Sprayer maintenance Cancel The title field is required!

1. Dalton Andrew

   
   11/26/2012 8:11 PM

   I was wondering how often you replace your nozzles and plumbing on your sprayer? Obviously, a lot of it depends on use, types of chemistry and fertilizers that are run through them, and whether you have a dry or wet boom. I personally have a dry boom. I generally change my nozzles at least once a year in the spring whether they need it or not, but I have found that with the programs I design, they need it. As for the regular plumbing I try and inspect and replace as needed. I am starting to think all the plumbing should be replaced yearly or at least every other year, just seems like cheap insurance to me. I am curious what everyone else does regarding your sprayer.
   
   Andy

   
   
   
   
2. Canedo Alberto J

   
   11/27/2012 7:11 AM

   I have had my spray rig for 4 1/2 years and still have not changed the nozzles. I went with the TurfJet wide angle flat fan spray nozzles in stainless steel. Every year the company that sold me the spray rigs comes to my golf course to test the nozzles and go over the spray rig at no charge. If anything is needed, they will come back out and help us fixed it if we are unable to do it our self. It is nice dealing with ag companies that care about their customers. I do melt down 50 pounds of iron and fertilizer every other week. The rest of the applications are liquid fertilizer, growth regulator's and fungicides if needed. The nozzles I use, may not be for everyone.

   
   
   
   
3. Tyler Daniels

   

   1 posts
   
   11/27/2012 10:11 AM

   Andy,
   I've had my sprayer for 4 years. Replaced the nozzles 3 times and am going to put all new nozzle trees and hoses on this winter after I get my snow mold app down.

   
   
   
   
4. Robert Crockett

   

   4 posts
   
   11/27/2012 10:11 AM

   What about pumps...I have a 2005 Toro 1250, bought used and rebuilt from Toro in 2009. It works fine, but if it crapped out on me during the season I'd be in a real bind.

   
   
   
   
5. Dalton Andrew

   
   11/28/2012 3:11 PM

   I probably put a lot more hours on my sprayer than some of you. I average close to 300 hours in a eighth month period. I do not let my nozzles get more than 10% of one another so changing them this frequently is necessary for me. As for my pump I rebuild it every two to three years based on what is going through my sprayer. I do use a three nozzle set up and failed to mention that my nozzles selected for foliar fertilizers and contact fungicides are changed more often than the other ones. I do think I'm going to start replacing my hoses every winter and be done with it, it really doesn't cost that much.
   
   Andy

   
   
   
   
6. Keith Pegg

   

   0 posts
   
   11/28/2012 6:11 PM

   I do a test on flow every 6 months and change nozzles if off even a little. I look at pattern and oz per min. Keep the records in a file to check. Stainless steel Nozzle 1/4 KLC -36 22' at 30 psi, last 2 to 3 years normal use. Average 12 hr a week 10 months out of the year, 480 hr per year, so every 1000 hours or so.
   
   Keith Pegg
   Zama Golf Club