Servicing Pumps, Hoses & Filters

Pumps:

Pumps should be serviced or at least pulled downed and checked at the start of every season. Diaphragms, valves, springs, air chambers etc do a power of work while spraying, and should be in tip-top condition. Diaphragms may have perished if the pump hasn't been run for a while, and should be checked for cracks/holes etc. Oil should also be changed at least once a season and bearings should be checked while doing the oil change. Most companies including HARDI, Silvan and Goldacres all have a convenient repair kit for their diaphragm pumps which include everything you need for a overhaul. These are virtually a must-have item to have in your spares box, and if your pumps packs it in during sowing you'll be very glad you did.

Valves should be inspected, check that no springs are broken or soft and that o-rings are not cracked or split.

Hoses:

Check all hoses for cracks and splits etc. Common areas to look for are folds in booms, anywhere that the hose can rub- eg corners of the chassis, boom or hoseclamps or fittings etc.

If any hoses look perished or worn they should be changed immediately as a blown hose will cost time and money.

Filters:

Make sure that all screens are clean and are not damaged. Check to see that o-rings are not stretched or damaged, as a daggy o-ring on the suction side can cause the pump to suck air and pulsate excessively, or if the filter is on the pressure side it will obviously leak. Check that screens are of the correct screen size, and that they run in sequence. Eg, primary filter the coarsest and getting finer with each progressing filter.