2007 – 2009 Oklahoma Department of Transportation Sprayer Equipment Assessment & Calibration Workshops

Evans, Craig C; Montgomery, Douglas P; Martin, Dennis L · 2009 · ROSA P / Oklahoma. Department of Transportation

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Summary

This report documents the findings of herbicide sprayer calibration workshops conducted between 2007 and 2009 for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). The project was motivated by the need to address the limited experience of new ODOT employees with pesticide application equipment, which can lead to illegal under- or over-application of herbicides. Additionally, periodic independent assessments were required to inventory equipment configurations and identify maintenance needs across ODOT’s eight field divisions. The primary objectives were to train applicators in proper equipment setup, operation, and calibration; create detailed report cards for each sprayer unit; and foster a culture where experienced employees train junior staff. The study was conducted by Oklahoma State University (OSU) Roadside Vegetation Management personnel in collaboration with ODOT. OSU staff assessed and inventoried 82 herbicide spray units across eight divisions. During these workshops, 259 ODOT herbicide applicators received training on sprayer system parts identification, assessment, and calibration. Each unit underwent a systematic evaluation using a 16-point checklist covering components such as tank condition, filters, pumps, pressure regulators, nozzles, and monitoring devices. Assessments typically took one hour per crew, with complex issues requiring up to 1.5 hours. OSU staff worked alongside ODOT employees, correcting simple issues on-site while referring major mechanical problems to division mechanics. Key findings revealed significant equipment deficiencies and operational inconsistencies. In Division 1, issues included incorrect nozzle alignment on new units and the use of overly fine filter screens (50 mesh) that risked clogging; recommendations included switching to 20–30 mesh screens and correcting tip orientations. Division 2 exhibited critical failures in speed monitoring, with seven of ten trucks lacking functional Calc-An-Acre devices, rendering accurate application impossible. Recommendations included immediate replacement of these units and upgrading plumbing to accommodate Boom Buster nozzles. Division 3 units generally used Boom Buster tips but lacked properly located in-line filters, which were recommended for installation between the tank valve and pump to better protect components. Across divisions, the report emphasized the transition from older Estes solid stream heads to Boom Buster tips, which allow for precise width control, and highlighted the necessity of maintaining specific pressure levels (25 psi) and using appropriate filter sizes to ensure efficacy and prevent equipment damage. The significance of this report lies in its provision of a comprehensive inventory and actionable recommendations to improve the accuracy, legality, and cost-effectiveness of ODOT’s roadside vegetation management. By identifying specific mechanical flaws and training gaps, the report enables ODOT to make informed equipment upgrade decisions and ensures that applicators are equipped with the skills to calibrate their own systems. The findings support the implementation of regular calibration protocols before each spray season and after any mechanical repairs, ultimately promoting safer and more effective herbicide application practices across the state.

Key finding

Assessment of 82 herbicide sprayer units revealed widespread mechanical deficiencies, including missing or non-functional speed monitoring devices and incorrect nozzle configurations, which compromised application accuracy across multiple divisions.

Methodology

field_study

Sample size: 82

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

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