Archive Article: 2001/02/23
WITH the spraying programme way behind and a lot of extra spring work looming, the last thing growers want is a sprayer breakdown.
An independent sprayer test now could save much wasted down-time later in the season.
"At least a third of sprayers tested by our scheme have significant defects that are challenging for a farmer to detect," says Duncan Russell of the Agricultural Engineers Association. An AEA validated test by staff from one of the 58 centres around the UK is a good check on top of the farms own winter service, he says.
"It gives you peace of mind and a better bottom line resulting from efficient spraying, cutting downtime and better timeliness."
Decontaminated sprayers are checked by on-farm engineers equipped with precision pressure gauges and other equipment not available to the farmer. This ensures nozzles can deliver an even spray to the target.
"Worn nozzles and boom defects are the commonest failings, even after a farm service." Both cause uneven application, which eats into effective spraying and profit, says Mr Russell.
Checks are also made on the mechanical safety of the guards and hitching points; ancillaries like hoses, electrics and labels; the delivery systems tank, pump and pipes; the application systems spraylines, filters and nozzles and accessories like the rinsing, induction and recirculation systems.
After necessary repairs or replacements a numbered one year certificate is issued. "This is useful in demonstrating compliance with Assurance Scheme requirements. And in the future it may be needed to demonstrate good practice with or without a pesticide tax," says Mr Russell.
"At an average cost of £145/test, the savings in chemical and time will soon pay off. And your well maintained sprayer will have a longer life," he concludes. *