12/17/2012 12:12 PM
I always find it interesting that we will spend 50k+ on pesticide purchased throughout the year and yet some Superintendents will bark about $200 for nozzles once a year! For me it is less than 2 cases of Daconil during the whole course of the year and I can buy all my nozzles that easily save me money in the long run from their effectiveness. I use 3 different nozzles pending on my product and desired application utilizing the 3 nozzle turret for quick changes.
Every nozzle is built different just like our fungicides, picking the right one is essential to maximize our dollars spent. There is no "one nozzle" for every application, but the one that I found comes the closest is the TeeJet Air Induction for both coverage and limited drift potential. But it does have its draw backs, I find that using the Extended Range Flat Fan is far superior in Primo applications and basic Foliar pesticides and spoon feeding, but has a tremendous amount of drift potential. Lastly I also use a Turbo Turf Jet, has a wide angle limiting skips from ground clearance and almost zero drift, but has very large droplets than leave less than desired plant coverage, much like the Delavan Raindrops.... BUT these are excellent nozzles for Herbicides, wetting agents,and insecticides.
With all these nozzles I run at a set pressure of 40PSI at the nozzle base, I then change my speed to adjust rates. I will spray at 35-50 gpa on fairways/roughs and 40-80 gpa on greens/tees.
All in all, I always recommend if you are only going to pick one nozzle go with the TeeJet Air Induction. But thats me.
Hope this helps!
Mark Newton, CGCS
Ames Golf & Country Club