Training
Cleaning and Maintenance of Spraying Equipment
At Pulverizadores Rocha, we believe that efficiency in the field begins with informed decisions and consistent day-to-day practices.
Following our monthly feature dedicated to Good Agricultural Practices, where every month we address an essential topic to help optimise results, reduce waste and promote more sustainable production, we present this month's topic:
Cleaning and Maintenance of Spraying Equipment, the Key to Maintaining Sprayer Efficiency.
In the previous article in our Good Agricultural Practices series, we discussed the importance of sprayer calibration to ensure the precise and effective application of plant protection products.
However, even perfect calibration quickly loses its effectiveness if the equipment is not properly cleaned and maintained. A well-maintained sprayer operates more accurately, reduces breakdowns, prevents contamination between treatments and significantly extends its service life.
In this article, we present the main cleaning and maintenance operations that should form part of every operator's routine.
Why Is It Important to Keep the Sprayer Clean and Well Maintained?
During each treatment, residues of plant protection products remain inside the tank, filters, hoses, control unit, pump and nozzles. If they are not removed, these residues may:
- Cause blockages;
- Alter nozzle flow rates;
- Contaminate subsequent treatments;
- Accelerate component wear;
- Compromise application effectiveness.
Preventive maintenance avoids these problems and ensures that the sprayer is always ready to operate under the best conditions.
The Advantage of a Circuit Cleaning System
Sprayers equipped with a Circuit Cleaning System make cleaning significantly easier.
This system uses an additional clean water tank, usually with a capacity equivalent to 10% of the main tank, allowing the entire circuit to be cleaned, from the main filter to the nozzles, including the pump, control unit, hoses and section filters, simply by switching the three-way valve.
This makes it possible to remove residues more simply, more “automatically” and even more efficiently, since it always uses clean water, free from residues remaining in the main tank, preventing products from drying inside the circuit or causing undesirable chemical reactions.
Before Starting the Season
Before the first treatment of the agricultural season, it is recommended to:
- Carry out a general inspection of the equipment;
- Perform a test run using only water to confirm correct operation;
- Compare the flow rates of all nozzles using measuring jugs, ensuring consistency or acceptable proximity between all nozzles according to the manufacturer's specifications.
During Operation
Ideally, circuit cleaning should be carried out after each tank load. It is mandatory at the end of the working day (after completing all treatments planned for the day) and during extended breaks (for example, at lunchtime).
The main operations include:
- Removing and washing all filters;
- Cleaning the entire circuit up to the nozzles;
- Visually checking for leaks or damaged components.
These operations prevent residues from drying inside the system, significantly reducing future breakdowns.
At the End of Each Working Day
Once the day's treatments have been completed, it is advisable to thoroughly reinforce the cleaning of:
- The circuit;
- The inside of the main tank;
- The exterior of the sprayer.
This simple routine prevents residue build-up, protects components and facilitates future maintenance operations.
At the End of Each Treatment Cycle
When a treatment cycle comes to an end, cleaning must be even more thorough.
At this stage, it is recommended to:
- Reinforce all the previously described procedures until the entire circuit is confirmed to be completely clean;
- Completely empty the tank, never storing any remaining product;
- Check the pressure of the pump compensator and replace the diaphragm if any water release is detected;
- Check the level and condition of the pump oil, always after a few minutes of operation. During operation, the diaphragms cause the oil to move back and raise the level inside the reservoir. If oil is added without taking this into account, damage to the oil tank cap or even rupture of the tank itself may occur;
- Replace all diaphragms if the oil has a milky appearance (similar to coffee with milk), which is a sign of rupture;
- Inspect, clean or even replace the pressure valves;
- Lubricate the sealing rings (O-rings) and the pump piston with solid petroleum jelly or a suitable lubricant to prevent drying out or increased wear.
Storage at the End of the Season
After the agricultural season has been completed, the sprayer must be carefully prepared for storage.
The equipment should remain:
- Completely clean; the cleaning procedures described above should be carried out even more rigorously and, if necessary, repeated until effective cleaning has been achieved;
- Stored in a dry place and protected from direct sunlight;
- Protected from moisture and adverse weather conditions.
Electrical and electronic control units require special attention. Whenever possible, they should be disconnected from the sprayer and stored in an enclosed, protected location.
What Happens When Cleaning and Maintenance Are Neglected?
A lack of cleaning and maintenance has direct consequences on equipment performance.
The main impacts include:
- Reduced service life of the sprayer;
- Increased wear of components;
- Reduced spraying efficiency;
- greater waste of plant protection products;
- increased risk of environmental contamination;
- reduced treatment effectiveness;
- Reduced profitability of the agricultural operation.
Always Consult the Operator's Manual
We would like to remind you that all Rocha sprayers are supplied with a User Manual, where you will find detailed instructions on cleaning, preventive maintenance and equipment preservation.
If you lose your manual or need to consult it at any time, please visit www.pulverocha.pt.
Following these recommendations will maximise the sprayer's performance and reduce maintenance costs over the years.
Conclusion
Efficient spraying does not depend solely on proper calibration. Regular cleaning and maintenance are equally essential to ensure safe, precise and effective treatments.
By incorporating these good practices into your routine, you will be protecting the environment, safeguarding your investment in the equipment, reducing waste and ensuring high-quality applications throughout the entire season.
