Keep Your Equipment in Top Shape: Summer Mist Sprayer Maintenance Tips

As summer temperatures rise and fields fill with life, agricultural mist sprayers are working harder than ever to apply nutrients, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. But long, hot days can take their toll, not just on crops, but on your equipment too. Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your mist sprayer running strong all season long and protecting your investment for years to come.

Here’s a quick summer maintenance guide to keep your agricultural mist sprayer performing at its best.

 

1. Post-Use Cleaning: Don’t Let Residue Build Up

One of the most important steps you can take after every use is thorough cleaning. Residue left behind by chemicals can lead to clogs, corrosion, and cross-contamination during your next application.

Follow these tips after each spray session:

• Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water, twice if needed. Use tank cleaner for heavy or sticky residues.
• Flush hoses, pumps, and nozzles completely. Run clean water through the system for several minutes.
• Remove and clean filters and strainers to prevent clogging and uneven spray patterns.
• Inspect for chemical buildup around nozzles, tips, and fittings. Soak components if needed to break down hardened material.

Not only does proper cleaning reduce wear and tear, but it also keeps your spray jobs accurate and compliant with safety guidelines.

2. Inspect and Lubricate Regularly

Frequent inspections are essential during high-use periods. Spotting a worn part early can prevent costly downtime or uneven applications in the field.

Checklist for routine inspection:

• Nozzles & tips: Look for wear, cracks, or clogging. Even slight damage can impact spray patterns and rate.
• Hoses: Check for soft spots, leaks, or UV damage. Replace any compromised lines right away.
• Pump & motor: Look for leaks or unusual noises. Make sure the pump maintains proper pressure.
• Belts and pulleys: Ensure they are aligned and properly tensioned.
• Electrical connections: Tighten any loose wires and keep terminals clean and dry.
• Lubrication points: Grease bearings and moving parts per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Keep a log of your inspections and services it helps you stay ahead of issues and provides a maintenance record for resale or warranty claims.

3. Store Smart: Prep for Short-Term Downtime

Even during summer, there may be periods when your mist sprayer sits idle for a few days or weeks. Proper short-term storage helps prevent unexpected surprises when you're ready to spray again.

Quick tips for summer storage:

• Empty and clean the tank and lines if your sprayer sits for more than a few days.
• Protect it from the sun: Store under cover or use a UV-resistant tarp. Sunlight degrades hoses and plastics over time.
• Keep it dry: Avoid leaving sprayers in tall grass or damp areas, which can corrode metal parts and encourage mold.
• Drain pumps and remove pressure to reduce strain on seals and valves.

If you know you'll be out of the field for longer stretches, consider doing a mid-season deep clean and system check to get ready for your next round of applications.

Keep Spraying Strong All Summer

A little time spent on maintenance now saves you time, money, and headaches later. With routine cleaning, thorough inspections, and smart storage habits, your mist sprayer will keep delivering reliable, even coverage all season long.

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