Home ​​​​>​​​​ Knowledge Center​​​​

How to control a spray boom? 

A spray boom is a commonly used horticultural device. To extend the life of a spray boom, it is advisable to check it regularly. Filters and nozzles can cause a negatively affect to the spray pattern and distribution of the nozzles. How and how often you should check a spray boom and what benefits it require, you can read in the article below.
Spray boom installing
Michael Visser
Specialist Mechanical Equipment | April 11, 2019 | 4 min. reading time

How often should you check a spray boom? 

You should check a spray boom every year for optimal operation of the device. This is important because the nozzles, hoses, and filters may have defects. The advice is to do this in the autumn. In the autumn, most growers are least affected by pests and therefore need to spray less frequently. This way you can be sure that the spray boom works properly when you really need it. 

Check the boom

Checking a spray boom is quite easy. It is a matter to control the nozzles, hoses and filters carefully. 

Filters

When calibrating the boom, it is wise to first check the filters. Check if the filters are damaged, in that case it is necessary to replace it. If the filters are dirty, careful cleaning is sufficient.  

Nozzles 

After checking the filters, it is wise to check the spray pattern of the nozzles. The best way to do this is to spray a certain area with a fluorescent substance. By shining with a black light, you can see exactly the spray pattern. If the spray pattern does not match the spray pattern associated with the type of nozzle, it is time to replace them. An alternative is to hang water-sensitive paper in the crop before spraying.

Hoses

Finally, it is important to check the hoses for damages and cracks and if the hose is porous.  

Benefits to control the spray boom

  • It reduces the usage of plant protection products 
  • It extends the lifecycle of the spray boom 
  • It reduces the exposure risk of the user 
  • Less risk of environmental impact and pollution 

Important! 

In addition to annually checking the spray boom, a spray boom must be tested every three years (in the Netherlands) by a certified company.  

One final tip: Always rinse the spray boom with clean water after use. This prevents the materials of the spray boom protected from crop protection agents of sticking inside the equipment’s. 
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Michael Visser will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.

How to control a spray boom? 

A spray boom is a commonly used horticultural device. To extend the life of a spray boom, it is advisable to check it regularly. Filters and nozzles can cause a negatively affect to the spray pattern and distribution of the nozzles. How and how often you should check a spray boom and what benefits it require, you can read in the article below.
Search in the Knowledge Center
​​​​​​​​Find answers to your question in our Knowledge Center. 600+ articles, written by our specialists.​​​​
Michael Visser
Michael Visser
Specialist Mechanical Equipment | April 11, 2019 | 4 min. reading time
Share this article
Spray boom installing
Topics in this article

How often should you check a spray boom? 

You should check a spray boom every year for optimal operation of the device. This is important because the nozzles, hoses, and filters may have defects. The advice is to do this in the autumn. In the autumn, most growers are least affected by pests and therefore need to spray less frequently. This way you can be sure that the spray boom works properly when you really need it. 

Check the boom

Checking a spray boom is quite easy. It is a matter to control the nozzles, hoses and filters carefully. 

Filters

When calibrating the boom, it is wise to first check the filters. Check if the filters are damaged, in that case it is necessary to replace it. If the filters are dirty, careful cleaning is sufficient.  

Nozzles 

After checking the filters, it is wise to check the spray pattern of the nozzles. The best way to do this is to spray a certain area with a fluorescent substance. By shining with a black light, you can see exactly the spray pattern. If the spray pattern does not match the spray pattern associated with the type of nozzle, it is time to replace them. An alternative is to hang water-sensitive paper in the crop before spraying.

Hoses

Finally, it is important to check the hoses for damages and cracks and if the hose is porous.  

Benefits to control the spray boom

  • It reduces the usage of plant protection products 
  • It extends the lifecycle of the spray boom 
  • It reduces the exposure risk of the user 
  • Less risk of environmental impact and pollution 

Important! 

In addition to annually checking the spray boom, a spray boom must be tested every three years (in the Netherlands) by a certified company.  

One final tip: Always rinse the spray boom with clean water after use. This prevents the materials of the spray boom protected from crop protection agents of sticking inside the equipment’s. 
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Michael Visser will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Michael visser
Also interesting for you
What is the difference between oil, lubricant and grease?
In order to have systems, devices and tools work smoothly, it is necessary to provide them with grease, lubricant and/or oil.



Tips for the maintenance of a Pulsfog
The Pulsfog is suitable for simple and quick treatment of spaces and is very effective for combatting insects. The different types are all provided with a powerful jet engine, which is generally fault-free. For best results with the Pulsfog, good maintenance of the machine is very important.
How to clean spraying equipment
After spraying, it is important to properly clean your spraying equipment so it will be ready for its next use. If you don’t do this, there is a chance that crop protection products end up where they shouldn’t, which can cause crop damage. In short: Always clean spray equipment after use!