Sponge Weed Wiper

Sponge Weed Wiper
Operator’s & Parts Manual
3-1-16 16-001R0
Printed In The USA — Specifications & Design Subject To Change Without Notice!
Warranty Information
A Message To The Owner And Operator
This equipment was carefully designed and manufactured to give you dependable service. To insure efficient operation of
this equipment, please read this operator’s manual carefully. Check each item and acquaint yourself with the adjustments
required to maintain optimum performance and operation. Remember, this equipment’s performance depends on
how you operate and care for it!
At the end of each season, thoroughly clean and inspect your equipment. Preventive maintenance saves time and pays
dividends. Your nearest Wylie Spray Center has original equipment parts which assure proper fit and best performance.
Record your equipment’s model and serial numbers and the date you purchased this equipment in the space below.
Have this information available when you order parts or attachments.
Model Number:
Serial Number:
Date Purchased:
Limited Warranty
This is a limited warranty. It covers products manufactured by WYLIE Mfg. Co. The Warrantor is WYLIE Mfg. Co., 702 E. 40th
St., Lubbock, Texas, 79404, USA. The duration of the warranty for WYLIE manufactured equipment and products (excluding
polyethylene tanks) is for one year from date of delivery to the carrier. The Warrantor warrants to the Buyer that the product(s)
sold hereunder are free from defects to material and workmanship, under normal use and service, in the hands of the original
buyer.
If goods are defective, the defective goods will be replaced with identical goods. If identical goods are not available, the Buyer
may elect to receive a refund of the purchase price for the defective goods, or the Buyer may order similar goods. The damage
for defective goods shall not exceed the purchase price of the defective goods. No allowance shall be made for labor
or expense or repairing goods without prior approval in writing by the Warrantor. The Buyer’s remedy under this warranty
does not include incidental or consequential damages.
For products not manufactured by the Warrantor, the Warrantor warrants these products to the extent of the warranties of their
respective manufactures. There are no warranties which extend beyond this limited warranty, including the implied
warranty of merchantability. Dealers or representatives shall not make any representation in regard to particular goods except
as authorized by the Warrantor through a written warranty accompanying those particular goods.
Disclaimer of Warranty
WYLIE Mfg. Co., and its divisions, “Wylie Spray Centers,” in each location, requires as a condition of sale and coverage by its
LIMITED WARRANTY that all equipment sold by it be used in accordance with the instructions and specifications of the Warrantor.
This requirement is in addition to the LIMITED WARRANTY.
Polyethylene and fiberglass tanks – These tanks are warranted for the storage and transport of water, herbicide solutions
(on farm), liquid fertilizer and liquid feed. Such tanks should not be used for the storage of any bulk herbicide (undiluted). Any
such use will render this warranty void.
In addition, the Warrantor makes no warranty with regard to bulkhead tank fittings used in connection with tanks containing bulk
herbicides and the use of any such fittings sold by the Warrantor or any WYLIE dealer in connection with tanks containing bulk
herbicides is improper.
Chemical Incompatibility – The Warrantor does not make any recommendations or warranties regarding chemical compatibility.
WYLIE shall not be liable for any damages due to chemical incompatibility, and any Buyer or user should rely solely on written
information furnished by the chemical manufacturer regarding chemical compatibility.
No employee of WYLIE Mfg. Co., or its representatives, agents or dealers, is authorized to vary the terms of this limited
warranty.
Owner Registration
Wylie Manufacturing Company
702 E. 40th St.
Lubbock, TX 79404
Ph. 888-788-7753
Sponge Weed Wiper
Date of Purchase
Model Number
Type of Applicator:
Tank Serial Number
Front Mount
Frame Serial Number
Rear Mount
Pump Model
Wylie Invoice Number
Owner’s Name
Address
CityStateZip
Phone
Email
Dealer
Owner’s Signature
Must be returned within 10 days to validate the warranty.
-- Or Register Online -Go to: www.wyliesprayers.com
.
Table of Contents
Table Of Contents
Safety Issues............................................................................................................................................................2 - 3
Safety Decals & Placement........................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Inspection & Setup...................................................................................................................................................6 - 8
Weed Wiper Operation...........................................................................................................................................9 - 12
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Troubleshooting Guidelines......................................................................................................................................... 14
Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................................................................ 15 - 16
Repair Parts.........................................................................................................................................................17 - 24
Sponge Weed Wiper Tank and Boom..............................................................................................18
Front Mount Parallel Linkage Lift Assembly.....................................................................................19
Smucker Sponge Weed Wiper Components....................................................................................20
Sponge Weed Wiper Pump and Plumbing.......................................................................................21
Optional Spot Sprayer Kit.................................................................................................................22
Flojet Quad Pump............................................................................................................................23
TeeJet AA30L-PP Spray Gun...........................................................................................................24
1
Safety Issues
Safety Precautions
Be alert when you see the above symbol in the manual. It warns of a hazard
which might lead to injury. It means: Attention! Become alert! Your safety is
Involved!
Three (3) words (Danger, Warning, and Caution) are associated with this symbol.
DANGER – Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This signal word
is to be limited to the most extreme situations.
WARNING – Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION – Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE – Indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related (e.g., messages relating to property damage).
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - Indicates a type of safety sign where specific safety-related instructions or procedures are described.
Before Use
Do not operate wiper until this manual has been read and understood!
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Thoroughly read and understand all instructions before operating this wiper. If you have questions, please contact Wylie Manufacturing, 702 E. 40th, Lubbock, TX 79404, (888) 788-7753.
You can also contact your nearest Wylie Spray Center.
Place a “Slow Moving Vehicle” emblem on the rear of the unit prior to driving on open roads.
Always wear safety goggles, chemical resistant apron and rubber gloves when handling chemicals.
Read and understand the chemical manufacturer’s safety guidelines on handling, mixing and application.
During Use
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Do not allow anyone to ride on wiper during operation. Falling can cause injury.
Reduce speed when crossing uneven or rough terrain.
Always turn off tractor engine or pump motor before making adjustments or repairs.
After Use
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Inspect wiper for wear or damage.
Ensure that all fasteners and fittings are tight.
Flush tank and pump with fresh water. Dispose of flush water using appropriate means.
Carry out maintenance and/or lubrication procedures as outlined in this manual.
2
Safety Issues
Always
•
•
Keep hands, feet and clothing away from moving parts.
Wear protective clothing and gloves when working with chemicals.
Operator’s Instructions
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Securely fasten seat belt if tractor is equipped with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS).
When possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments and holes.
Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes and on rough, slick or muddy surfaces.
Be aware of where you are going at all times; especially at row ends, roads and around trees.
Do not permit others to ride.
Operate tractor smoothly – no jerky turns, starts and stops.
Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended by the tractor manufacturer.
When tractor is idle, engage brakes and park lock securely.
Be aware of power lines when the boom is folded.
Limit transport speed to 25 mph.
3
Safety Issues
Safety Decals & Placement
Sponge Weed Wiper
Decal #T3
Decal #T2W
4
Decal #V9055
Introduction
Front Mount Sponge Weed Wiper
Rear Mount Sponge Weed Wiper
Introduction
The Wylie Sponge Weed Wiper is designed to kill weeds in a variety of crops by wiping herbicide on the weeds that are
taller than the crop. The Wylie Sponge Weed Wiper combines the Smucker Sponge Wiper system and the Wylie frame
and tank for a complete weed control unit.
This manual explains where and how to make necessary adjustments to your applicator for safe and proper operation.
Thoroughly read and understand the contents of this manual before operating your wiper. If you have questions or do
not understand particular items, contact your nearest Wylie Spray Center or call Wylie Manufacturing at (888) 788-7753.
Please keep this manual handy to answer questions you may have as they arise.
Pay Particular Attention To All Safety Suggestions – Their purpose is to assure safe operation of the wiper and
prevent injury or damage to yourself or the unit.
5
Weed Wiper Insp. & Setup
Sponge Weed Wiper Inspection & Setup
Your Wylie Sponge Weed Wiper was manufactured to
the highest standards of quality. It is necessary though,
to check to make sure that nothing was damaged during
shipping. Check bolts and fasteners for tightness. Check
the pump and plumbing for any signs of damage. Your
Wylie Sponge Weed Wiper was completely assembled
and should not need any additional assembly before use.
Tractor Top Link >
Attaching Rear Mount Sponge Weed Wiper
to Tractor
Lower Hitches >
Do not stand between the wiper and a moving tractor.
Doing so could cause serious injury or death.
Set tractor brake and place in park or shut off
engine before securing hitch pins.
Figure A2
Mounting Weed Wiper to Tractor
Before attaching the Weed Wiper to the tractor, determine
the category of your tractor hitch. The 3 Point Weed Wiper
is equipped with a Cat. Il/lll hitch. The category of the tractor
and applicator hitch must be the same for the applicator
to mount properly.
Lift the Weed Wiper with the 3 Point hitch, then raise the
parking stands and pin them in the operating position.
< Raised Parking Stands >
Cat ll/lll Hitches >
Figure A1
Cat ll/lll Hitches
Figure A3
Raise Parking Stands for Operation
Back the tractor to the wiper. Make sure that other people
are clear of the area.
Pin the lower lift arms of the tractor 3 point hitch to the
lower hitches of the wiper. Pin the top link to the wiper top
hitch. Adjust the top link, if necessary, to level the wiper
when it is in the operating position.
Connecting Pump for Operation
The Weed Wiper boom is charged with a 12 volt pump.
Route the wire from the pump to the tractor. Connect to
a 12 volt source on the tractor. The power cable from the
pump is a dual wire. The red wire is hot (positive), the brown
wire is the ground (negative). The pump pulls 10 amps at
full load. If an auxiliary power plug is used, make sure that
it is rated for at least 10 amps.
6
Weed Wiper Insp. & Setup
The front mount Weed Wiper assembly is equipped with
parking stands and a jack. It is also equipped with frame
hooks and a frame lock.
< Dual Power Cable
< In-Line Fuse
Frame Hooks
< Optional Remote
Switch Control Box
Frame Lock >
< Parking Stand
< Jack
Figure A4
Pump Mounting (with optional remote switch control box)
The pump can be controlled with a toggle switch (not included) or an optional remote switch. If a toggle switch is
used, route the red (positive) wire through the switch and
mount the switch in a convenient location.
Figure A6
Front Mount Frame
Remove the tractor weights from the front weight bracket.
Position the tractor weight bracket beneath the frame
hooks. Adjust the jack to lower the Weed Wiper frame on
to the weight bracket.
If the optional remote switch was purchased, the control
box is already mounted and wired.
Attaching Front Mount Sponge Weed Wiper
to Tractor
< Frame Hook
The front mount Sponge Weed Wiper consists of two sections, i.e. the front mount boom and the rear mount tank.
< Lock Bolt
Frame Lock >
Do not stand between the wiper and a moving tractor.
Doing so could cause serious injury or death.
Set tractor brake and place in park or shut off
engine before securing hitch pins.
< Frame Hook
Weight Bracket >
Attach the rear mount tank to the 3 point hitch as shown in
Figure A2 and A3. Connect the pump as shown in Figure A4.
Figure A6
Front Mount Frame Mounting
Insert the lock bolt through the weight bracket and the frame
lock, then secure with a hex nut.
Route the hydraulic hose from the Weed Wiper to the tractor hydraulic port. Secure the hydraulic hose to the tractor.
Figure A5
Rear Tank Mounting
7
Weed Wiper Insp. & Setup
The front mount Weed Wiper is shipped with a shipping
lock which must be removed before use.
< Dual Power Cable
< In-Line Fuse
ip
g
pin
Sh
ck
Lo
< Optional Remote
Switch Control Box
>
Figure A9
Pump Mounting (with optional remote switch control box)
Figure A7
Remove Shipping Lock Before Use
The pump can be controlled with a toggle switch (not included) or an optional remote switch. If a toggle switch is
used, route the red (positive) wire through the switch and
mount the switch in a convenient location.
Once the shipping lock is removed, raise the boom to relieve pressure from the parking stands. Remove and store
the parking stands and the jack.
If the optional remote switch was purchased, the control
box is already mounted and wired.
Route the fluid hose from the boom to the pump. Secure the
hose to the tractor. Clamp to the discharge port of the pump.
Boom Hose >
Tank Hose >
Figure A8
Pump Plumbing
Figure A10
Front Mount Weed Wiper Ready For Use
Connecting Pump for Operation
The Weed Wiper boom is charged with a 12 volt pump.
Route the wire from the pump to the tractor. Connect to
a 12 volt source on the tractor. The power cable from the
pump is a dual wire. The red wire is hot (positive), the brown
wire is the ground (negative). The pump pulls 10 amps at
full load. If an auxiliary power plug is used, make sure that
it is rated for at least 10 amps.
8
Weed Wiper Operation
Sponge Weed Wiper Operation
Transporting Sponge Weed Wiper
Bo
om
Su
ppo
Be aware of boom clearance below power lines
when transporting the sponge weed wiper. Failure
to do so could result in contact with the power lines
and severe injury or death.
The front mount Sponge Weed Wiper can reach as high
as 15’ when in transport (14’ high for rear mount units),
depending on tractor model and hitch setting. Care must
be taken to make sure that the boom does not come in
contact with power lines when transporting the weed wiper.
rt
>
Lock Pin >
Figure B2
Boom In Transport Position
Secure the boom support to the boom with the lock pin.
< Transport Height
Up To 15’
Boom Support >
Figure B1
Transport Height Can Be As Much As 15’
Lock Pin >
Always wear protective clothing, i.e. apron, face shield,
gloves and respirator, when handling any chemicals.
Failure to do so will risk chemical exposure to your
body resulting in sickness, injury or possibly death.
Figure B3
Boom In Field Position
Add about 10 gallons of water to the spray tank. Do not
add any chemical until the sprayer has been checked for
proper operation.
Preparing Weed Wiper for Operation
Move the tractor to an area with sufficient room to unfold
the boom.
Rotate the boom support up alongside the boom. Remove
the lock pin and rotate the boom and boom support to the
field position.
Line Strainer >
< Main Tank Valve
Figure B4
Pump Plumbing
9
Weed Wiper Operation
Open the main tank valve located under the main tank. (Ball
valves are open when the handle is in line with the hose
attached to the valve.) Check for any leaks from the tank
to the pump. Any fluid leak on the suction side of the pump
will result in an air leak when the pump is started.
Boom Ball Valve >
Activate the pump with either the toggle switch or the optional remote switch.
Figure B7
Open Boom Valve (if equipped with optional hand spray gun)
Water should distribute to all of the sponges. Check for
any leaks. It is possible that during shipping or set-up, a
distribution hose partially or completely separated from the
manifold or the sponge assembly. Reinsert the hose into
the fitting. Push the hose until it seats in the fitting.
Figure B5
Optional Remote Pump Switch
The pump is equipped with a red power light that signals
that the pump is running.
Figure B8
Distribution Hoses
Some distribution hoses are coiled and tied to the
frame because all distribution hoses are the same
length. Do not cut or reduce the hose length. Doing
so could result in uneven distribution of chemical
between the sponge sections.
Pump Power Light >
Figure B6
Red Light Illuminates When Pump Is Running
If it is necessary to remove a distribution line from the
manifold or the sponge line, press the gray ring while pulling on the tubing.
If the pump does not operate and the Weed Wiper is
equipped with the optional hand spray gun, verify that the
boom ball valve is open. The pump has an internal pressure
switch that shuts off the pump at 40 psi.
10
Weed Wiper Operation
Distribution Tubing >
Gray Ring >
Figure B10
Set Boom 2” Above Crop
The front mount parallel linkage cylinder can be equipped
with donut spacers (not included) to set the minimum
boom height.
Figure B9
Removing Tubing From Fitting
< Donut Spacers
Drain the water from the tank by removing the strainer bowl.
Check the strainer screen for any trash or foreign matter.
Clean as needed. Replace the strainer bowl.
Add the herbicide solution to the main tank according to the
chemical label and/or according to crop consultant recommendations. Do not use wettable powders or suspension
chemicals through the Sponge Weed Wiper.
Figure B11
Donut Spacers to Set Minimum Boom Height
Field speed will be determined by the terrain, but field
speeds of 5-7 mph are appropriate in many situations.
Operating the Sponge Weed Wiper
If the sponges are dry and hard, wet the sponges with water,
then squeeze the excess water from the sponges. The
herbicide will uniformly distribute through a damp sponge
much better than a dry sponge.
The pump should NOT be run all the time. Activate the pump
only when the sponges start to run dry. The sponges should
be kept wet, but turn the pump off as soon as there is any
dripping of chemical from the sponges. Usually, the pump
only needs to run for a few seconds to saturate the boom.
With the tractor aligned in the field, activate the pump to
charge the boom with herbicide. The pump is equipped with
a red power light that signals that the pump is running (See
Figure B6). Turn the pump off when herbicide starts to drip
from the sponges. Check to make sure that all sections of
the boom have herbicide dripping.
Optional Remote Pump Switch >
Set the boom so that the sponges are about 2” above the
crop.
On rear mount units, adjust the tractor top link to level the
tank at the operating height.
11
Figure B12
Remote Pump Switch
Weed Wiper Operation
Optional Hand Spray Gun
The Sponge Weed Wiper can be equipped with an optional
hand spray gun to spot spray around posts, gates, well
motors, etc.
Always wear protective clothing, i.e. apron, face shield,
gloves and respirator, when handling any chemicals.
Failure to do so will risk chemical exposure to your
body resulting in sickness, injury or possibly death.
Figure B15
Remote Pump Switch
< Optional Hand Spray Gun
Do not point the spray hand gun toward any
person or body part. The chemical contact or
pressure could cause serious or fatal injuries.
Wear appropriate safety clothing (gloves, apron, face
shield) to protect yourself from chemical exposure.
Figure B13
Optional Hand Spray Gun
Unroll the hand spray gun hose from the hose wrap and
spray weeds as needed. Be aware of wind and wind direction. Do not allow chemical to drift to nearby crop.
Turn the ball valve “off” to prevent chemical flowing to the
boom while spot spraying.
Closed Ball Valve >
Figure B14
Close Ball Valve Before Using Hand Spray Gun
Figure B16
Spot Spraying Weeds
Turn the pump “On” with the remote switch or toggle switch.
The pump will run for a couple of seconds, then shut off
when the system is pressured to about 40 psi. The pump
is equipped with an internal pressure switch which will
activate the pump as needed.
When spot spraying is completed, roll the hose on the
hose wrap, turn the pump “Off” with the remote or toggle
switch, and open the ball valve to allow chemical to again
flow to the boom.
12
Weed Wiper Maintenance
Sponge Weed Wiper Maintenance
Line Strainer Cleaning
Sponge Netting >
Chemically resistant rubber gloves must be worn
when cleaning the line strainer. Failure to do so
could result in chemical exposure
causing serious injury.
From time to time it may be necessary to clean the line
strainer. The line strainer is located in the hose beneath the
spray tank. With the tractor or engine turned off, close the
ball valve beside the strainer. Unscrew the bowl from the
strainer base. Remove and clean the screen. Check for
any damage to the screen that would allow debris to get to
the pump and sponges. Empty and rinse the bowl. Replace
the bowl and screen. Make sure that the gasket/o-ring that
seals the bowl to the base is not lost when cleaning. Open
the ball valve before starting the pump. Many strainers are
equipped with a drain plug that can be removed to drain
the suction lines (with ball valve closed) or the spray tank
(with ball valve open).
Figure C2
Sponge Netting
End of Use Procedure
Properly dispose of any diluted chemical solution
produced from rinsing the sponges.
If the Sponge Weed Wiper will not be used for several days/
weeks, the system should be flushed with clean water and
the sponges should be sprayed with water to rinse all the
chemical from the sponges. Herbicide left in the sponges
for an extended period will cause the sponges to harden
excessively.
End of Season Procedure
At the end of the season, drain and flush the tank, run
water though the pump and distribution lines, and spray
the sponges with water to thoroughly rinse the chemical
from the sponges.
Line Strainer >
Bowl
The sponge assemblies or the complete unit should be
stored during the off-season inside and out of direct sunlight. Year-round sun exposure will deteriorate the sponges
and make replacement necessary.
< Main Tank Valve
Figure C1
Line Strainer
Freeze Protection
The pump and plumbing must be protected from freezing.
After the system has been flushed with clean water, drain
the tank and the pump line by removing the plug on the
bottom of the line strainer.
Sponge Care
The sponges are covered with a protective netting. Monitor
the wear and condition of the netting. Repair or replace
the netting if it is worn or torn to prevent damage to the
sponges.
Pour a few gallons of non-toxic anti-freeze in the main tank.
Turn the pump on and distribute anti-freeze throughout the
system. If the unit is equipped with the optional hand spray
gun, open the gun and allow anti-freeze to flow through
the hose and gun.
13
Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting Guidelines
Problem
Pump Will Not
Operate
Pump will not
move solution
Pump output is
very low; erratic
None or insufficient output
at one sponge
section
Insufficient pressure at optional
hand spray gun
Cause
Solution
(1) 12 volt pump not connected to electricity
(2) In-line fuse blown
(3) Pressure switch deactivated pump
(1) Connect red wire to positive (+), brown wire to
negative (-)
(2) Replace fuse
(3) Open ball valve (on units with optional handgun)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Spray tank empty
Tank ball valve closed
Plugged strainer
Malfunctioning pump
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Spray tank low; air getting in pump
Tank ball valve partially closed
Plugged strainer
Collapsed suction hose
Air leak in suction system
Malfunctioning pump
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Fill tank
Open ball valve
Clean strainer screen
See pump owners manual or contact Wylie
Spray Center
Fill tank
Open ball valve
Clean strainer screen
Replace suction hose
Tighten fittings; Check for cracked or cut components; Apply thread sealant to pipe threads.
(6) See pump owners manual or contact Wylie
Spray Center
(1) Distribution hose partially or completely
disconnected
(2) Orifice holes plugged in sponge feed
tubes
(1) Insert and seat hose into manifold and/or sponge
fitting
(2) Flush and clean sponge feed tube
(1) Boom ball valve open
(2) Spray nozzle blocked
(1) Close boom ball valve
(2) Flush and clean hand spray gun nozzle
14
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (content from Smucker Mfg.)
Weed Wiper FAQ’s
What should I use in my sponge weed wiper?
It is always best to follow the label for wiping applications. Most chemicals can be applied in our sponge wipers. Give
us a call to ask about what mix rates have worked well for other growers. If you are using Round-up (Glyphosate)...
we highly recommend you do not use any stronger rate than 33%. In most cases 20% works well when used with a
good surfactant. You can also add a non-staining blue dye to help you see what weeds have been wiped.
What about Round-up Resistant weeds?
There are now over 20 varieties of Round-up Resistant Weeds worldwide...so if you have resistant weeds like
Marestail and Pigweed...using other chemicals like Gramoxone and 2-4-D through our sponges may be necessary.
Gramoxone by Syngenta is labeled for use in cotton, beans and peanuts in most states at a 50% rate.
For more data and videos on this topic please visit www.smucker.net
How do I control flow of chemical to the sponges on a pump fed unit?
Our “Top Crop” pump fed kits use the pump from your sprayer to start and stop flow to the sponges from a holding
tank (typically not more than 25 gallons). Wipers use far less chemical than sprayers so a larger tank is not required. To understand the concept of weed wiping it is important to know that weed wiping is an art not a science. What we
mean by this is...every situation will have a different weed infestation level. Some fields may only have patches of
weeds and some fields may have more weeds than crops. So there is not a “gallons per acre” recommendation or
speed or PSI to run the pump at. Bottom line...you need to get the maximum amount of product on the weeds without dripping on the crop/grass below. The sponge holds far more product than a rope, canvas, or carpet. But the applicator must watch the sponge
when the pump is on to determine when it is full. Then, simply turn the pump off until you determine that the sponges
are not getting enough chemical on the weeds.
How fast should I drive? It is important to drive around 5 miles per hour and lower the boom to gain maximum coverage without wiping the crop
or grass below.
15
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (content from Smucker Mfg.) cont’d.
Should I wipe on the front or back of the vehicle?
We have models for both options. The benefits of wiping in front would be that all the weeds will make contact with the
sponge and you can easily see how much material is in the sponge. If you have the wiper in the back, the weeds that
your tires run over will not be killed. Many people may ask if the chemical can go from the weeds to the tires and then
to the plants below…but historically we haven’t seen this happen.
Can I attach the sponge to my current sprayer?
Yes. The sponges can easily attach to any existing sprayer boom and even tie into the nozzle bodies. Each 30”
sponge section has a ¼” push-to-connect fitting to feed chemical into the sponge section. Simply find the closest
nozzle body and use TeeJet part # QJ98588-1/4 and then attach a ¼” poly hose between the nozzle body and the
sponge. The sponges are designed to feed evenly when using adequate pressure.
What size pump will I need?
If the model you order doesn’t have a pump included please refer to the following chart
Total Sponge length kits
Minimum GPM pump required
5 ft.
1 GPM
10 ft.
1.8 GPM
15 to 30 ft
3 GPM
40 ft
5 GPM
60 ft and longer
two 3 GPM (one for each side of a 60 ft model)
or a roller pump or cent./diaphram pump 10 GPM +
Is there any benefit for wiping in two directions?
This is typically not necessary when wiping out grasses but when wiping a broadleaf that has heavy patches…wiping
the opposite direction will increase your kill on plant that got “shadowed” on the first pass
What is the benefit of Sponge over Rope, Canvas, and Carpet applicators?
The simple answer is that sponges apply more product directly to the weeds and retain more material that all the other
methods of weed wiping. Please don’t just take our word for it. Many third party evaluators and universities have
done studies that show this. You can also control/keep the applicator from dripping easier with a sponge wiper.
Although a sponge system may be slightly higher than a rope or canvas, it is significantly less expensive than a carpet
roller.
How do I get the most life out of the sponges?
We have been making weed wipers for over 30 years. We encourage you to wash them out well after using them and
then store them out of the direct sunlight. You can wipe many acres and get many years of life out of the sponges if
they are properly maintained.
16