When the sun is out like this in February, you can almost smell the spray season just around the corner, maybe even earlier than last year. We pulled the steeds from the stable and gave them a thorough scrub down and once-over to be sure they’re ready for the long days ahead. With dish soap and a coarse brush, we lathered and scrubbed and rinsed the orange-and-whites off like new. It’s a futile effort in some ways, but altogether symbolic of the way we appreciate the unbridled horsepower and stout reliability that the Stihl SR430 offers us. They’re going to get dirty again in the gauntlet of the upcoming research season, but they’ve earned a good bath and a few clean days on the workbench for now.
At full throttle these monsters can generate 542 CFM. With a 3.9Hp 2-stroke motor, they never leave us wanting for thorough coverage and foliar agitation. The calibratable constant pressure pump ensures that our applications are precise and predictable as we move through the vineyards and orchards with stellar accuracy. Each spray rig weighs 27.3lbs dry. At full capacity, the units weigh 58lbs. We load their tanks with carrier and test substance and hike them all over God’s green country with our favorite rock anthems playing loudly in wireless earmuffs.
For us, safety is a priority. We trudge around in hiking boots to avoid the possibility of a sprain and the detrimental effects of forced downtime. The engine screams behind us and the wind blows furiously from the business end of the blower tube as we manage the spray duration on a stopwatch for each individual plot. We’re surgical in our endeavor to deliver the most meaningful field data achievable. We want you to see how your products perform in the reality of the field.
As the buds begin to swell, we’re refueled and calibrated, keeping a close eye on the list of accumulating tasks. Bearings get grease, batteries get charge, tools get sharp. We’re taking inventory; placing orders for gloves, tape, flagging stakes, Tyvek suits, masks, legal pads, pens, and coffee.
It’s beginning to feel real again after a slow winter of foggy days and eager anticipation. We couldn’t do it without you, and we recognize this every day when we step outside to engage the work that you trust us to deliver.
So far, we’ve nearly filled our almonds and grapes with trials for the season. It has us thinking that we should probably start establishing another orchard. That’s a good problem to have.
