Emergency Repair Kits Part #2
Posted by Andrew Greess on Oct 30, 2014
Here are some ideas for your pest control power sprayer to help reduce expensive downtime:
Line Strainer/Filter: Your filter is the source of quite a bit of trouble, so this is probably the most important part of your emergency repair kit. Be sure to include the filter o-ring as well as the steel screen.
Spray Guns: Some commonly used pest control spray guns (e.g, Green Garde, Spraying Systems) will leak when o-rings swell. Many of these o-rings are easy to change out in the field. Eventually spray tips become clogged or wear out. Keep a replacement in your kit. Some guns are connected to spray hoses with garden hose fittings. These fittings use garden hose washers which are easily replaced.
Pumps: Some spray pumps use parts that can be easily replaced in the field. Dampner diaphragms are a common source of trouble on diaphragm pumps. A wrench can be used to gently tighten a leaking gear pump. An extra fuse can get a 12 volt pump or electric hose reel back in service in minutes.
Engine: Your gas engine uses a belt to drive the pump. Changing a bad belt is one of the easiest repairs you can make on your power spray rig.
Spray Hose: Your spray hose is dragged across rocks, building corners, trees, etc. This wear can cause downtime and spills that need to be cleaned up. You can create a temporary hose repair kit with a knife, screwdriver, 2 clamps and hose mender. These parts are available from your spray equipment provider. The repair will enable the technician to finish the day's route and get back to the repair location where a more permanent repair can be effected.
A couple of caveats when creating your emergency repair kit:/p>
Customize the emergency repair kit based on your equipment, technicians, experience, etc.
- Focus on minor, easy to accomplish repairs that don't require expensive tools
- Customize the emergency repair kit based on your equipment, technicians, experience, etc.
- Consider technician skill when deciding what types of repairs he or can perform (note: this falls under the rule, don't send your ducks to eagle school). Be sure to train technicians when providing them with repair kits.
- Make sure technicians report what repairs they have made. When conducting truck inspections, check repair kits to see what parts are used. Track repairs to find problem areas. Modify repair kits based upon what you find.
A few dollars expended and a few moments spent training technicians to make field repairs will pay dividends well in excess of your cost. Your customers will benefit as will your bottom line.