Power Sprayer Maintenance - Ignore at Your Peril

Power Spray Rig Maintenance

This is a quick start guide to pest control power spray rig and landscape/weed spray rig maintenance.  For best results read the owner’s manual for each component on your sprayer.  If there is any conflict between the manufacturer’s owner’s manual and the information below, defer to the manufacturer’s information.

 

1. regularly clean out tank.  Do not let chemical or other debris accumulate on tank bottom.

 

2. Regularly check and clean filter.  When the filter screen becomes clogged and can no longer be cleaned, replace it.   Eventually the rubber gasket will swell or otherwise become damaged and should be replaced. 

 

3. Hose reel. When the swivel starts to leak, rebuild or replace the swivel.  For electric reels, solenoid and/or circuit breaker will eventually need to be replaced.

 

4. Occasionally unwind all hose from reel.  Run the hose through a clean rag and roll it back on the reel neatly.  Do not wrap the hose too tightly as this could affect flow.  If any portion of the hose is damaged, cut it out before it leaks and creates a chemical spill.

 

5. Spray Gun. When gun starts to drip or leak, take the gun apart, dispose of rubber parts, clean remaining parts and install new gun repair kit.

 

6. Honda Engine. Follow manufacturer recommended maintenance guidelines.  Honda recommends the oil be changed after the first month or 20 hours. After that every 6 months or 100 hours. We recommend at least semi-annually replace spark plug,  air filter and oil change.

 

7. Pump maintenance varies by pump type and manufacturer. Here are some tips for the most popular pumps.

 

12-Volt Pumps:

 

Shurflo.   The pump is repaired with a number of kits.  The pressure switch is the first part to go.  We recommend keeping a spare pressure switch and check valve kit behind the switch on hand.  Replace other kits as needed.

 

Pumptec.  The pump is serviced with 3 kits:  valves, plunger/seals and cam.  Replace as needed.

 

 

Gas-Powered Pumps:

 

AR Diaphragm Pumps.  With heavy use we recommend replacing the diaphragms annually.  Full maintenance involves tearing the pump down, cleaning all parts and replacing valves and diaphragms.  Tear down and rebuild pressure relief assembly as required.

 

Roller Pumps.   When liquid starts dripping from weap holes, tear down pump.  Clean all parts, replace seals and bearings.

 

Maruyama Piston Pumps.   These pumps seem to run a long time before needing service.  We carry 4 kits for the MSD41 pump: Rod/Seal Kit A, Valve Kit B, O-ring Kit C and Regulator Repair Kit.