Why Sprayer Calibration Matters

Proper sprayer calibration is essential for ensuring your liquid fertilizer or chemical applications are applied accurately and efficiently. Whether you’re spraying row crops, turf, or orchards, a correctly calibrated system helps:

• Apply the right amount of product per acre.
• Prevent costly over-application or under-application.
• Protect sensitive crops and the environment.
• Maximize the lifespan and performance of your sprayer.

Newton Crouch sprayers are engineered for precision. Regular calibration ensures your investment performs exactly as intended — especially after nozzle changes, pump maintenance, or seasonal storage.

Proper sprayer calibration ensures your liquid fertilizer or crop protection products are applied accurately and efficiently. Whether you’re spraying row crops, orchards, or commercial turf, correct calibration helps prevent over- or under-application, protects yield and the environment, and maximizes your sprayer’s performance.

Tip: Re-calibrate whenever you change nozzles, pressure, speed, product, or after seasonal storage.

What You’ll Need

• Clean water in the tank (for testing)
• Measuring cup or graduated container (ounces)
• Stopwatch or timer
• Measuring tape or wheel (to mark calibration distance)
• Notepad to record speed, pressure, and output

Step-by-Step Calibration

1) Determine Spray Width & Calibration Distance

Find your total spray width from nozzle spacing and boom setup. Use the table below to mark an accurate calibration course in the field.

2) Prepare the System

• Fill the sprayer halfway with clean water.
• Inspect hoses, filters, and nozzles; fix leaks or clogs.
• Set your normal field pressure on the boom.

3) Drive the Marked Course at Field Speed

Mark the calibration distance (from the table) using a measuring tape. Drive that distance at your normal field speed with steady throttle and pressure. Time the run. We suggest running this test twice to ensure accuracy.

4) Collect Nozzle Output & Calculate GPA

After time is established, run at the same throttle and pressure but keep it stationary. Catch the output from one nozzle for the same amount of time it took to drive the course. Measure the liquid in ounces or pints. Calculate how many pints you collected. Remember 4 pints (16 ounces) equal 1 gallon.

Multiple your number of pints by the number or nozzles. This will equal the spray rate in gallons per acre.

That number equals your gallons per acre (GPA).

5) Adjust, Re-Test, and Record

• If your measured GPA is off target, adjust pressure or ground speed.
• Repeat the test on several nozzles to confirm uniformity across the boom.
• Record your final speed, pressure, and GPA for future reference.

Best Practices to Stay in Calibration

• Check and replace worn nozzles; wear changes flow and pattern.
• Flush the system after each job to prevent buildup and valve issues.
• Re-verify boom pressure at operating RPM before every job.
• Re-calibrate when switching products with different density/viscosity.

Need Help? We Track Your Serial-Number Build

Newton Crouch maintains complete build records by serial number for every sprayer manufactured (original configuration as shipped). Have your serial number ready when calling for parts or technical support.

Technical Support: 770.227.1234

Sprayer Calibration FAQs

Q1: How often should I calibrate my sprayer?
At minimum, once per season or anytime you change nozzles, speed, or pump pressure.

Q2: What’s the most common calibration mistake?
Relying on one nozzle test. Always check several across the boom to ensure uniformity.

Q3: Can I use this method for liquid fertilizer and herbicides?
Yes. The same process applies — just recalibrate when changing liquid density or viscosity.

Q4: What’s the easiest way to improve accuracy?
Maintain steady ground speed, replace worn nozzles, and verify boom pressure before each run.