How to Calibrate a Tank Sprayer

Inspect the tank sprayer. Look for any damage to the mechanics such as the tank, belts, and nozzles. Look inside the tank to make sure there is no rust or a large amount of debris. Clean any piece of the sprayer system if you feel uneasy about its operation.

Fill the tank with water. Turn the spray tank on and set the pressure gauge to its normal operating pressure. Spray water into a 5-gallon bucket for 30 seconds from each of the nozzles. If one nozzle has a lower output, it should be replaced since it is not operating at capacity. Empty the tank and buckets once have you checked the nozzles.

Place two wooden stakes in your field so they are approximately 650 feet from one another. Affix ribbon to the stakes so they are locatable from a distance.

Fill the spray tank with water and mark the fluid line using a non-permanent marker. Determine an operating pressure and tractor speed before continuing. Record the tachometer (RPM) reading after the speed and pressure have both been established. Consider using the same pressure and speed you would when applying chemicals to the crops.

Drive toward the stake closest to you. Turn the sprayer on after you pass the stake. Continue driving toward the opposite stake and turn the sprayer off once you pass.

Fill the tank back up until you reach the mark designated by the marker line. Record how much water is needed to refill the tank. Calculate the amount of water used on your field by multiplying the number of gallons needed to refill the tank by 65 and dividing that figure by your spray width. This gives you a proper calibration figure.