TeeJet® Nozzle Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Spray Tip for the Job

Selecting the right spray nozzle is one of the most important decisions you make when setting up a sprayer. The nozzle determines droplet size, spray pattern, coverage and drift potential. In short, it controls whether your application works as intended or misses the mark.

Yet nozzle selection is often treated as an afterthought. Many operators simply replace worn tips with the same model that came on the sprayer years ago, even if application needs have changed. Others may not realize that a small change in nozzle type can dramatically improve coverage, reduce drift or increase efficiency.

This guide breaks down how to select the right TeeJet® spray nozzle based on application type, operating pressure and desired droplet size. Whether you’re spraying herbicides, fungicides, insecticides or fertilizers, understanding these basics will help you get better results from every tank load.

Why Nozzle Selection Matters

Nozzle choice directly affects:

• Coverage and penetration
• Drift control
• Application accuracy
• Chemical performance
• Operating efficiency
• Compliance with label requirements

Even the best sprayer and the right chemical cannot compensate for the wrong nozzle.

For example:

• Fine droplets improve coverage for contact herbicides and insecticides
• Coarse droplets reduce drift for systemic herbicides
• Air-induction nozzles provide larger droplets while maintaining coverage

Choosing the correct nozzle ensures the product reaches the target in the correct amount, at the correct droplet size.

The Four Factors of TeeJet Nozzle Selection

When selecting a spray tip, focus on these four variables.

1) Application Type

Start with the product label. It will typically specify a recommended droplet size category such as:

• Fine
• Medium
• Coarse
• Very Coarse
• Ultra Coarse

Different applications require different droplet characteristics.

Common Examples

2) Flow Rate (GPM)

Flow rate determines how much liquid the nozzle delivers.

It depends on:

• Travel speed
• Application rate (GPA)
• Nozzle spacing

Higher flow rates require larger nozzle sizes.

3) Spray Pressure

Pressure affects droplet size and coverage.

• Higher pressure produces smaller droplets
• Lower pressure produces larger droplets
• Excessive pressure increases drift risk

Most agricultural flat fan nozzles operate effectively between 20 to 60 PSI.

4) Spray Pattern

Different nozzle designs produce different spray patterns.

The most common agricultural pattern is:

Flat fan

Other patterns include:

• Cone
• Flood
• Stream

Each serves a specific purpose.

Common TeeJet Nozzle Types and Their Uses

Understanding nozzle design makes selection easier.

Extended Range Flat Fan (XR)

Best for:

• Broadcast spraying
• General-purpose applications
• Herbicides
• Insecticides

Key benefits:

• Wide pressure range
• Consistent spray pattern
• Reliable performance

Air Induction Flat Fan (AIXR)

Best for:

• Drift reduction
• Systemic herbicides
• Glyphosate applications

Key benefits:

• Large droplets
• Reduced drift
• Improved environmental safety

Turbo TeeJet (TT)

Best for:

• Broadcast spraying
• Higher-speed applications
• Tough field conditions

Key benefits:

• Larger droplets than standard flat fan
• Good coverage
• Reduced drift

FloodJet

Best for:

• Fertilizer applications
• Boomless spraying
• Soil-applied herbicides

Key benefits:

• Wide spray angle
• Large droplets
• Low drift potential

Step-by-Step TeeJet Nozzle Selection Process

Follow this simple process to select the correct nozzle.

Step 1

Determine the application rate (GPA)

Example:

15 gallons per acre

Step 2

Determine travel speed

Example:

6 miles per hour

Step 3

Confirm nozzle spacing

Example:

20 inches

Step 4

Use a nozzle chart to select the correct size

Match:

• GPA
• Speed
• Pressure

This will identify the proper nozzle size and flow rate.

Signs Your Nozzles Need Replacement

Nozzle wear is gradual and often unnoticed.

Replace nozzles if you see:

• Streaking or uneven coverage
• Increased chemical usage
• Pressure changes
• Visible tip wear
• Flow rate exceeding rated output by 10 percent or more

A worn nozzle can apply significantly more product than intended, increasing cost and reducing effectiveness.

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TeeJet Nozzle Selection Q&A Guide

What nozzle should I use for glyphosate?

Use:

Air-induction flat fan nozzles.

They produce larger droplets that reduce drift while maintaining coverage.

Common choices:

• AIXR
• TTI
• AI

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What is the best nozzle for fungicides?

Use:

Medium droplet flat fan nozzles.

They provide better coverage and canopy penetration.

Common choices:

• XR
• TT

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How does pressure affect droplet size?

Higher pressure creates smaller droplets.

Lower pressure creates larger droplets.

Increasing pressure can improve coverage but also increases drift risk.

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Can I increase pressure instead of changing nozzle size?

You can adjust pressure slightly, but large changes should be made by selecting a different nozzle size.

Operating outside the recommended pressure range reduces performance and increases wear.

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What is the difference between XR and AIXR nozzles?

XR nozzles:

Produce smaller droplets and better coverage.

AIXR nozzles:

Produce larger droplets and reduce drift.

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How do I know what size nozzle to use?

Use:

• Application rate (GPA)
• Speed (MPH)
• Nozzle spacing
• Pressure

Then match those values to a nozzle chart.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should spray nozzles be replaced?

Most agricultural nozzles should be checked every season and replaced when flow rate increases by:

10 percent or more

High-use operations may require more frequent replacement.

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Can worn nozzles affect calibration?

Yes.

Worn nozzles increase flow rate, which increases application rate even if pressure and speed remain the same.

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Are ceramic nozzles better than stainless steel?

Ceramic nozzles:

• Last significantly longer
• Resist abrasion
• Maintain consistent output

Stainless steel nozzles:

• Cost less
• Wear faster

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What droplet size reduces drift?

Coarse to Very Coarse droplets reduce drift.

Air-induction nozzles are commonly used for this purpose.

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Do all nozzles fit every sprayer?

No.

Nozzles must match:

• Nozzle body type
• Flow rate
• Application requirements

Most modern agricultural sprayers use standard quick-connect nozzle bodies.

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What is the most common spray nozzle size?

One of the most widely used sizes is:

11002

It provides a balanced flow rate for many field applications.

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Should I keep spare nozzles on hand?

Yes.

Keeping spare nozzles allows:

• Quick replacement
• Consistent application
• Reduced downtime

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The Right Nozzle Makes the Difference

Nozzle selection is not just a technical detail. It is one of the most important factors in spray performance, cost control and environmental stewardship.

The right nozzle:

Improves coverage
Reduces drift
Protects crop health
Saves chemical
Increases efficiency

If you're unsure which nozzle fits your application, start with the product label, confirm your operating conditions and select a nozzle designed for the job.

Because in spraying, the smallest component often makes the biggest difference.

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Continue building your sprayer knowledge in the Learning Center: Why Is My Sprayer Losing Pressure?, Pump Not Priming — What to Check, Roller Pump vs. Diaphragm Pump, and ATV vs. UTV Sprayer: Which Is Right for You?