Prepare Your Farm Equipment for Spring Spraying with Winter Care

Check Hoses and Nozzles

Spray hoses that come into contact with other equipment, such as metal frames or nuts, are at risk of wear and tear. Thoroughly inspect each hose for rub marks and replace or reroute those with compromised construction. A simple yet effective solution is to attach a piece of rubber or a sacrificial hose over the pressure hose to absorb the rubbing. Additionally, look for signs of dry rot and replace hoses that have lost their moisture. Using double hose clamps with screws turned in opposite directions in clamped areas provides a tighter fit, enhancing the hose's durability. T-Bolt clamps offer another reliable option for a secure connection.

Well-functioning nozzles are crucial for product efficiency. Blockages, spray disruptions, and internal wear can lead to uneven product distribution. Regularly conduct spray tests to evaluate nozzle performance. As Austin Weiss, a staff product application specialist at Syngenta, emphasizes, "You can very much optimize your application with nozzles. If you're not getting good control, they can be part of the solution." For more information on the importance of sprayer nozzles, check out the November 2024 edition of Weeds Playbook.

Hydraulic Hoses

Check hydraulic hoses for leaks, especially in areas where fluids can eat away at the hose coverings and the wires underneath. Replace any compromised hoses promptly to prevent potential injuries. These hoses operate under extreme pressure, and even a small leak can lead to serious consequences. As Whitford warns, "These hoses are under extreme pressure, and people can be severely injured when things break." Regular inspections and timely replacements are essential for safe and efficient operation.

Tanks and Fittings

Although poly tanks used by many farmers are relatively inexpensive, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause them to break down. A simple water-soluble marker test can help determine if tanks need replacing. Any cracks from sunlight can be detected with a water-soluble pen like a whiteboard marker. When wiping off the ink, visible signs of dry rot or alligator skin indicate that the tank is deteriorating. Farm equipment usually comes with a diagram indicating the locations of fittings that need greasing. Use the winter months to ensure proper maintenance by following the manufacturer-recommended oil formula and grease characteristics, especially if the equipment is still under warranty. Using a general-use grease may not always be the best choice, as some greases require specific viscosities to work effectively.

Boom and Tires

Don't underestimate the importance of the boom and tires in a sprayer system. Evaluate the boom section by section for cracks and stress points. If needed, make welded repairs during the winter months to prevent boom failures in the field. As Aaron Herrmann, a research agronomist at Precision Planting, points out, "If you had a crack on a boom you didn't notice in the winter, and you end up with a boom failure in the field, that is a huge repair and a lot of downtime." Keep tires in good condition by inspecting for checkered marks or worn rubber, especially after entering fields with debris like cornstalks.

Flush and Winterize the System

An effective system flush is essential to remove any residual herbicides. Whitford recommends using a commercial tank cleaner that can pull chemicals out of the hoses and break them down within the tank. After flushing, winterizing the equipment is crucial to prevent frozen water from damaging the system. Avoid using truck or car antifreeze and instead use an RV antifreeze. Flush the system until the color of the fluid coming out of the nozzles matches the color of the fluid being put in.

Storage Considerations

Once maintenance is completed, proper storage is key to ensuring that the equipment is ready to go in spring. Storing equipment in an unheated barn can lead to frozen batteries. A partially charged battery freezes at 32°F, while a fully charged battery can withstand temperatures as low as minus 76°F. Farmers are recommended to keep batteries inside and on a trickle charger to preserve them. Rodents can also cause extensive damage by chewing on wires, so consistent rodent control in storage areas is essential to limit the need for expensive repairs by specialist technicians.