ISO 16122-3:2015

Overview

ISO 16122-3:2015 - Agricultural and forestry machinery - Inspection of sprayers in use - Part 3: Sprayers for bush and tree crops - specifies requirements and test methods for inspecting sprayers used in bush and tree crops. Used together with ISO 16122-1 (General), this part focuses on the sprayer’s condition as it affects environmental risk and application performance. The standard supports safer, more effective pesticide application and helps limit environmental contamination while maintaining spray quality.

Key technical topics and requirements

ISO 16122-3 outlines inspection areas and verification methods; key topics include:

• Leaks and dripping: detection of static and dynamic leaks and spray/drip on machine parts.
• Pump(s): verification of pump capacity, pulsation behavior and presence/function of air chambers.
• Spray liquid agitation: hydraulic and mechanical agitation systems.
• Spray tanks and fittings: lids, filling holes, induction hoppers, pressure compensation, tank indicators, emptying and filling systems, container cleaning devices and cleaning equipment.
• Measuring, control and regulation systems: pressure indicators, flow meters, and pressure-adjusting devices.
• Pipes, hoses and filters: integrity, filter presence and isolating devices, and ease of filter replacement.
• Nozzles: symmetry, dripping, shut-off performance and adjustment of flow/angle.
• Pressure behavior: pressure drop, compensative returns, distribution and pressure variation when spray is switched off.
• Blowers, spray guns and lances: switch-off, adjustability, triggers and user controls.

The standard includes detailed test methods for pump capacity and pulsations, pressure indicator verification, flow-metering procedures (including nozzle flow rate checks or calibrated flow meter installation), speed-control checks and pressure distribution measurements.

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 16122-3 is used to:

• Ensure in-service sprayers for orchards, vineyards and bush crops perform safely and effectively.
• Reduce environmental contamination from plant protection products by identifying worn or faulty components.
• Support maintenance programs, field inspections and regulatory compliance checks.

Typical users:

• Agricultural equipment inspectors and testing bodies
• Farmers, contractors and orchard managers
• Service technicians and workshop personnel
• Sprayer manufacturers and designers (for in-service performance validation)
• Regulatory agencies and certification organizations

Related standards

• ISO 16122-1 (General requirements and inspector protection)
• ISO 16122-2 (Horizontal boom sprayers)
• ISO 16122-4 (Fixed and semi-mobile sprayers)
• ISO 4254-6 and ISO 16119 series (safety and environmental performance for new sprayers)

Keywords: ISO 16122-3, sprayer inspection, bush and tree crops, agricultural sprayers, nozzle flow, pump capacity, pressure distribution, pesticide application, environmental protection.