Smithco Turf Spraying Guide - Manual (Page 11)

BOOM HEIGHT is very important in permitting spray nozzles to develop their proper spray pattern. If
nozzles are too high, excessive overlap develops. If nozzles are too low, there is not enough
overlapping of nozzle spray patterns.
NOZZLE
NOZZLE HEIGHT AB0VE
TYPE SPACING THE GROUND
80° Flat Fan 20" (51 cm) 18" (45-46 cm)
65° Flat Fan 10" (25 cm) 12" (30-31 cm)
Raindrop Cone 20" (51 cm) 18" (45-46 cm)
Raindrop Flat 20" (51 cm) 12" (30-31 cm)
Turbo Floodjet 20" (51 cm) 15" (38-39 cm)
Turbo Floodjet 30" (76 cm) 16" (40-41 cm)
Improper nozzle height or spacing prevents proper application of chemical. Some areas are
under-treated and chemicals are ineffective. Some areas are over-treated with wasted chemical and
possible turf damage. It is very important to remember that flat fan nozzles MUST be angled at five
degrees from the line of the boom. This is so the overlap areas do not collide with each other,
disrupting the pattern. With current nozzle bodies and quick caps, this alignment is automatic. Observe
nozzles in operation while the sprayer is parked. This a good time to look for tip pattern alignment, it
will be very evident if the fan pattern is colliding between tips. This is also a good time to visually
inspect the overlap area. For flat fans, it is approximately thirty percent.
If the boom pattern checks out so far, a good method of further checking spray pattern consistency to
operate the sprayer at desired speed and pressure on a hard, dry surface (i.e., a parking lot), applying
water to the pavement. Observe if the area dries evenly. If alternating wet and dry streaks are
apparent, raise or lower the spray boom. If the wet streaks are directly under the nozzle, the boom is
too low, raise it. If the wet streaks are between the nozzles, the boom is too high, lower it. It is
important to check for pattern alignment prior to spraying water, as colliding patterns will give
misleading information as it dries unevenly.
The most precise method is to use the two
tools made by Spraying Systems, the Tee-Jet
Tip Tester and Tee-Jet Pattern Checker. Use
the Tip Tester to quickly check each tip for
consistency of flow. At this point, it doesn’t
matter what the flow is, just that it’s the same
from tip to tip. Then operate the spray boom
while the Pattern Checker is lying flat on the
ground, applying water. When the Checker is lifted, the balls in the chambers will float, giving a very
accurate representation of the sprayed patterns accuracy.
FURTHER NOZZLE INFORMATION
• NOZZLE SCREENS (STRAINERS): Smaller nozzles require nozzle screens or strainers to prevent
clogging.
Teejet type nozzles from size 8001 and 80015 and RF Flat Spray Raindrop Nozzles
require 100 mesh screens
Teejet type nozzles from size 8002 through 8008 and RF Flat Spray Raindrop Nozzles
require 50 mesh screens
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