
25
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR HYDROSEEDER®
Because of the tremendous work load usually placed upon the HydroSeeder®, minor malfunctions
will occur from time to time. If not remedied immediately, they could lead to degraded performance and
damage to the equipment. This section describes possible problems and the action to correct them.
1. Foam in the tank and air entrainment:
The mixture of dry materials with water will sometimes cause excessive foaming, while
other materials will cause air entrainment. This is exhibited by erratic discharge and/or a
drop in pressure and distance. Some solutions are:
A. As the slurry level drops in the tank, slow the agitator.
B. Add 2
to
3 oz (59
to
89 ml) of an anti-foaming agent to the tank.
C. If you can determine which additive is causing the air problem, either add it last or
not at all – unless it is the water.
D. Limit recirculation time as much as possible.
2. Plugging or clogging:
DANGER
Turn off engine and disconnect battery cables before working on equipment. Failure to com-
ply will result in death or serious injury.
Sometimes, when a stoppage occurs, you will not be able to find anything in the line. When this
happens, it means that the system became airbound instead of plugged. To remedy this, see
FOAMING OF SOLUTION AND LACK OF DISTANCE on page 27. Plugging can occur in any one
of four places, the valve and recirculation nozzle, the discharge nozzle, the pump area, and the
sump area. The plugging is caused by either foreign objects or dewatered mulch.
A. Obstruction in the discharge nozzle is determined by a change or stoppage of spray
pattern:
1. Disengage (turn off) clutch.
2. Remove discharge nozzle.
3. Clean the discharge nozzle. To clean the discharge nozzle, use the nozzle
cleaning rod attached to the underside of the guard rail. Insert the nozzle
cleaning rod into nozzle to push any buildup out of the nozzle. Repeat
procedure until nozzle is completely cleaned. (Platform option only.)
DANGER
Before loosening any clamps, determine if the pipe is hot. If so, let it cool before attempting
to perform repairs. Failure to comply will result in death or serious injury.
B. If the recirculation system is not working:
1. Disengage (turn off) clutch and shut down engine.
2. Remove clamp attaching recirculation valve.
3. Slide rubber seal back and remove valve assembly.
4. Check valve assembly, recirculation nozzle in the discharge pipe, and the
recirculation pipe going into the tank. Clear any obstructions.
5. Replace valve assembly and slide seal back into place. Lubricate outside
of seal.
6. Replace clamp.