Sprayer Tests

Claytons are an approved National Sprayer Testing Centre.
Over the last five years the A.E.A. has run a sprayer testing scheme to meet various requirements, including assurance schemes, processor/retailer production protocols as well as satisfying the desire of many farmers to verify the accuracy and overall fitness of their sprayers. The scheme has shown that more than half of sprayers tested required repairs or adjustment to achieve the required standard. The biggest single reason for failure is worn and therefore inaccurate nozzles, leading to over application of expensive pesticides.

‘The Voluntary Initiative’ is a programme of measures, agreed by Government , to minimize the environmental impacts of pesticides. Therefore a commitment was made by the agricultural and horticultural industries to extend sprayer testing to cover the majority of field sprayers operating in the UK. As a consequence the A.E.A. and farming unions, together with other key stakeholders have developed and introduced the National Sprayer Testing Scheme. (NSTS) which is a new independently validated, low cost annual testing scheme to meet this need.

As an ‘NSTS’ approved Sprayer Test Centre we can carry out a Sprayer Test on Crop Sprayers of all types which will cover your equipment for 12 months. The test can be either on your farm or in our fully equipped workshops by one of our 3 fully qualified examiners. The test will cover the delivery system – tanks and lids, pump, spray controls, pipe work and hoses. The application system – pressure gauges, spray lines, nozzle bodies, check valves, spray caps and tips, booms and suspension. Ancillaries including rinsing and tank wash systems, recirculation systems and chemical induction systems.

The benefits include ensuring maximum efficiency of your sprayer, reduces costly down time, aids traceabiliby and increases second hand value. You are assured that your sprayer is using the correct dose rate on crops and not wasting chemicals or money.

So if you had your spayer tested last year, please check on the dates for you next test.

NOTE - Due to the number of Sprayer test bookings please contact us as soon as possible if you require a test, as waiting times are increasing.

Call us on 01740 630254 for bookings or further information