Splashes of preservative and corrosion: how can you protect your rack, tractor and working environment through practical measures?

Splashes of preservatives and corrosion are a surprisingly significant cost factor in day-to-day operations: they dirty the working environment, corrode the surfaces of the tractor and the frame, and increase maintenance requirements just when the busy season is at its peak. When splash control, proper rinsing routines and the durability of materials are considered as part of a process, the end result is directly reflected in minimised downtime – and safer working conditions on the farm or in property maintenance.

Lootu Oy (Pekurinpolku 3, 90450 Kempele) manufactures sturdy racks for IBC containers for use with tractors and wheel loaders. This article outlines practical measures to protect the rack, the machine and the working environment when handling preservatives and other corrosive liquids (such as liquid fertilisers or cleaning chemicals). The focus is on cleanliness, safety and ensuring that work continues without unnecessary interruptions.

Splashes and corrosion caused by preservatives: what causes the damage?

Splash damage is rarely caused by “one major mistake”. More often than not, the cause is a small leak at a fitting, a dripping valve or a hose being disconnected without first depressurising and plugging the line. When preservative remains on surfaces – particularly around joints, bolts and mounting brackets – it can trigger corrosion, soften certain coatings or trap dirt, which traps moisture and exacerbates the problem.

Furthermore, the spray spreads surprisingly far: vibrations, the force of the vehicle’s movement and the motion of the implements “whip” the liquid into a fine mist, which ends up on the tractor chassis, the hydraulic hoses, around the electrical connectors and on the floor of the work area. When the same machine is moved to the next job site (e.g. from Kempele to Oulu or Liminka), chemical residues are carried along with it and also contaminate the storage area and the service point.

If you wish to gain a deeper understanding of the basics of the safe transport of IBCs, it is also worth taking a look at the information on transport and securing procedures: Transporting an IBC container safely on a tractor. Many “splash problems” can be solved simply by ensuring that the load does not shift and that the hoses remain properly routed.

Managing splashes in everyday life: make your workstation ”easy to keep clean”

The best way to reduce corrosion is to minimise splashes. This does not mean working more slowly, but rather standardising the work: the same location, the same equipment, the same sequence. When filling, dispensing or transferring is always carried out on a “controlled surface”, cleaning is also quicker. The workstation does not need to be fancy – it just needs to be easy to rinse and designed so that any spills do not spread.

In practice, this means two things: (1) mechanical splash protection and (2) practical ergonomics. If the end of the hose is dangling towards the ground or if your hands are in an awkward position when opening the coupling, splashes will occur. Whereas if the hose and valve are ”within easy reach”, you can plug it straight away and spillage is kept to a minimum. A tidy workstation is also a matter of health and safety – slippery floors, chemical residues and tangled hoses are unnecessary risks.

A good rule of thumb: add one “splash-proof” element at every point where the liquid might change direction or pressure (filling, dispensing, removal). Even just a small drip tray or an easily replaceable protective mat can save many hours of cleaning and surface repairs.

By stopping splashes right at the source, you protect both the rack and the tractor’s surfaces – and keep the working environment under control throughout the season.

Rinsing routines that actually reduce corrosion (and don’t take up much time)

It is worth thinking of cleaning in two stages: “immediate neutralisation” and “end-of-day restoration”. Immediate neutralisation means that any splashes or spills are dealt with straight away – within a minute – before they have time to dry, be absorbed into the structure or become trapped in the joints. End-of-day restoration, on the other hand, is a brief, standardised routine for preparing the machine and rig for their next use.

It is important to use the right amount of water and aim it in the right direction. Simply spraying quickly can spread the chemical over a wider area if the water jet hits at the wrong angle. It is better to work ”from top to bottom” and first rinse the area from which splashes may run onto other surfaces (e.g. around the valve and along the hose route), and only then rinse the lower structures and the floor.

When a routine is clear, it is also easier to teach to others. This is particularly important in the contracting sector, where the same equipment is used along the Raahe–Kajaani–Kokkola route and there may be several operators. The problem of corrosion is often not down to “the wrong material”, but rather to inconsistent working practices, which leave residues in different places on different days.

Durability of materials: coatings, fixings and small parts that rust first

When discussing how to protect the rack and the tractor, it is worth paying attention to the “small details”: bolt heads, welded seams, corners, perforations and areas where dirt and moisture tend to accumulate. It is at these points that the surface treatment is put under the greatest strain. Furthermore, splashes collect dust and organic dirt, which can trap moisture and accelerate surface corrosion.

It is a good idea to check the same areas every week during the season and every month at other times of the year. If wear is spotted early, it can be repaired with a small spot treatment, rather than allowing the entire structure to “give way” to rust. A practical reminder: don’t rely solely on paint for protection; also consider mechanical protection (e.g. a hose guide, protective rubber or edge guard) to prevent continuous rubbing from damaging the surface.

When selecting materials and drawing up instructions for use, it is advisable to refer to the safety data sheets provided by chemical manufacturers and to general information on corrosion. For background information, the basic principles of corrosion are explained concisely on Wikipedia, for example: Corrosion. This is not a substitute for the instructions provided by the manufacturers of your own liquids, but it helps to explain why the combination of “moisture + residues + time” is what causes the damage.

A process that minimises downtime: spillage, maintenance and storage all covered by the same formula

Many people think that downtime is caused by a “single failure”. In reality, a breakdown often occurs as a chain of events: a small splash → surface damage → a spot of rust → a seized bolt → delayed maintenance. When the process is broken down into three stages (before work, during work, after work), downtime is reduced without making the work any more complicated.

Before starting work: check the hoses, connectors and plugs, and ensure that the stand is securely fixed. During work: keep splashes under control, rinse immediately and monitor any dripping. After work: carry out a 5–10-minute recovery procedure (flushing + wiping + drying of critical areas) and record any observations if a joint starts to leak or a surface shows signs of wear. If you wish to verify the load-bearing capacity and design, support the process with calculations: Weight and load of the IBC container, as calculated.

Practical tips from Lootu Oy on protecting scaffolding and the working environment

When an IBC container is being moved by a tractor or wheel loader, the purpose of the frame is to ensure that handling is stable and predictable. Stability reduces both spillage and mechanical wear: when the tank does not wobble and the fixings are easily accessible, there is no need to force the connections open, and the hose does not rub against sharp edges. This directly reduces the risk of corrosion and the need for maintenance.

It is worth taking the cleanliness of the working environment just as seriously as the equipment itself. Chemical residues on the floor are carried around on shoes and tyres, and eventually end up where you don’t want them: in the storeroom, the control room and the maintenance area. When spill control and cleaning routines are clear, even new staff or seasonal workers can get into the swing of things quickly – and this is reflected in both quality and safety.

If you’re looking for a solution specifically designed for practical use (preservatives, washing water, irrigation water, liquid fertilisers), take a look at Lootu Oy’s racks and their applications. Why not start with an overview: Lootu.fi or look straight ahead preservative rack and water tank for a tractor. When the racking, procedures and workstation are all in line, splashes of preservatives and corrosion are kept under control – and the equipment lasts longer.