Glimpses of warmer weather are starting to sneak up across the country, and it is time to start thinking about getting back out in the fields. Before you can get that first fertilizer application on the ground, you should remember these five important spring start up steps for your sprayer.

1. Check fluid levels and tire pressure

Oil and Fluid Levels Levels

Check your engine oil, hydraulic oil, differential oil and planetary or dropbox oil and change as needed. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the correct type of each oil that you will need to refill.

Accumulators

Proper inspection of the accumulator nitrogen levels, including the boom wing, front strut, brake, back rack and rear suspension, can help prevent boom damage. Your dealer has the necessary tools, including nitrogen, to check and charge your sprayer’s accumulators if they are low.

Tire Pressure

Depending on the model of tires, your air pressure will vary, so it is important to check the owner’s manual for the recommended pressure settings Keeping tires at the recommended PSI will prevent excessive compaction in the field.

2. Cycle the rear suspension

Cycling the rear suspension lubricates the cylinder rod and seal on the cylinders. It also prevents the eyelets on the cylinders from breaking when the axle pivots. To cycle the rear suspension on your sprayer, start the machine and unhook the leveling rods at the ball joints. Then hold the switch arm up until the cylinder stops. Once completed, hold the switch down until the machine lowers all the way and then connect the rod and the machine will go back to normal height. Repeat on the other side.

3. Grease the entire machine

Taking the time to grease all the components will prevent parts from wearing out too quickly. It is necessary to grease your steering components including the tie end rods on the cylinders since a lack of regular attention to this area can lead to erratic steering.

Not to leave the driveline out, greasing this part will prevent premature wear on the driveshaft that leads to chatter. Greasing the booms should include the rack lift parallel bars, boom fold pivots, sway pivots and cylinder flag pins.

4. Inspect the wet system and booms

Fill the product and rinse tanks with 100 gallons of water to check for leaks in the wet system. After adjusting the booms, pressurize them and inspect the hoses for any leaks. If any of your hoses are damaged, this is a good time to replace them, before they become a hazard. Install your nozzles and check them with a spray calibrator. To retighten the product tank straps, fill the tank with 250 gallons of water and tighten the straps until secured.

5. Verify field computer calibrations

This includes the boom, meter and speed calibrations. Always verify the correct controller calibration values are entered in your machine. It is important to make sure nothing has been changed in the calibrations.

Performing regular maintenance checks on your sprayer will help you prevent mechanical issues later on. For more information on your sprayer upkeep, consult your owner’s manual.