21
OPERATION & CALIBRATION
PRODUCT MIXING
Use the mixing bottle for pre-mixing your product. Mix between 200-250 tons per mix. Mix the
total amount of product you desire and then top with cold water to the desired gallon mark.
NOTE:
The applicator is designed to mix
UP TO
100 treatable ton of product per gallon
–
1000 ton per cooler full (see the mix rate and calibration charts on
Page 16
to find your
desired mixing rate and pump tube color based on your harvest rate).
Add frozen plastic bottles (soda bottle) of water to assist with providing a cool environment for
the product. At the day
’s end, or during any prolonged interruption of chopping (weather,
breakdown, etc.), ice packs or frozen bottles of water may be added to keep the product cool.
(Ice packs or bottles are not included with the applicator). However,
DO NOT
add ice directly
to the mix as this will dilute the concentration resulting in under application of product.
SYSTEM FLUSHING
1.
Your applicator should be flushed at the end of each day. To do this, turn the 3-way
valve handle up toward the flush bottle input. This will allow the pump to draw clean
water from the flush bottle and flush out the entire product line.
NOTE: FOUR
feet of product line will contain approximately enough product for
ONE
ton of
forage. It is recommended to flush out the product onto the last batch of forage harvested.
2.
It is recommended to flush out the tank between batch mixes to remove any product
settlings. To do this, remove the tank and rotate the swivel connection to expose the
filter screen and rinse out with clean water. This will clean out the tank and filter.
3.
Occasionally it is recommended to flush the entire system
– including the cooler – with
warm soapy water, followed by a clean water flush. This will help to get any residue out
of the filter, tank, and lines.
4.
If there is significant build up or mold growth it is recommended to mix a solution of 2 fl.
oz. of bleach per gallon of water, fill the cooler and run some of the solution through the
system. Expose for 4 hours and then thoroughly flush with clean water.
COLD WEATHER FLUSHING
During cold weather when there is a possibility of the product lines freezing overnight, it is
recommended to fill the flush bottle with RV Waterline Antifreeze and then flush the system.
This will prevent the lines and the flowmeter from freezing and/or cracking.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The DE-1008.5 Applicator has only one wear part. This part is the Pumping Tube. The
Pumping Tube needs to be replaced as needed or annually, whichever comes first. If the
Pumping Tube wears out, the motor will still run, but it will not pump any product, or will have
a significant reduction in output. Directions for changing the Pumping Tube can be found on
Page 17
.
