6 - Maintenance
71
Winter storage
Storage procedure
To preserve its components, ensure their longevity and protect your sprayer, follow the procedure below.
Before storage
When the treatment season is over, devote a little time to your sprayer. Residues of phyto-pharmaceutical products
encourage the equipment's components to deteriorate.
1. Clean the sprayer completely - inside and out - as described in Cleaning the outside of the sprayer (optional) page 52
Check that all lines, valves, pipes and other components have been washed with detergent and then rinsed with clean
water, so that no residue remains.
2. Replace damaged gaskets and repair any leaks.
3. Drain the equipment completely and leave the pump running for a few minutes. Operate all valves, handles and levers,
in order to drain the spraying system as much as possible. Allow the pump to run until there is only air coming out of
the nozzles. Do not forget to drain the rinsing tank as well.
4. Pour approximately 50 litres of anti-freeze solution into the tank (one third anti-freeze, two thirds water).
5. Run the pump and operate all valves and equipment, such as the regulator, product filler, etc., so that the solution
spreads throughout the system. Open the general O/C valve and all the distribution valves until the solution reaches
the nozzles. The anti-freeze also prevents gaskets, rings and diaphragms from drying out.
6. Lubricate all lubrication points as indicated in the "Greasing" section, without paying any attention to greasing
frequencies.
7. When the equipment is completely dry, remove any traces of rust and touch up paintwork as necessary.
8. Drain, take off and store pressure gauges vertically, away from frost.
9. Apply a fine coat of anti-corrosion oil (Shell Ensis Fluid, Castrol Rustillo, or equivalent) to all metal parts. Avoid getting
oil on rubber parts, pipes and tyres.
10. Fold the boom into the transport position and bleed out the pressure from all hydraulic functions.
11. Store electrical plugs and sockets in a plastic bag to protect them from damp and dust.
12. Remove control units from the tractor cab and store them in a frost-free place, so that they keep clean and dry.
An environment free from condensation is recommended.
13. Clean hydraulic connectors and put protective caps on them.
14. Grease all cylinder rods that are not fully in, so as to protect them from corrosion.
15. Isolate the wheels from the ground to protect them from damp and prevent the tyres from deforming. You can apply
black wax to the walls of tyres to protect the rubber.
16. Drain any condensation from the air brake reservoir.
17. You can cover the sprayer with a tarpaulin to protect it from dust. Remember to allow air to circulate, so as to prevent
condensation.
After storage
After over-wintering, the equipment must be prepared for the new campaign in the following way:
1. Remove the tarpaulin.
2. Remove the support from under the axle if there is one and check the tyre pressures.
3. Wipe the grease from the cylinder rods.
4. Fit the pressure gauges. Use Teflon tape to make the seal.
5. Hitch the sprayer to the tractor and make the electrical and hydraulic connections.
6. Check all electrical and hydraulic functions.
7. Drain any remaining anti-freeze from the tank.
8. Rinse the whole of the spraying circuit with clean water.
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