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Four things must be considered before spraying with the boom.
How much chemical must be mixed in the tank.
Rate of spray (gallons per acre to be sprayed).
What pressure (p.s.i.) will be used.
Speed traveled (mph) while spraying.
Refer to the chemical label to determine your chemical mixture
See the tip chart to determine the pressure to be used. The chart will also show the speed used when spraying.
Start the pump and open the valve to the boom nozzles.
Check the spray pattern. Usually you can see the coverage better on a solid concrete surface, such as a driveway.
Raise or lower the nozzles so that you will have a good coverage pattern. Generally the proper height will be about 18 inches
from the object(s) being sprayed.
Periodically check the strainer on the sprayer and clean the screen on your intake line.
If sprayer becomes clogged during use, discontinue use immediately. DO NOT attempt to service while chemicals are in the sprayer
and power is connected.
Proper care and maintenance will prolong the life of your sprayer.
After use, drain the tank and store or dispose of chemical properly. Fill the sprayer half way with clean water. Start the pump and
allow the water to pump through the entire plumbing system and nozzles. Drain and then refill half full, add the recommended
amount of a good quality tank cleaner, such as FIMCO Tank Neutralizer and Cleaner. (If no tank cleaner is available, you may
substitute dish soap for this step, about 1-2 oz. per gallon). But a neutralizer/cleaner should be used to thoroughly clean the
system. Turn pump on and circulate through system for 15 minutes and then spray out through boom and handgun nozzles. Refill
sprayer half way with clean water and repeat. Follow the chemical manufacturer's disposal instructions of all wash or rinsing
water.
Remove the tips and screens from the nozzle assemblies. Wash these items out thoroughly. Blow the orifice clean and dry. If the
orifice remains clogged, clean it with a fine bristle (NOT WIRE) brush or with a toothpick. Do not damage the orifice. Water rinse
and dry the tips before storing.
WARNING: Some chemicals will damage the pump valves if allowed to soak untreated for a length of time! ALWAYS flush the
pump as instructed after each use. DO NOT allow chemicals to sit in the pump for extended times of idleness. Follow the chemical
manufacturer's instructions on disposal of all waste water from the sprayer.
CAUTION: Never use a metal object or other sharp item for cleaning a nozzle tip. It is better to use a nozzle brush (NOT wire brush)
or compressed air for tip cleaning.
It is essential that you winterize your sprayer to avoid damage and to allow for optimal performance. The winterization process
should be undertaken before freezing conditions and/or after each season of use.
Before storing your sprayer for winter or long term storage, thoroughly clean and drain it as much as possible. Then pour enough
antifreeze into the tank so that when the pump is turned on you can pump the antifreeze throughout the entire plumbing system,
including the bypass. Make sure to operate the boom and handgun until you see fluid spraying from the nozzles. Leave any
remaining antifreeze in the tank. Before your next usage, rinse the antifreeze from the sprayer with clean water.
It is nearly impossible to drain all of the water from the sprayer and any trapped water can freeze in cold weather and damage
parts of the sprayer. Pumping the antifreeze through the system will displace the water and help prevent this damage.
1. Verify that the tank is empty and rinsed out. Pour 1-2 gallons of antifreeze into the tank.
A. 12-Volt Pump, use pink RV Antifreeze through the system. This will keep internal parts lubricated, protect
against corrosion and keep the unit from freezing.
Note: RV antifreeze is non-toxic and biodegradable and generally safer for the environment than automotive
antifreeze.
B. Roller Pump, use a solution of automotive antifreeze (containing a rust inhibitor) through the entire plumbing
system.
2. Engage the pump and spray with the boom and spray gun (if applicable). Make sure that the antifreeze has been pumped
through the entire system, including all spray nozzles.
3. Before spraying in the spring, it is recommended to flush the sprayer with fresh water to cleanse it of the antifreeze and any
other buildup. It would also be beneficial to do a thorough inspection of all sprayer components before spraying.
Removing from storage: drain the antifreeze. Fill the tank with fresh water and run through the system. Dispose of antifreeze and
flush water properly.
Page 4
Using the Boom Nozzles
Maintenance During/After Spraying
Winter Storage
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