Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Advantages:
•
medium to large tanks
•
lower cost than high-pressure sprayers
versatility.
Limitations:
•
•
low pressure limits pesticide penetration and reach.
a.
Boom Sprayers
Low-pressure sprayers are often equipped with sprayer booms ranging
from 10 to 60 feet in length. The most common booms are between 20 and
35 feet long and contain many nozzles. The height of the sprayer boom must
be easily adjustable to meet the needs of the job. Boom supports should al-
low the boom to be set at any height from 12 to 72 inches above the surface
being sprayed. Many nozzle arrangements are possible, and special-purpose
booms are available.
Figure 8.10A
-
E
show different types of boom sprayers.
b.
Boomless Sprayers
Low-pressure sprayers which are not equipped with booms generally have
a central nozzle cluster that produces a horizontal spray pattern. The resulting
swath is similar to the pattern made by a boom sprayer. These sprayers are
useful in irregularly-shaped areas, because they can move through narrow
places and avoid trees and other obstacles. Some low-pressure sprayers are
equipped with a hose and handgun nozzle for applications in small or
hard-to-reach areas.
2.
High-Pressure Sprayers
These sprayers are used to spray through dense foliage, thick animal hair,
to the tops of tall trees, and into other areas where high-pressure sprays are
necessary for adequate penetration. Commercially, they are used in agricul-
tural, livestock, ornamental, turf, forestry, right-of-way, and some structural
pest control operations. Often called "hydraulic" sprayers, they are equipped to
deliver large volumes of spray—usually 20 to 500 gallons per acre—under
pressures ranging from 150 to 400 psi or more.
These sprayers are usually mounted on tractors, trailers, trucks, or boats,
or are self-propelled. Piston pumps are used and provide outputs of up to 60
