cross contamination are just a few of the issues you may face. There are many things to remember throughout the process of preparing your sprayer for a new season or cleaning it between uses. Here are the top 5 tips to clean your sprayer.
 

BE THOROUGH & PROMPT

Whether you use a pull behind or self-propelled sprayer, proper cleaning is crucial to the life and durability of your equipment.  The very important first step in sprayer maintenance to is be thorough and prompt.  Being thorough doesn’t only apply to how well you clean but also to the safety precautions you take while cleaning. 
 

WEAR SAFETY GEAR

Dealing with pesticides, herbicides and other agricultural chemicals is dangerous and should be taken seriously.  All chemicals should be handled with gloves, goggles and masks as they pose the risk of poisoning via skin contact, inhalation or ingestion. 
 

CLEAN BEFORE EACH SEASON & USE

Even if the sprayer was cleaned at the end of last season, doing a low-volume rinse with water before heading out to the field the first time is recommended.  Sprayers should also be cleaned every time you switch pesticides, when changing sites and at the end of the day, even if you’re using the same product the next day. Leaving chemicals in the lines and tank can cause cross contamination between chemicals and ruin crops.

A visual inspection should be completed to identify hard-to-reach places and areas where residue has hardened, which can lead to clogs or uneven application. Also remember that the tank isn’t all that needs cleaning - plumbing, screens, booms and caps all need to be rinsed and cleaned as well.
 

WASH IN A SAFE AREA

You must be sure to clean the equipment in an area that will not contaminate water sources for animals, people or any type of consumption (eg. watering gardens). In addition, the cleaning area must not be readily accessible to people, pets or livestock.
 

DILUTION & RINSING

Dilution and rinsing are next. Testing has shown that doing one large volume rinse is less effective than three smaller volume rinses.  Always read the instruction and mixing directions on the packaging to ensure you are using the proper neutralizing or cleaning agent.  To reduce cross contamination of differing chemicals, spray all the product out of the tank when done using that product, open the end caps to remove excess chemical in the dead ends as well. 

If you choose to split rinse, three low volume rinses should be completed. For the first rinse, a detergent or neutralizing agent can be used following the mixing direction.  The second and third rinses should be done using clean water each time. Once the split rinse is finished, a visual inspection should be performed again to ensure problem areas have been cleaned appropriately.

There’s a lot more that goes into cleaning your sprayer. Brandt is dedicated to providing the best service and solutions for your business needs. Reach out to our agriculture experts to learn more about sprayer service, parts, equipment and more.