The spraying season does not start in the field, it starts in the workshop. When the weather window opens, there is no time to search for spare parts. Downtime of a large boom field sprayer can quickly turn into measurable financial loss per hectare.
In many cases, in-season failures are not unexpected. They are caused by worn or aging sprayer components that could have been identified during a structured pre-season inspection.
Which sprayer components represent real operational risk?
In large-scale field spraying operations, high tank capacity, operating pressure and dynamic load place continuous stress on key components. The most critical elements typically include:
- pump bearings and shaft seals
- pressure regulation units
- main and section valves
- filters and filter housings
- boom pivot points and bearings
- hoses and connectors
- spray nozzles
In orchard or vineyard applications, spray pattern precision is even more critical, making nozzles and filtration systems particularly sensitive to wear.
These components are available in one place in our permetezes.hu webshop, for both field and plantation machinery.
1. Pump and bearing assembly
The pump is the heart of the spraying system. Abnormal noise, overheating, or axial play may indicate bearing wear. When applying liquid fertilizers, corrosion and chemical exposure increase mechanical stress, making inspection even more important.
2. Pressure regulation and valves
Consistent application depends on stable pressure. Worn membranes, deposits or internal leakage reduce dosing accuracy and compromise uniform coverage.
3. Filtration system
Clogged or damaged filters cause pressure fluctuation. This directly affects nozzle performance and spray pattern consistency.
4. Boom pivot points and bearings
Wide boom systems are exposed to continuous vibration and oscillation. Worn pivot bearings can lead to uneven application height and inconsistent distribution.
5. Hoses and connections
Chemical exposure and UV radiation may cause micro-cracks over time. Even minor leakage can interrupt operations or lead to safety risks.
6. How much more can a worn nozzle apply?
Nozzles are among the most underestimated sprayer components. They may appear functional, yet operate outside nominal specifications. Industry measurements show that significantly worn spray nozzles can result in flow deviations of up to 10-20% compared to nominal output at the same pressure.
This creates two types of risk:
- Over-application: increased chemical cost per hectare, environmental risk
- Uneven coverage: reduced biological efficiency and untreated zones
What does this mean in large-scale operations?
On farms operating across 300-800 hectares or more, even a 10-15% over-application can represent substantial excess spray volume over a season. Beyond direct chemical cost, inconsistent coverage can reduce treatment effectiveness and negatively impact yield.
Nozzle wear should not be assessed visually. The most reliable method is flow measurement at a defined pressure and comparison with nominal manufacturer specifications.
7. Liquid fertilizer application – additional mechanical and chemical stress
Liquid fertilizers may represent a more aggressive medium than standard crop protection products. They can accelerate corrosion, cause deposits and increase material fatigue.
When selecting sprayer components for such applications, particular attention should be paid to:
- material compatibility
- chemical resistance
- seal quality and durability
Why a system-based approach matters in case of sprayer components?
Bearings, seals, valves and nozzles do not operate independently. Their performance influences one another. Managing these components separately – especially from multiple suppliers – increases compatibility and supply risk.
Permetezes.hu is the spraying technology division of BEX. This means that, in addition to agricultural bearings, we also supply critical components for the entire spraying technology system with the same professional support, from a single source, guaranteeing the quality you have come to expect from us.
In our professional opinion, pre-season inspections are not a cost, but a risk reduction measure.A structured pre-season inspection is not an expense. It is a risk mitigation strategy.
For operations managing multiple machines or large areas, reviewing critical sprayer components as part of a system reduces the probability of in-season downtime and financial loss.
If you have any questions, please read the FAQ section or feel free to contact our expert colleagues!
