Sprayer Testing

Background:

Spillane Sprayer Testing was founded by Gordon Spillane to help farmers ensure their crop sprayers are certified to Department of Agriculture testing levels. Gordon is unique in the industry as his background is in mechatronic engineering. His experience includes working on precision projects designing military equipment. He has a farming background and his love of farming even led to him designing tractors in the United Kingdom for JCB. He’s no ordinary crop sprayer tester!

How we work:

Our client base includes farmers and farm machinery dealers. If you are a dealer we can test and certify your sprayer making it easier to sell as we’ve proved it’s up to the necessary regulation standards. If you are a farmer, our testing ensures that you meet the spraying guidelines and don’t overspray (or under spray) the area. This results in less waste with regard to over dosing and saves the quality of your crops by avoiding under dosing.

How we test:

If you would like us to test your sprayer, these are the 3 simple and easy steps to follow.

1. Contact Gordon on 085 800 72 28 to book a date and time to test.
2. We will send you a check list via email or post, whichever is convenient to you.
3. When the check list is all complete and correct we will visit your farm and carry out the test,.

-If the sprayer passes we will upload the details of the test on the DAFM (Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine) website. A numbered and dated DAFM sticker will then be attached to your sprayer (following payment of invoice).

Why we test crop sprayers:

The Sustainable Use Directive was introduced by the European Union to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has the task of implementing the Sustainable Use Directive in Ireland.

The directive requires all boom sprayers greater than 3m must be tested by 26 November 2016. After this date, only sprayers that have passed the test can be used to apply professional products. Most sprayers in good condition should pass if prepared. Minor repairs may be needed (e.g. new nozzles or new pressure gauge).

We can supply and fit parts for all makes and models.

How do you know if your sprayer needs testing:

Your sprayer needs testing if the booms are greater than 3m in width and if it is older than 5 years from date of purchase and has never been tested before. See table to the right for dates.

The benefits of testing your sprayer:

Sprayer testing is good for the environment and good for your pocket. The benefit of having your sprayer working correctly include that it is capable of applying plant protection products evenly, and at the right rate. A sprayer in good condition will ensure that no underdosing or overdosing will occur, resulting in less waste, and better control ensuring ongoing savings and less risk of damage to the environment. The risk to the health and safety of the user and others is controlled with a sprayer that has passed the test. The possibility of pesticide getting into water courses or waterbodies, from spills or inaccurate spraying can be reduced by having sprayers in good condition. The sprayer test verifies that the sprayer is in good condition.

General Benefits:

Reduce costs by improving accuracy of pesticide application and reduce mid-season breakdowns

Make a positive contribution to safeguarding our countryside.