As weeds change and become tougher to control, the chemistry and techniques we use to control these weeds must also change. In doing so, we must also change the way we handle these chemicals to prevent contamination and crop damage. Proper sprayer clean out may not be just a simple, quick rinse with a small amount of water like has been done in the recent past. Some of these new formulas will require, not only a greater amount of water and time, but also a rinsing agent to insure that crop damage and system contamination do not result. This will not be the case with every tank mix but it is becoming obvious that some formulas will require additional steps. Erase Spray System Cleaner is available in 1 quart jugs at any Sloan Implement parts department, part number PM433QT, for $16.71 per quart.
Advantages of the Erase Cleaner
Advanced surfactant system that penetrates and removes dried on residues left behind from incompatible tank mixes
Emulsifier technology designed to solubilize oily residue build-up for easier purging of the system
Stronger alkalinity builders that maximize rinsate solution pH levels to rapidly accelerate the breakdown of vulnerable pesticides
Anti-corrosion inhibitors to protect equipment pumps, seals and plumbing
The Best Practice Spray Tank Clean Out Procedure
1. Empty Sprayer
2. Pre-rinse system (800 gl unit) use 300 gl of clean water. Agitate and recirculate through sparge system and eductor system for 10-15 minutes
Set Controller to manual and use increase/decrease switch to open valve to wide open position.
Turn on tank wash nozzles and eductor wash system
Field apply on labeled crop if possible
3. Refill unit with 300 gallons of clear water and add 2 qts/100 of Erase to tank or through eductor, and recirculate through sparge & eductor system for 20 minutes.
Remove boom end cap, flush booms with half the tank volume.
Reinstall end caps and spray out tank balance.
Remove all strainers, screens, multiple nozzle bodies, diaphragms, spray tips & caps and use soft brush to remove residue. Allow parts to soak in bucket of cleaner solution.
4. Reinstall nozzle bodies, diaphragms, spray tips, caps, screens, and strainers. Repeat steps 3 through 3 b with 200 gallons of cleaner solution.
5. Refill unit with 100 gallons of clean water, recirculate through system for 10 minutes and repeat steps 3a and 3b.
You can view Sloan Implement’s entire inventory of sprayer’s by visiting Sloans.com or clicking here Sloan Used Sprayer Inventory:
Sloan Support is written by the product support team at Sloan Implement, a 19 location John Deere dealer in Illinois and Wisconsin. Learn more at www.sloans.com