We have added a new tool to help spray professionals with the Pest Control Equipment and Weed Spray Equipment. We added a page to our website, www.qspray.com.
The new page contains photos of actual pest control and weed control spray equipment problems that were brought into our repair shop. Learn from these photos to find and prevent spray equipment problems.
Here is a link to our spray equipment problems page.
Spray Away!
Selecting the perfect spray pump By Andrew Greess
The pump is the heart of power-spray systems used for pest and weed control, landscaping, golf courses and tree fertilizers. The right pump can make the job a breeze; the wrong pump will quickly ruin your day. And a high-quality pump in the wrong application is a waste of money.
Selecting the right pump requires answering some important questions:
If you are unsure of any of the answers, get input from staff, colleagues and vendors.
NOTE: For this article, I will focus on gas-powered pumps.
1. What is the application?
What volume and pressure are required to do the work? For example, applying a weed pre-emergent doesn’t require much pressure, but significant volume may be required to treat large areas. Spraying 60-foot trees requires high volume and high pressure. Cleaning picnic tables requires pressure, but not much volume.
Higher-pressure pumps are required to reach extreme heights, push material through long hoses, and/or throw material over some distance. Higher-volume pumps may be required to drive booms or boomless nozzles.
Piston/plunger pumps provide high pressure, but not much volume. Roller pumps are great for volume at moderate pressure. Diaphragm pumps can supply both volume and pressure. Centrifugal pumps can provide volume, but not much pressure.
Design your sprayer for its most common use. Many organizations waste money designing a sprayer that handles all situations, but in the field doesn’t handle any application well.
All pump manufacturers provide volume- and pressure-output specifications. Remember that these spec charts are usually maximums at the pump, and actual results at the end of the hose will be lower. Plumbing fittings, valves, constrictions, hoses, distance, pump wear, and extreme temperatures will reduce output. Charts are available to calculate pressure loss through a given size and length of hose.
Spec charts also provide horsepower requirements. Be sure to select an engine that can power the pump to provide the results you need.
If using jet agitation in the tank, be sure to consider this when determining the required pump output. Click here for more on jet agitation at Sprayequipmentblog.com.
2. What is the material being sprayed?
If you are just spraying water, this is not really a concern. Generally speaking, granular fertilizers and herbicides are tougher on pumps than other products, such as pesticides. These materials can be corrosive or abrasive, and will significantly reduce pump life if an appropriate pump is not used.
If the material is not corrosive or abrasive, there is a lot of flexibility. Diaphragm, piston, plunger, gear, roller or centrifugal pumps may all be appropriate.
If spraying herbicides, the best choice may be a diaphragm pump or a high-end roller pump. If applying granular fertilizers, a diaphragm pump or poly-centrifugal pump may be the best bet.
If a pump is not appropriate for the material being applied, you will know it quickly, and the boss will ask why you need another pump so soon.
3. How hard will the pump be used?
If the pump will be subjected to rigorous use, either through long operating hours or by technicians who are tough on equipment, you may want to upsize the pump.
If the pump is barely large enough to provide the required output, it may be running at the high end of its operating range. Most pumps are designed to run “in the red” for short periods only. Running the pump full-out for extended periods will significantly reduce pump life.
My experience is that spray technicians tend to run pumps fast to get the jobs done quickly. If you have a slightly larger pump than needed, you may be able to get longer life and better results. For example, a six-roller pump may provide the output required, but for slightly more money, an eight-roller pump will provide the required output at a much slower speed.
4. What is the skill level of the applicator?
Some pumps are more sensitive than others, so technician skill is critical. For example, a diaphragm pump may be run dry for a short time without causing much damage, but a roller pump run dry will be destroyed in no time. Similarly, gear pumps can be great general-purpose pumps for many applications, but require periodic field adjustment. If you don’t have confidence in spray techs to perform this operation, then a gear pump is not the right choice. Be sure you understand operating requirements before buying a pump.
5. What is the ability of maintenance staff? What is the availability of repair/replacement parts?
A pump requires maintenance, and if not well maintained, it will require repairs. Be sure to understand the maintenance requirements of a pump. What tools are needed? What skills are required? Where does one buy spare parts? Ask these questions in advance, and you will save time, money, downtime and lots of aggravation.
Read the pump owner’s manual to understand and plan for the recommended maintenance. Make sure the required parts are in stock or readily available. I recommend a rebuild on a pump once a year. If a pump is used constantly and you can’t afford downtime, perhaps more frequent rebuilds are in order.
Rebuild a pump at the end of the season or before the start of the next season. Too many organizations wait for the pump to break before doing the repair, which costs time and money and can turn an inexpensive maintenance job into a complete pump replacement. Ouch!
6. What is the budget? What is the total ownership cost of this pump?
Obviously, the above criteria are meaningless without a budget to support them. Generally speaking, diaphragm pumps are the most versatile and the most expensive. If there is not enough money in the budget for everything you want, try to find somewhere else to save money, including talking to an equipment provider. Don’t skimp on the pump--it will cost you. Also, some pumps require larger engines, which can quickly raise the total package price.
Remember, the cost of the pump is not just the price. Consider productivity, maintenance/repair cost, downtime, etc. If you buy the wrong pump and it takes a spray tech twice as long to do a job, have you saved money? Conversely, you may be able to use increased productivity to justify the purchase of a larger pump. If you buy too small a pump or the wrong pump and it always breaks down, you will pay in the long run.
Happy spraying.
Andrew Greess is President of Arizona-based Quality Equipment & Spray, a designer and custom manufacturer of power spray rigs for parks and recreation applications, pest and weed control, landscape, pumptec parts, etc. He can be contacted via e-mail at andrew@qspray.com.
Insect Pests – A Necessary Evil?
First in a series on natural pest control methods, by Andrew Greess.
Most people agree, bugs are disgusting. But did you know that insects are a critical component of our ecosystem? Without termites, the planet would be buried in dead trees. Without ants, your neighborhood would be littered with dead organic material of every disgusting, imaginable type. Those pesky house flies do us all a service, when their larval state (maggots) eliminate dead animal flesh from the environment.
A reasonable compromise is that we need insects, just not in our homes or around our families. So what can we do to keep our homes and families safe? Here are some general concepts to guide us.
1. Don’t encourage insects. All insects require food, water and harborage to survive. Do not create a friendly environment for pests in and around your home. Note: I will discuss this in detail in future articles.
2. Before trying to remedy a pest problem, you must understand it. Where are the pests located? Where are they breeding? What about the environment is supporting the pests? If you don’t know what the situation is and what is causing it, it is difficult to effectively solve the problem.
3. Use environmental modification before considering application of pesticides.
4. If using pesticides, use natural, earth-friendly products, if possible.
5. If using pesticides, use them in the least impactful way, e.g., outside the home, in walls, in small quantities, etc.
6. If using pesticides in your home, target them effectively so that you can use as little as possible.
7. Never use more pesticides than are necessary. Always read & follow label directions.
I will discuss many of these ideas, as well as natural pest and weed control products and treatment methods in future articles. Email me with your questions and comments.
Andrew Greess is the Owner of Quality Equipment & Spray, a leading provider of professional pest & weed control products, including all natural pesticides and herbicides. Contact Greess at Andrew@qspray.com, or www.allnaturalpestcontrolproducts.com
We often hear from Sports Turf Professionals that they don’t ever seem to get the life out of their agriculture spray equipment that they would like. Common concerns: equipment wears out too soon, employees invent new and ever more creative ways to destroy equipment, equipment is down waiting for repairs, etc.
We have found that Turf Departments with well-designed fertilizer and weed control spray rigs can reduce problems significantly with a few easy steps. We have assembled our list of the Top 10 Spray Equipment Productivity Tips. If you have comments or more suggestions, please visit our blog, www.SprayEquipmentBlog.com.
Good Filtration
Design good filtration to prevent debris from getting into your system. Debris will clog or damage pump, plumbing, fittings, hose and spray guns. It will cost you money, reduce productivity by bringing your system to its knees and create expensive repair bills. Design your filtration based on your water source, type of application, sensitivity of your pump, technician skill. For example, impure water in may require more than one strainer. Place filtration so it is easily accessible for technicians to check and clean. If it isn’t easy, they won’t check it and it will cost you dearly.
Clean your Filter
The biggest secret in spray equipment is "check your filter". There is nothing you can do with your spray equipment that will save you more money than this simple activity. We repair and replace more fertilizer and weed control spray equipment because of clogged filters than for any other reason. Conduct spot checks to ensure spray techs are cleaning filters.
Release the Pressure
Take the pressure off. When you are done spraying, release the pressure. Squeeze the handle of your spray equipment so that the system is not under pressure. If you don't want to waste the material, spray it back into the tank. Your equipment will have fewer breakdowns and will last longer if you remove the stress of constant pressure from the spray components. Never store equipment overnight under pressure.
Don’t Run it Too Fast
Don't push your equipment to its limits. Our experience is that techs run power spray rigs at high speeds to get their jobs done quickly. This will reduce sprayer life. Your power spray rig can run at extremes for short periods but it is not designed to be run full out all the time. Running "in the red" for extended periods will shorten engine and pump life. Make sure your techs know proper operating ranges.
Clean it Out
Rinse your system with clean water periodically to remove old chemical buildup, debris, etc. Chemical buildup & debris can clog your filter, starve your pump, damage spray tips, and play havoc with other components as well. All of these items fall into the category of "not good". When in doubt, rinse it out. Be sure to follow herbicide labels and laws when cleaning out spray tanks.
Don’t wait for failure – Perform Preventative Maintenance (PM)
PM will save you time, money, equipment breakdowns, unhappy customers, etc. You are running your equipment hard and pumping strong chemicals through it. It will need service. This service will be much cheaper and less painful if you do it before you need it. Read manufacturer’s recommendations then customize for your use and application. Develop a good relationship with your spray equipment provider and ask for their help. A good preventative maintenance program is your best friend for reducing equipment down time and improving productivity.
Train Employees to Report Problems
We are constantly amazed at the equipment problems employees will tolerate. They will continue to use leaking pumps, hose, backpacks, etc. Ignoring these problems inevitably leads to higher repair expenses and increased down time. Encourage your employees to report problems so that you can take the appropriate action before a small problem becomes a big (i.e., expensive) problem.
Emergency Repair Kit
Many simple repairs can be performed by technicians in the field. Field repairs can allow the technician to finish their work before heading to the service site for more thorough repairs. You’ll want to assess technicians’ skill and training to determine which parts you are comfortable with technicians changing in the field. An easy example is to provide the technician with an extra o-ring for the filter.
Don’t Over-pressurize Manual Sprayers
If your backpack isn't spraying, don't pump it up more. You will break it. It is easy to turn a $3.00 o-ring replacement into a $50 repair. I like the following analogy for this situation. I was dining at a restaurant in France. The waiter didn't understand English. So I yelled louder. Don't overpressure your manual sprayers! It doesn’t work.
Preflight Checklist
Every pilot has a checklist and goes through a pre-flight routine BEFORE taking his or her plane into the air. Spray techs should do the same thing. A few minutes spent checking equipment at the start of the day can save time and money, as well as preventing downtime that hinders your ability to provide timely service. Here's the key point. If you are going to have an equipment problem, find it early, at your shop, where it is easier and cheaper to fix. Spray equipment problems get worse and more expensive. Find them sooner rather than later. Technicians should report any problems or exceptions to their supervisor.
Greess is President of Quality Equipment & Spray, www.qspray.com, which builds custom landscape, fertilizer & weed spray equipment, designed for safety, reliability, ease of maintenance and productivity. Please share questions and equipment nightmares with Greess at Andrew@qspray.com.
Appeared in Golf Course Industry Magazine
Version 3 - March 11, 2009
We often hear from golf course superintendents and equipment managers that they don’t ever seem to get the life out of their ag spray rigs that they would like. Common concerns: equipment wears out too soon, employees destroy equipment, equipment is down waiting for repairs, etc. We have found that proper spray equipment design, operating procedures and equipment management policies can significantly reduce problems and boost productivity.
In this article we will review the impact each of these aspects has on equipment life and productivity, as well as give you specific ideas to improve your results. Equipment Design Spray equipment must be designed for safety, reliability, ease of maintenance and productivity. Neglecting any of these factors will hurt productivity, increase maintenance costs and downtime, and reduce equipment life. If the equipment is not properly designed for safety, your employees may experience acute injuries (cuts, burns, scrapes, etc.); back-related injuries or chemical spills could endanger employees, the public, or require expensive cleanups.
When discussing reliability we ask, are the correct components installed for your application? For example, the wrong type of pump may not stand up the products you are applying. If equipment isn’t designed for easy maintenance, key tasks will either be skipped or may require excessive, expensive downtime. Design for productivity means that the equipment is designed to your employees in mind so they can do their jobs effectively with the equipment supporting, rather than hindering, their efforts. Equipment Operating Procedures Do you have the correct operating procedures in place for your employees to follow? If not, count on equipment breakdowns, higher repair expenses and shorter equipment life.
A few simple rules will extend the life of your equipment, reduce downtime and save money on repairs. Equipment Management Policies There are a number of policies you can implement that will further extend the life and productivity of your spray equipment. Most are relatively easy and do not require a lot of time or effort. Here are some specific questions to ask to ensure your equipment, policies and procedures are as effective as possible:
A1. Equipment Design – Safety
1. Are all moving or hot parts shielded to protect employees?
2. Are there any protruding sharp corners, points, edges or rust that create a risk for employees?
3. Can employees access key components without injury, e.g., engine pull cord
4. Are components positioned to reduce/prevent back strain, e.g., height of hose reel
A2. Equipment Design – Reliability
1. Are the highest quality components used, e.g., Honda engines?
Lower cost components may save money up front but will cost more when repairs and downtime are considered.
2. Are the components selected appropriate to the application?
The wrong component will make it difficult for employees to effectively do their jobs. For example, centrifugal pumps are great for high volume applications but may not be appropriate if you have remote areas that require long hoses to reach. In these cases, diaphragm pumps may be a better choice. If you are applying an insoluble fertilizer that requires a great deal of agitation, you may need mechanical agitation or a significantly higher output pump to provide sufficient jet agitation.
3. Do your mechanics have the skills and tools to service all the components?
Some pumps specialized tools for service. If you don't have the skills or tools in-house, be prepared for more expensive repairs and longer down time.
4. Are replacement parts and repair kits available for all components?
Be sure to ask before buying. If parts must be shipped in, repairs will take longer and cost more.
5. Is the filtration designed appropriately for your situation?
Filtration is one of the most critical factors influencing equipment life. The filtration system should be designed appropriately to water quality, material being applied and type of pump.
If the filtration is too fine, filters will clog requiring continually cleaning or starving the pump of water and potentially causing expensive damage. If filtration is too coarse, debris will enter the system, possibly damaging the pump, or clogging hoses, fittings, and spray tips.
6. Is the equipment designed to prevent accidental damage, e.g.,
Do components overhang the frame, creating a risk of damage?
Are sensitive components protected from accidental damage?
Are electrical wires secured to prevent snagging?
Are plumbing fittings/clamps in stress points of high quality to prevent damage/leaks? For example, plastic fittings in the wrong place can snap and cause chemical spills.
A3. Equipment Design – Ease of Maintenance
1. Can the pump be easily removed for service?
If not, be prepared for longer servicing downtime.
2. Can the engine be easily serviced (e.g., add/remove oil, change plugs, etc.)?
We are continually amazed at the number of rig designs that make oil changes a major project.
3. Is the line strainer/filter plumbed for easy cleanout, regardless of whether the tank is full?
If the filter is at a low point in the sprayer design, then a valve is required to shut off the tank so the filter can be checked even if the tank is full. Is the filter easy for technicians and mechanics to reach? Employees must be able to check and clean the filter any time. This is one of the single most important issues in sprayer design.
4. Can the flow of liquid to the pump be shut off to allow servicing when the tank is full?
5. Can the system be drained to reduce risk of freeze damage?
A4. Equipment Design – Productivity
Is the equipment designed for your specific application and to eliminate wasted time and chemicals? Does the equipment make it easy for the employee to do his job? Are frequently used components easily accessible?
B. Operating procedures:
1. Check the Filter.
The biggest secret in spray equipment is "check your filter". There is nothing your spray techs can do that will save you more money. We repair and replace more turf spray equipment because of clogged filters than for any other reason.
2. Release the pressure
Your equipment will have fewer breakdowns and will last longer if you remove the stress of constant pressure. When done spraying, techs should release the pressure. Squeeze the handle of the spray gun so that the system is not under pressure. If you don't want to waste the material, spray it back into the tank. If you are using a diaphragm pump with its own control unit, completely release the pressure control. This will also make your pump engine easier to start the next time. Never store equipment overnight under pressure. This reduces equipment life and increases the risk of freeze damage.
3. Don't Run it Too Fast
Don't push your equipment to its limits. Our experience is that techs run power spray rigs at high speeds to get their jobs done quickly. This will reduce sprayer life. Make sure your techs know proper operating ranges. Higher pressure can cause smaller spray droplet size and more drift. Also, a burst hose at 300 PSI will cause a worse chemical spill than one at 100 PSI.
4. Clean it Out
Make sure your spray technicians periodically clean the system with fresh water to remove chemical buildup and debris. Debris will clog your filter, starve your pump and damage spray tips. Be sure to follow herbicide labels and laws when cleaning out spray tanks.
5. Report Problems
We are constantly amazed at the equipment problems employees will tolerate. They will continue to use leaking pumps, hose, backpacks, etc. Ignoring problems inevitably leads to higher repair expenses and increased down time. Encourage your employees to look and listen to their equipment and to report problems so that you can take the appropriate action before a small problem becomes a big (i.e., expensive) problem. Be sure they are trained to spot problems such as chemical in pump oil reservoirs or leaking pump seals.
C. Management Policies and Procedures
1. Perform Preventative Maintenance
We know quite a few golf courses that have detailed PM schedules for their vehicles but not for their spray equipment. The pump in particular requires attention to prevent costly failures. Consult your owner's manual and equipment provider for recommendations. Diaphragm pumps in particular deserve attention. Technicians can continue to run these pumps even after the diaphragms have burst, often causing complete pump failure.
2. Inspect What You Expect.
Just because you tell an employee to do something, doesn't always mean it gets done. Make sure your employees are following your operating policies for proper spray techniques. It is easy to check a filter or observe the pressure setting of the sprayer.
3. Training & Safety Meetings
Just because you instructed your employees on their first day how you wanted it done, doesn't mean they are still doing it correctly. Reinforce the operating and safety ideas we have talked about herein. Ask employees for their ideas on improving safety and spray equipment design.
4. Pull Hose.
Periodically go out with your spray technicians and actually do their job for a while. You will be surprised at the problems and opportunities you will find for improving how they do their job and how you design your equipment. You may find safety risks that they didn't report or productivity hindering issues that are costing you time and money.
5. Track Problems
Track your equipment problems by piece of equipment, component and by technician. This will help you identify required changes to your equipment and training opportunities for techs.
6. Continuously Improve Equipment Design
Over time you will identify improvement opportunities in your spray equipment. Keep a list. Discuss spray equipment design with your colleagues. Steal the best ideas. Replace components that are causing you problems.
When it comes time to order that new sprayer, work with your equipment provider to ensure all your (and his) good ideas are incorporated into the system Conclusion. Work with your spray equipment vendor to design equipment correctly. Work with your spray technicians to operate it correctly. Work with your equipment maintenance staff to service it correctly. With a little attention, you can get more life, more productivity and more value from your spray equipment. You will significantly reduce equipment downtime and equipment repair expense. Manage your spray equipment so it doesn't manage you.
Andrew Greess is the owner of Quality Equipment and Spray and a nationally published author and expert on spray equipment. You can reach him at www.qspray.com or 1-800-675-7485.
Our pest control clients report that their bee control business is up significantly.
Bee control is big business for pest control experts. If you are a pest control operator that is not doing bee control, you may want to start. Stories about bees and bee swarms are all over national and local media. A story about a bee swarm that traps workers in a New York City store was national news. It is not that difficult to get into Bee control. Aside from a quality bee suit, and the necessary training, you probably already have what you need on your truck.
Please feel free to contact us for advice.
Andrew Greess
andrew@qspray.com
www.Qspray.com - pest control equipment and supplies
www.beesuitscheap.com - bee suits - no rent, no sales force, no overhead.
www.SprayEquipmentBlog.com - pest control spray equipment advice
We all love the desert. It's why we live here. Life is good as long as we have a successful home remedy to kill ants and know how to get rid of roaches. Unfortunately, one downside to desert living is pests: roaches, crickets, scorpions, ants, rats, etc. These creatures were here before us and they will be here after us, and unlike other parts of the US, we don't have a winter season to reduce pest numbers.
Your professional pest control technician can help you reduce and eliminate pests from your home. But did you know there are a number of simple things you can do outside your home, which don't require pesticides, that can contribute to your pest control effort?
Here are a few ideas to get you started including a home remedy to kill ants and some ideas on how to get rid of roaches.
Exclusion (keep the pests from getting in)
Clean Up (eliminate food and harborage)
Water (water attracts and supports pest populations)
Other
Home remedy to kill ants discussion on web.
If you would like a referral to a Pest Control Professional or information on Do-It-Yourself products, please contact the author.
Andrew Greess
www.qspray.com
andrew@qspray.com
602.371.1993
There are a number of steps you and your staff can take to get better results from your spray pump, whether it is a diaphragm pump or centrifugal pump. These simple steps, if followed, can:
Pump Selection
Selecting the correct diaphragm pump or centrifugal pump for your application is critical. Not every pump can be used for every job. Pump selection should be based upon:
Desired Pressure & Volume – Higher volume pumps may be required for applications such termite pretreats. Higher pressure pumps may be required to reach heights, push material through long hoses or throw material over some distance. Generally speaking, higher volume and pressure requires a pump that costs more. Diaphragm pumps and roller pumps can supply volume and pressure. Centrifugal pumps can provide volume but not much pressure, so if you need a long spray hose to reach large properties, centrifugal pumps may not be the best choice. You can find pump specs for many pumps at http://www.qspray.com/spray_pumps_and_parts.html.
Budget – Obviously your budget is a limiting factor. Generally speaking, diaphragm pumps cost more to purchase than other types of pumps. Some pumps require larger and more costly engines for power. Be sure to calculate productivity impacts when selecting a pump. For example, a larger pump that provides the volume and pressure to do a job quickly may cost more initially, but pay for itself through improved applicator productivity.
Staff Skill – Some pumps require a little more TLC than others. For example, in our experience, Gear Pumps are cost effective and reliable when properly run and maintained. However the pumps require periodic adjustment in the field. We have seen many times when technicians have over-tightened packing nuts which can burn up the pump. Similarly, when roller pumps start dripping, they should be serviced promptly before serious damage is done.
Material to be applied – Generally speaking, wettable powders (as well as herbicides and many fertilizers) are abrasive and corrosive on pumps than liquid pesticides. The best pumps for these applications are usually diaphragm pumps, which can handle the abrasive materials. Liquid pesticides are usually not as tough on pumps and therefore can be applied with a wider variety of pumps (roller, gear, piston, centrifugal, diaphragm, etc.).
Good Filtration
Ensure that only water and chemical gets to your pump. Foreign material should be filtered out to reduce the chance of pump damage. A filter that is too coarse may allow debris to pass to the pump, causing damage. A filter that is too fine may clog quickly and starve the pump. Most pumps will sustain serious damage if not fed properly. If your water is not debris-free, consider additional filtration. Installation of a filter basket in the tank fillwell, a filter on the fill hose, or two filters (first a course then a fine strainer) before the pump may be appropriate. Clean filters regularly.
Good Agitation
Use of granular or non-soluble products requires good agitation both to ensure the proper ratios of product are applied and to keep the material from clogging lines and starving the pump. The selection of jet versus mechanical agitation will be covered in future articles. Please feel free to contact the author (email: andrew@qspray.com) for more information.
Proper Plumbing
Ensure your equipment is plumbed properly according to manufacturer specifications. Examples include:
Keep Equipment Clean.
Clean your tank periodically to remove buildup and debris. Debris will clog lines and starve your pump. You may be surprised at what finds its way into your tank. In our customer’s tanks we have discovered: rocks, rope, trash and men’s underwear. Flush your system periodically with fresh water.
Run Your Equipment Moderately.
You can extend life by running your pump at a moderate speed necessary to complete the job. In our experience, some applicators tend to run pumps at full speed to finish the job as quickly as possible. Most pumps are not designed to run at maximum for extended periods. Refer to your pump owner’s manual or contact your equipment supplier for effective operating ranges.
Maintain Your Equipment
Don’t wait for the pump to fail. Perform preventative maintenance to prevent problems and keep your pump running properly. Consult your owner’s manual. For rigorous users, we recommend rebuilding pumps annually. For example, replace diaphragms, bearings, packing, etc., annually to prevent more costly repairs.
Train Your Staff
Ensure your staff knows the proper operating ranges for the pump. Have them check filters and hoses. Ensure they know how to identify problems. For example, a roller pump may still function with leaking seals (pump will drip from weep holes) However, if your staff is trained to check the pump, you can keep a seal repair from becoming a total rebuild or a new pump purchase. Likewise, many pumps, if run dry, quickly become a total loss. Tracking equipment problems by crew, individual or by shift may help identify training opportunities.
These simple ideas can help keep your equipment running, your staff productive and your boss happy.
More discussion on diaphragm pump and other types of pumps
The author is owner of Quality Equipment and Spray, an Arizona-based company that designs, builds and services pest, termite and weed control spray rigs. Get lots more information at www.qspray.com or email at andrew@qspray.com.
With winter comes additional risk for PMPs and the need for cold weather safety methods. Deep freeze conditions can cause considerable damage to pest control spray equipment. Some of the most expensive parts are most at risk of freeze damage. Water can freeze in lines, and the resultant expanding ice can damage pumps, spray guns, line strainers (filters), hand sprayers, etc. In addition to the added cost of equipment repairs, customer appointments will be missed while equipment thaws out or is repaired. How to prevent frozen pipes?
Cold weather safety tips
There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce the risk of freeze damage to your pest control equipment.
Equipment Design
Work with your equipment provider to build in preventative measures. Some suggestions:
Operations.
Purchase an electric battery heater/thermal wrap to keep your pump warm and cozy at night
Awareness and preparation are key to preventing freeze damage to your spray equipment. Remind technicians of their responsibilities to prevent damage to company equipment. Perform spot checks to ensure your policies are implemented. Track damage by technician to identify repeat offenders and problems with equipment design.
Read what other web users have to say about cold weather safety.
For more ideas, read Greess’ blog at www.SprayEquipmentBlog.com or follow him on Twitter.
My recent article on getting more value from your golf course spray equipment was just published in Golf Course Industry Magazine.
Many of the tips I share in the article for improving equipment productivity, safety, reliability, ease of maintenance, etc. will absolutely apply to your pest control spray equipment.
These tips will absolutely save you money on your spray equipment. Check it out.
