Equipment
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This publication provides information on pulse width modulation (PWM) technology including its working principle, components, benefits, and best management practices for its optimal utilization on agricultural sprayers. Agricultural sprayers are commonly used for pesticide applications and come in various design types and sizes, including three-point hitch, pull-behind, and self-propelled. During pesticide applications, maintaining a target application rate across the whole field is important for effective pest management. On sprayers with traditional flow-based control systems, the liquid flow rate is regulated to account for ground speed variations by adjusting the spray pressure. However, this becomes an issue when spray pressure reaches outside the narrow operating range of the selected nozzle and results in non-uniform droplet size and pattern. Higher spray pressures at faster travel speeds produce finer droplets which are more prone to spray drift; applications at lower pressures produce coarser spray droplets and reduce spray fan angle. Pulse width modulation technology was developed to overcome this pressure variation issue; pulse width modulation does not rely on spray pressure to regulate system flow rate with changes in ground speed. In pulse width modulation systems, the flow rate is varied by changing the intermittent cycling of the electronically actuated solenoid valves while the system pressure remains constant throughout the boom.
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Boom sprayer calibration using conventional methods (catching flow for certain time or distance) for large (60-90 ft; 54-72 nozzles) boom sprayers can be a time-consuming process. This short publication outlines steps to take to verify nozzle output and calibrate a boom sprayer, including tables with useful information on flow rates at multiple speeds for two common nozzle spacings and an equation for calculating rates if needed.
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Use estos cinco pasos para el corte de un árbol de forma segura de principio a fin. Este plan funciona para arboristas profesionales y los que no lo son. Cortar árboles con una motosierra es peligroso. La combinación de herramientas eléctricas y la caída de madera crea peligros. La aplicación del Plan de Corte de Cinco Pasos ayuda a identificar y mitigar el peligro en el corte de árboles de principio a fin.
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Operating a chainsaw is inherently dangerous. Chainsaw cuts are always serious, but this is not the only hazard a saw operator faces. Saw operators are often struck by falling limbs and trunks as the tree moves during felling. Saw operators may fall off ladders or out of trees, or they may trip while moving through brush and uneven ground. Even when the tree is on the ground, danger lurks in wood under tension. Spring poles snap and logs roll unexpectedly. Personal protective equipment (PPE) saves lives every day. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that saw operators wear the PPE described in this publication, including head protection, eye protection, ear protection, chainsaw chaps or pants, and suitable footwear.
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Properly maintaining, calibrating, and adjusting a seed drill before planting is an important part of ensuring the successful establishment of forage or cover crops. Seed may be placed at a depth that is too deep or too shallow if the equipment is not properly prepared and set. Too much or too little seed may be planted if the equipment is not properly calibrated. These planting mistakes may result in a poor stand, greater weed competition, lower yields, and/or reductions in forage quality. Conversely, planting more seed than required can unnecessarily increase establishment costs and can sometimes result in reduced yields. After investing in the seed and committing the time to plant a field, taking a few extra steps to ensure that investment bears fruit is well worth maintaining, calibrating, and adjusting the drill.
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B 979
Orchard Sprayers
This publication contains comprehensive information about air blast and weed control sprayers for orchards.
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This publication contains comprehensive, in-depth information about heating, cooling and ventilating greenhouses.
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B 1364
Chainsaw Safety Tips
This publication discusses tips for purchasing the correct chainsaw for your needs and how to use it safely.
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Most farm injuries and fatalities are preventable when you adhere to safe operating practices. The following are general guidelines for improved safety on the farm.
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