The FIMCO LG-10-EC (5301547) is a 10-gallon lawn and garden spot sprayer designed for applying various liquids, such as chemicals, fertilizers, and water, to specific areas. It is a portable unit, intended for use with a 12-volt battery, typically from a towing vehicle or a stand-alone battery.
Function Description
The sprayer operates by drawing solution from its 10-gallon tank through a strainer to a 1.2 GPM (gallons per minute), 60 PSI (pounds per square inch) pump. The pump then forces the solution under pressure to a handgun, allowing for targeted application. The system is equipped with a pressure switch that automatically shuts off the pump when all discharges are closed and restarts it when the handgun lever is squeezed. This feature helps conserve power and prevents over-pressurization. The handgun features an adjustable nozzle tip, allowing the user to change the spray pattern from a straight stream for concentrated application to a cone pattern for a finer mist, suitable for broader coverage or delicate plants.
Important Technical Specifications
- Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons (White)
- Pump: 1.2 GPM, 60 PSI High-Flo Performance pump
- Power Source: 12-volt battery (not included)
- Hose: 3/8"-1 Brd. x 15 Ft. (for handgun)
- Handgun: Low-Flow Spray Wand with X-26 Tip
- Fuse: 5 Amp 'Mini Blade' Fuse
- Weight (loaded): Approximately 100 lbs. when the tank is full.
- Dimensions: Approximately 14.750" H x 30.688" L x 13.031" W
The sprayer is designed with a durable, corrosion-resistant polyethylene tank. The pump head is a 1.2 GPM unit, and the pressure switch assembly is rated for 60 PSI. The unit includes a lead wire with a 5A fuse for electrical protection.
Usage Features
Assembly: The sprayer requires some assembly, primarily attaching the pump to the tank using screws and clips, connecting the plumbing, and securing the battery lead wires. It's crucial to ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks and that the battery lead wires are correctly connected to avoid damage.
Operation:
- Preparation: Before first use or after storage, ensure the tank is clean and free of foreign material. Rinse the tank thoroughly.
- Testing: It is highly recommended to test the sprayer with plain water before using any chemicals. This helps identify any leaks, verify proper spray patterns, and allows the user to familiarize themselves with the unit's operation.
- Filling: Fill the tank partially with water, add the desired amount of chemical, and then fill to the proper level. It is advised to only fill the tank with the amount of solution needed for a single day's spraying to prevent chemicals from sitting in the tank for extended periods.
- Power Connection: Connect the lead wire to a fully charged 12-volt battery. Always connect the positive (red) terminal first, then the negative (black) terminal. Then connect the lead wire to the pump. When disconnecting, reverse the order: disconnect the pump wire, then the negative battery connection, and finally the positive battery connection.
- Activation: Use the On/Off rocker switch on the lead wire to activate the pump.
- Spraying: Squeeze the handgun lever to spray. Adjust the nozzle tip for the desired spray pattern (straight stream to cone mist).
Safety Precautions:
- Always read and understand the operator's manual before use.
- Wear protective clothing when handling chemicals.
- Do not spray on windy days to prevent drift.
- Do not use the tank for fuel oils, kerosene, gasoline, or other petroleum distillates, as these can soften and permeate the polyethylene, creating dangerous conditions.
- Do not use the pump in explosive environments or to pump flammable/combustible fluids.
- Avoid using the sprayer on steep slopes or uneven terrain where stability could be compromised.
- Always ensure the pump is securely mounted and all hoses are properly clamped.
Maintenance Features
Regular Cleaning (After Each Use):
- Drainage: Properly drain the tank and dispose of any remaining chemicals according to manufacturer instructions.
- Rinsing: Fill the tank halfway with clean water. Run the pump to flush the entire plumbing system and nozzles. Drain.
- Tank Cleaner: Refill the tank halfway, add a recommended tank cleaner (e.g., FIMCO Tank Neutralizer and Cleaner) or a small amount of dish soap (1-2 oz. per gallon). Circulate the solution through the system for 15 minutes, then spray it out through the boom and handgun nozzles.
- Final Rinse: Refill the sprayer halfway with clean water and repeat the flushing process.
- Handgun Nozzle Cleaning: If the handgun nozzle is clogged, remove it and soak it in warm soapy water. Clean with a soft-bristled brush or toothpick. Avoid metal objects that could damage the nozzle. Rinse and dry before storing.
Filter/Screen Maintenance:
- Periodically check and clean the strainer screen on the intake line to prevent clogs. To do this, empty the tank, unscrew the knurled nut from the tank, swivel the intake assembly, remove the screen/washer from the nut, clean it, and reassemble.
Winter Storage:
- Cleaning and Draining: Thoroughly clean and drain the sprayer as much as possible.
- RV Antifreeze: Pour enough pink RV antifreeze (non-toxic and biodegradable) into the tank. Run the pump to circulate the antifreeze through the entire plumbing system, including the bypass and handgun, until pink fluid sprays from the nozzle.
- Storage: Leave any remaining antifreeze in the tank. Store the sprayer in a dry, dark place, ideally indoors, to protect it from freezing temperatures (below 20°F can make tanks brittle) and prolong its life.
- Removing from Storage: Drain the antifreeze, fill the tank with fresh water, and run it through the system. Dispose of antifreeze and flush water properly.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides extensive troubleshooting guides for common issues such as the pump not running, low pressure, pump surges, and blown fuses, with step-by-step checks for wiring, connections, strainers, and pump components. It also advises against using bleach or petroleum products, or leaving spray mixtures in the pump for extended periods, as these can damage the pump valves.
Warranty: The product comes with a limited warranty: one year for the sprayer and two years for the pump for homeowner usage, and 90 days for both sprayer and pump for commercial usage, from the date of purchase with a copy of the receipt.
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