The provided document is an Owner's Manual for the CropCare ATX60-TR-G Sprayer. This device is a 60-gallon, trailer-mounted sprayer equipped with a 2-diaphragm, gas-powered pump. It is manufactured by PBZ LLC, a Paul B Zimmerman Inc. Company.
Function Description
The CropCare ATX60-TR-G Sprayer is designed for applying liquids, likely pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, over agricultural or landscaped areas. Its primary function is to store a liquid mixture in its tank and then precisely spray it through nozzles, either via a boom system (referencing a separate boom owner's manual) or a handgun. The gas-powered engine drives a diaphragm pump, which pressurizes the liquid for application. The sprayer features controls for adjusting spray pressure, bypassing flow back to the tank, and turning boom sections on or off, allowing for controlled and efficient application. Calibration is a critical step to ensure proper spray coverage and application rate, which involves determining vehicle speed, selecting appropriate nozzles, and setting the correct pressure.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model Number: ATX60-TR-G
- Tank Capacity: 60 gallons
- Pump Type: Diaphragm pump
- Pump Manufacturer: Annovi Reverberi
- Max Pump Pressure: 360 psi
- Max Flow Rate: 6.5 gpm
- Engine Type: 4-Stroke, OHV, Single Cylinder
- Engine Manufacturer: Honda
- Max Horsepower: 5 HP @ 3600 rpm
- Spraying Width: Refer to Boom Owner's Manual (indicating a separate manual for boom specifications)
- Hose Length (for handgun): 180 inches (15 feet)
- Weight (Tank Full): 725 lbs
- Weight (Tank Empty): 245 lbs
- Serial Plate Location: On the mounting bracket for the pump and the gas-powered engine.
Usage Features
The sprayer is designed for user-friendly operation with manual controls.
- Pressure Regulation: A Pressure Regulating Knob allows the operator to increase or decrease spray pressure by turning it clockwise or counter-clockwise, respectively.
- Flow Control: A Pressure Regulating Handle sets the flow from the pump to either bypass entirely back to the tank or direct it to the pressure setting for spraying. This is crucial for priming the pump and managing pressure.
- Boom Section Valves: Individual valves enable the operator to turn boom sections on or off, providing flexibility in application.
- Pre-start Instructions: Before operation, users must check engine oil, fuel, air filter, pump oil level, and accumulator air pressure. The sprayer should be tested with clean water to familiarize the operator and check for leaks.
- Calibration: A detailed calibration process is outlined, involving determining the tow vehicle's speed, calculating GPM, and using a calibration chart to match nozzle size, desired GPA, and pressure. This ensures accurate and effective spraying.
- Starting and Shut-Down: Clear instructions are provided for starting the gas engine, priming the pump, adjusting pressure, and engaging spray. Shut-down involves turning off boom valves, reducing pressure, bypassing flow, and turning off the engine.
- Safety Decals: The manual emphasizes the importance of safety alert symbols and signal words (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, NOTE, IMPORTANT) and highlights the presence of owner's manual and chemical warning decals on the sprayer.
- Chemical Handling: Operators are repeatedly warned to read and follow chemical manufacturer's labels, warnings, and instructions, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to avoid injury from chemical hazards.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides comprehensive maintenance guidelines to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the sprayer.
- Regular Inspections:
- Every Use: Check for broken/stressed parts, leaks (tighten hose clamps, replace hoses), loose connections, flush the fluid system with fresh water, remove and rinse the suction line strainer, and wash the exterior with mild detergent.
- Every Season: Check spray patterns for imperfections and replace worn nozzle tips.
- Cleaning: It is good practice to clean the sprayer, inside and out, after every use. This includes rinsing the tank, pump, spray nozzles, and spray gun with clean water. Rinsate must be disposed of according to chemical manufacturer guidelines. The in-line filter bowl can be removed to drain excess water. A pressure washer can be used for exterior cleaning, but care must be taken to avoid spraying electrical or pressure-sensitive components.
- Blockage Clearing: Instructions are given for identifying and resolving common blockages in plumbing components, hose fittings, and the suction line filter. Emphasis is placed on proper agitation and thorough rinsing to prevent blockages.
- Winterization: This is a crucial seasonal maintenance step to prevent damage from freezing.
- Thoroughly rinse the plumbing system and dispose of rinsate.
- Drain any remaining water from the system.
- Pour 1/2 - 1 gallon of nontoxic RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) into the tank (standard automotive antifreeze is toxic and should not be used).
- Engage the pump at moderate engine speed.
- Fully open the pressure regulator handle to bypass flow to the tank for 10 seconds, then close it.
- Open all spray nozzle valves and the spray gun until RV antifreeze is observed spraying from all nozzles or until the tank is empty, then disengage the pump.
- Store the sprayer in a dry location, away from elements, humans, and animals.
- When restarting after winterization, flush the system with fresh water and inspect for leaks or damage.
- Material Specifications: The manual specifies the use of RV nontoxic antifreeze for winterization, and directs users to the pump and engine owner's manuals for specific oil types and service intervals.
- Storage: Before storage, the sprayer must be thoroughly rinsed and stored in a safe, dry location. Winterization is required if freezing conditions are expected.
- Warranty: The sprayer comes with a Limited One (1) Year Warranty against manufacturer's defects. The warranty is void if the sprayer is subjected to negligent handling, misuse, accidents, unapproved alterations, freezing, use of non-compatible chemicals, or petroleum-based products. Proper maintenance, including winterization, is required to retain the warranty.