Wylie Defender 3 Pt Sprayer, Operator'S & Parts Manual, Page: 14 / 34

10
All Sprayers Maintenance
All Sprayers Maintenance
Line Strainer Cleaning
From time to time it may be necessary to clean the line
strainer. The line strainer is located in the hose between
the spray tank and the pump. With the tractor or engine
turned off, close the ball valve beside the strainer. Unscrew
the bowl from the strainer base. Remove and clean the
screen. Check for any damage to the screen that would
allow debris to get to the pump and nozzles. Empty and
rinse the bowl. Replace the bowl and screen. Make sure
that the gasket/o-ring that seals the bowl to the base is not
lost when cleaning. Open the ball valve before starting the
pump. Many strainers are equipped with a drain plug that
can be removed to drain the suction lines (with ball valve
closed) or the spray tank (with ball valve open).
Cleaning Nozzles
While the line strainer usually keeps the system clean,
it is possible for foreign matter to clog the trigger gun or
nozzles.
Turn the tractor or engine off before cleaning any nozzles.
Wear chemically resistant rubber gloves.
To clean the trigger gun nozzle, engage the trigger gun to
relieve any pressure. Remove the cap at the end of the
barrel to access the tip. The tip should be cleaned with a
brush such as a TeeJet tip cleaning brush. Do not use a
pocket knife, wire or screwdriver to clear the nozzle. The tip
could be damaged, resulting in an improper spray pattern.
In order to clean the “boomless” nozzle, remove the nozzle
from the stand. Use compressed air to blow debris from
the nozzle. Do not use pocket knives, wire or screwdrivers.
Clean the boom nozzles by removing the nozzle cap. Re -
move the tip screen and clean it as needed. The tip should
be cleaned with a brush such as a TeeJet tip cleaning
brush. Do not use a pocket knife, wire or screwdriver to
clear the nozzle. The tip could be damaged, resulting in
an improper spray pattern.
Chemically resistant rubber gloves must be worn
when cleaning the line strainer. Failure to do so
could result in chemical exposure
causing serious injury.
End of Day Procedure
Some corrosive chemicals require the pump to be flushed
with clean water to prevent pump damage. Add 5-10 gal -
lons of clean water to an empty spray tank. Turn the pump
on and apply this flush solution to a safe area.
Check the sprayer for any leaks or damaged parts. Repair
or replace as necessary.
Operation during cold weather may require protecting
the sprayer from freeze damage. See the next section for
instructions.
End of Season Procedure
Thoroughly flush the complete system with clean water.
Flush the trigger gun as well as the boom nozzles. Dis -
pose of the flush solution by spraying a safe area. Check
the chemical container label for any special instructions.
To protect the sprayer from freezing, one of two procedures
should be followed: draining the system or flushing with
anti-freeze solution.
Draining the sprayer
With the spray tank empty, remove the strainer bowl to
drain water from the suction side of the pump. Some styles
of pumps are equipped with a drain plug. Remove this
plug to allow the pump to drain. If the sprayer is equipped
with a roller pump, operate the pump for 3-5 seconds to
purge any water from the pump. Lay the trigger hose out
flat, open the control valve, lock the trigger gun open and
allow the water to drain from the gun. Open other lines to
allow any water to drain.
Flushing with anti-freeze
Add a few gallons of anti-freeze solution (such as camper
trailer anti-freeze) to the spray tank. Start the pump and
open the valves to flush both the trigger gun and boom.
This procedure is the most complete way to protect the
sprayer from freezing.
Cast iron roller pumps need the further protection of 30 wt.
motor oil for lubrication. Add a small amount of oil to the
suction side of the pump. Turn the pump several revolu -
tions to apply a protective oil film inside the pump housing.