Test centre to keep sprayers up to scratch
Test centre to keep sprayers up to scratch
SPRAYER operators are becoming increasingly aware that their machines should be maintained in tip-top condition, reports Knight Farm Machinery.
The company is among the first in the UK to be approved by the Agricultural Engineers Association as an official test centre for crop sprayers.
A voluntary scheme, the AEA sprayer test has been devised to provide a precise evaluation of a sprayers accuracy and safety, and is designed to be performed every two years.
According to managing director Brian Knight, these requirements are increasingly demanded by supermarket chains and other retailers in response to public concern about food safety and the environmental impact on farming.
"Todays spray operators have not only to be seen to be responsible but also to have documentation to prove they are," he insists.
Knights testing and repair service – for any make of sprayer – can be carried out either on the farm or in the factory with the customer being charged by the hour. Mr Knight says the charge would usually be under the £100 mark – a price which includes a £20 registration fee.n
Sprayer testing under way with the mobile trough units. Once all is satisfactorily completed the sprayer is issued with a document stating when the next test is due.