Top Tips for Maintaining Your Agricultural Sprayer

Owning the right sprayer is only half the job — keeping it in peak condition ensures every litre of chemical, fertiliser, or water is applied efficiently and safely. Regular maintenance not only extends your equipment’s lifespan but also improves spraying accuracy and reduces costly downtime. Here are Silvan’s top tips for maintaining your agricultural sprayer and keeping your operations running smoothly.

1. Clean After Every Use

It might sound simple, but cleaning your sprayer immediately after each job is the most important maintenance task.

• Flush the tank with clean water to remove any chemical residues.
• Run the rinse water through the booms and nozzles to prevent build-up or cross-contamination.
• Use a recommended tank cleaner when switching between different chemicals to avoid damaging crops or altering spray results.

💡 Tip: Don’t forget to clean filters and strainers — blockages here are one of the most common causes of uneven spray patterns.

2. Inspect Hoses, Seals, and Fittings Regularly

Leaks and pressure loss can dramatically reduce performance. Before and after spraying, inspect all hoses, clamps, and seals for cracks or wear.

• Replace brittle or soft hoses immediately.
• Check couplings and valves for tight connections.
• Keep a basic repair kit on hand for field fixes.

Over time, even minor leaks can waste product and affect calibration accuracy, so early detection pays off.

3. Maintain and Calibrate Your Nozzles

Nozzles are the precision point of your sprayer — small differences make a big impact.

• Check nozzle output periodically using a simple flow test.
• Replace worn nozzles when output varies more than 10% from the manufacturer’s specification.
• Clean nozzles gently using soft brushes or compressed air — never with wire or sharp tools.

Regular nozzle calibration ensures consistent spray coverage and minimises chemical waste.

4. Keep the Pump in Top Shape

Your sprayer’s pump is its heart. To extend its life:

• Lubricate as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Drain and flush the pump after use, especially when storing.
• Check diaphragms, seals, and valves for wear or chemical damage.
• Replace filters on schedule to prevent debris entering the pump system.

If your pump loses pressure or sounds unusual, address it early — waiting can lead to costly rebuilds.

5. Store Your Sprayer Correctly

When spraying season ends, proper storage helps prevent corrosion and cracking.

• Drain all liquid and allow parts to dry completely.
• Store under cover, away from direct sunlight and frost.
• Release system pressure and disconnect power (for 12 V or motorised units).
• Apply a light oil film on metal parts and pump components before long-term storage.

For trailed and linkage sprayers, check tyre pressure and protect the PTO shaft from dust and moisture.

6. Follow a Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

At the start of each spraying season, take a full day to:

• Inspect all hoses, valves, and electrical connections.
• Check the boom alignment and folding mechanisms.
• Test pressure gauges and flow meters.
• Verify calibration accuracy with water before adding chemicals.

A systematic pre-season check ensures fewer in-field surprises and better spray efficiency from day one.