A Look Back: The more things change, the more they stay the same

In celebration of Landscape Management magazine’s 60th anniversary, we take a look at another feature from LM’s earliest publications, first known as Weeds and Turf.

In this October 1962 article, Weeds and Turf shares the keys to an economical spray operation. For your spray truck, these include:

• An aluminum tank that holds 150 to 200 gallons
• Nylon roller pumps
• Filters
• A filler hole to allow for sediment sweeps of the tank
• A measuring stick with gallon increments marked to assist in filling tanks
• A pressure gauge with a suck-back shutoff valve
• Booms with nozzles spaced 20 inches apart at a 5-degree angle

While spray booms evolved in the 60 years of LM, the need for a steady boom hasn’t changed.

“A sturdy boom prevents uneven spray patterns which may result when booms whip back and forth,” the article states. “It is desirable to keep the boom from bobbing up and down because if the boom is too low, there is no spray overlap, and if too high, too much overlap. A stiff brace will help hold the boom steady.”

The article suggests LCOs check nozzle spray rates by running water through the sprayer. A cup should collect what the sprayer emits, according to the article.

“In one minute, the cup should fill to the recommended rate. Then measure the rate of the next nozzle and so on through the entire sprayer.”

Check out the full article here: