Choosing the Right Sprayer

So how did spraying go this season? Perhaps you're in the market for a new sprayer?

In the mid 1900's an Ontario orchard spray crew used a horse-drawn airblast sprayer that could cover 1.2 to 1.6 hectares per hour. We've come a long way.

As application technology continues to evolve and grow, so does the array of choices facing growers.
Whether considering optional features, or selecting a new sprayer, start by prioritizing your goals. Reflect on the positives and negatives of your current sprayer and talk to fellow growers about their experiences. It sometimes comes down to personal preference, but consider the following seven points:

1. Necessity - Is a new sprayer really needed? Manufacturers have a number of retrofit kits available to upgrade and improve sprayers. If poor pesticide performance has led to the decision to purchase a new sprayer, be sure it's related to the technology, and not to an operating error.
   
   
2. Crop Type and Acreage - Can the sprayer adapt to provide adequate coverage for multiple crops throughout the growing season and in the long-term? How flexible is the sprayer when spraying different products onto different targets?
   
   
3. Sprayer Capacity and Filling - Fewer refills means a higher work rate, but increased capacity also means more weight, so consider the effects on navigation, turning radius and soil compaction. Is the tank easy to fill? Is a chemical injection system or induction bowl required or preferred?
   
   
4. Cleaning, Calibrating and Maintenance - Clean water reservoirs, tank-rinsing nozzles and overall accessibility should be considered. Review the steps required to winterize and to calibrate the sprayer. Is it easy to access parts? Is operator exposure minimized?
   
   
5. Horsepower - This is an important consideration for airblast sprayers because fans move a lot of air and liquid. Tank agitators require power, too. Consider selecting from the higher range of manufacturer-recommended horsepower to improve longevity.
   
   
6. Operating Pressure - While more expensive, diaphragm and piston pumps have fewer moving parts in contact with the spray solution, reducing cleaning time and operator exposure.
   
   
7. Spraying Conditions - A sprayer has to be reliable, even in adverse conditions, so consider the operating environment. Night spraying, uneven terrain, high winds, dry conditions - many environmental factors can impact sprayer performance and may warrant special consideration. Investigate the structural framework and durability of the sprayer.

Don't rush into such a big purchase - ask questions.

For more information see the OMAFRA website or contact me at Jason.Deveau@ontario.ca