2.5.2.d Checking settings and inspecting equipment

Verification that the sprayer and nozzles are working properly

The most effective method to verify the settings and the quality of the spraying is to make a visual assessment using water-sensitive paper. When this paper comes into contact with water, a blue colour appears and it must be handled with care (dry gloves, stored in an envelope protected from humidity). The simulation is carried out with water. To obtain a good overview of spray quality, it is necessary to prepare five vines per row. On a specific vine, the papers should be placed on both sides of the row and at several vegetation levels. The papers are stapled in pairs on a vine leaf, one on the upper side, the other on the underside. When examining the papers, the impact density should be sufficient without being excessive (resulting in runoff). Software is available that can very accurately analyse the percentage of the paper covered by the treatment. Where the eye only counts a dozen droplets, the software counts several dozen. It is a faster, more precise process.

Setting up and inspecting equipment

Sprayer adjustments should be carried out on equipment in good condition. At the beginning of each season, it is necessary to verify:

• The operation of safety devices on the transmissions and fans
• System water-tightness and seals (pipes, filters, anti-drip system)
• Pump oil levels
• Condition of the air chamber
• Belt tension
• Operation of the pressure gauge
• The condition of the nozzles and nozzle holder (hydraulic), the condition of deflectors and the cleanliness of the blades (air-blast) and the condition of the cannons and handles (pneumatic)

Sprayers are also subject to strict regulations:

• As of 1 January 2009, it is mandatory to have sprayers inspected every five years, like a car passing an MOT. The first inspection must be carried out five years after the date of purchase in the case of new equipment. At the end of this inspection, a sticker is issued, if the equipment does not pass, the owner has four months to make the necessary repairs.
• The filling orifice must be less than 1.5 m from the ground or from a platform, if necessary a product incorporator must be used
• The diameter of the filling orifice must be at least 30 cm
• If the tractor is equipped with a cab, the spray lines must not pass through it. If it is not equipped with a cab, the lines must be equipped with guards to protect the operator in case of leakage
• A 15 L water tank must be installed on the tractor
• The system must be stable when stored
• When emptying the tank, the operator must be protected from any contact with the spray liquid
• The permissible operating pressure must be indicated in red on the pressure gauge. The system must be equipped with a valve that prevents the pressure from exceeding the admissible pressure by more than 20%.
• The nozzles must be equipped with a drip stop. When they are switched off, no more than 2 ml of spray liquid should flow out of each nozzle
• The overall volume of the tank must be 5% higher than the nominal volume of the tank
• The pressure gauge must be readable from the driving position and must have a diameter of at least 63 mm if it is close to the cab, if not, it must be 100 mm
• Filling devices installed directly on the tank must not allow the spray liquid to flow back into the supply.

This chapter is an extract from Vigne Vin Occitanie.