Preparing the sprayer for winter storage

Usually the working season for a sprayer begins in spring and ends in late autumn. In order for all its units to work properly, you need to flush the liquid fertilizer system after each application and at the end of the season preserve the sprayer for winter storage. It is best to keep it indoors or at least under a canopy.

Washing the sprayer after work is important because the substances used in agriculture are chemically aggressive to the equipment of the sprayer (especially betanals and liquid fertilizers). But even if the equipment of stainless steel and chemically inert plastic remains the second problem - the decomposition of fertilizer in solution with the formation of hard-to-remove deposits in the system. It is much easier to prevent sediment from occurring than to remove it after it appears.

Thus, regularly cleaning the sprayer during the working season, you extend its service life.

Late autumn is already time to prepare the sprayer for winter storage, repair or preventive maintenance.

How to prepare a self-propelled sprayer for winter storage

  • Be sure to inspect all communications and hoses for breaks, pinches, and other damage.
  • The quality of the oil is checked (not only in the engine, but also in the pump).
  • You should check the frame of the sprayer - for the working season there could appear chipped, cracked. They should be cleaned with sandpaper and painted over.
  • Filters for liquid fertilizers should be checked.
  • A self-propelled sprayer is also a «vehicle», which has an engine, chassis and other units that need to be checked.
  • Make a preservation sprayer for the winter.

If you plan to wash the outdoor units with a high-pressure apparatus, remove the electronic components and wires. Even if they are protected from the rain, the supply of water under pressure can harm them.

The preservation of the sprayer for the winter begins with the flushing of the working fluid supply system. Further preparation of the sprayer for the winter can go in two ways: dry or preservation with antifreeze.

«Dry» approach to winter storage of the sprayer

If it is possible to completely drain the fluid from the system (pump, all hoses and other elements), then the «dry» method will be applied.

  1. After switching on the pump in the normal mode, wait for the liquid to stop flowing from the nozzles.
  2. Remove the water from the clean water tank.
  3. Drain water from the intake filter.
  4. After disconnecting the fluid intake hose, start the pump again, which is necessary for maximum removal of fluid from the system.
  5. You can now blow through hoses by connecting a tire pump or a can of compressed air to the outlet.
  6. Remove liquid from the filter.
  7. Check the slack of the hoses, they usually accumulate fluid.
  8. If necessary, blow each hose individually.
  9. Remove the remaining water from the pump by turning it on for half a minute (the supply and discharge hoses must be disconnected). There are recommendations for the winter to remove the pump and store in a warm room.
  10. Remove the fluid control unit and pressure gauge; they should be kept warm.

Preservation of the sprayer for the winter with antifreeze

If we are talking about trailed sprayers or situations where it is not possible to disassemble the system, it remains to protect it from freezing with antifreeze. The stages of such preparation of the sprayer for winter are partially reminiscent of those already stated above.

  1. Drain all the water (if it is not water, then first flush the entire system), as far as the regular pump will allow.
  2. Prepare 50 liters of antifreeze, with a higher concentration than is usually necessary.
  3. Pour this solution into the system.

After contact with the remaining water in the system, the concentration of antifreeze will reach the operating value. If the working fluid supply system was washed off well, then in the spring you can drain this antifreeze for reuse.

As a separate plus, one can note the beneficial effect of antifreeze on the rubber components of the system.

What else should be done to prepare the sprayer for winter storage

  • Change the oil in the pump, at the same time you can check the need to replace the pump membrane.
  • Protect the chains, slide guides and other assemblies that may be affected by corrosion by spraying and other special means.
  • If possible, unload the wheels of the sprayer, putting it on the prop.

The well-made preparation of the sprayer for the winter season not only guarantees its safety, but also simplifies commissioning in the spring.

Other useful tips for the owner of the sprayer.


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