Careful consideration needs to be given to the types of nozzles and the nozzle spacing that the operator may wish to use on the boom before they make a purchase.

The position of the spray line and nozzle bodies in relation to the structural components of the boom may be important for determining what nozzle spacing can be chosen, and the type of nozzle pattern that can be operated.

Nozzle patterns (twin jets and offset nozzles)

Often manufacturers recess the nozzle bodies, or place them behind steel components to avoid damage to the nozzle bodies if the boom strikes the ground.

This may limit the ability to fit ‘twin nozzles’ or to orientate offset nozzles (such as the TeeJet® Turbo, TeeJet® Wide Angle Flat Spray Tips, Turbo TeeJet® Induction Flat Spray Tips, and the Syngenta® Defy 3D) to the boom, as a forward-facing pattern may strike parts of the boom.

It may be possible to purchase extension/adapter caps that lower the position of the nozzle far enough below the steel to avoid the pattern being interfered with, provided the boom can be prevented from striking the ground.

Nozzle spacing

Often the construction of the boom may prevent the nozzle spacing from being adjusted without some modification to the boom. This may be the case with some aluminium booms, which have a reinforcing system to provide strength.

While it may be possible to make cuts to parts of the boom to allow nozzle bodies to be placed where the operator requires, check with the manufacturer to determine what impact this may have on the structural integrity of the boom and to the manufacturer’s warranty.