Spray Equipment Blog

Pest Control Sprayer - A Total Loss

2009-11-03T21:02:39-08:00

A technician brought in a B&G Pest Control Hand Sprayer and asked us to repair it. He said it wouldn't spray. A quick look revealed the sprayer had never been properly cleaned. The filter screen was completely clogged. Here is a photo the screen along with what a new one should look like.

As you have read in this blog, it is critical that you check and clean the filter of your Pest Control Sprayers, whether power or manual.

In this case, the sprayer was a total loss. The cost to clean and repair the B&G Sprayer was too high to justify the repair. The client could have avoided this expense by ensuring his pest control technicians were cleaning and servicing their sprayers.

For more examples of spray equipment problems, visit our pest control equipment problem page.

The Verminator

2009-11-01T15:49:00-08:00

While at NPMA Pest World in Las Vegas, Mike Masterson, host of the Discovery Channel show the Verminators stopped by to say hello. Mike is one of the best pest control operators in the business, as well as being an inventor and a heck of a nice guy.

He liked our new B and G sprayer security rack, which is designed to protect this valuable piece of pest control equipment.

Please check out The Verminators on the Discovery Channel.

NPMA Pest World - Las Vegas

2009-11-01T15:29:58-08:00

Returned from a week in Las Vegas at the National Pest Management Association Pest World trade show. We had a successful show and were able to introduce our pest control sprayers to hundreds of pest control operators who weren't familiar with us.

We were effective by showing attendees how our spray rigs were constructed then asking them to go look at the other companies' equipment. Just a few things we pointed out about our sprayers:

- heavier duty steel, double-welded on both sides

- raised skid design to allow easy truck clean out

- all metal fittings (vs. plastic on competitors)

- easy access to all components for service

- easy access to filter for easy cleanout

- additional safety features such as shut offs on hose end and tank fill.

Once these pest control professionals knew what to look for, the quality built in to our sprayers was obvious to them.

Here is a photo of our booth.

Power Spray Equipment & Your Truck

2009-10-21T11:35:00-07:00

Pest Control Magazine

Annual Truck Issue

Choosing the wrong truck for your power spray equipment can impact profitability and productivity. Be sure to consider some of the following factors when buying a truck to install your power spray equipment.

Many new trucks have features that can impact installation and use of power spray equipment.

Payload Capacity – The truck must be able to safely haul your equipment. The heaviest component is usually your full chemical tank. Water weighs approximately 8.4 pounds per gallon. Too big a truck means higher purchase price, insurance and gas expense. Too small a truck can mean increased expenses for tires, brakes and transmission repairs.

New Versus Existing Power Spray Equipment

Truck Bed Size – Obviously the bed must be large enough to hold your equipment in the configuration you want. It is not a good idea to assume that equipment that fit exactly the same way in a given truck make and model will fit in the current year truck of the same make and model.

There are fewer issues with the installation of new equipment since there is more flexibility than with installing existing equipment.

Truck Bed Depth – The depth on the new Ford F-150 is greater than on prior year trucks. This can impact access to engine pull starts, hose reel and electric switches for pumps, reels, etc.

Bed Material – Some smaller trucks now have beds made entirely of plastic. Bed strength is provided by plastic ribs molded in the underside of the bed. More care is required when fastening equipment to these beds in order ensure stability and strength. Piercing a support rib might impacdt bed strength.

Gas Tank – The size, location and position of some gas tanks has changed. For some smaller trucks, it is not possible to access the bed above the tank. This can impact installation.

Clearance – Ground clearance on some smaller trucks has been reduced. Getting under the truck to bolt equipment or wire electrical components is a little more challenging. These trucks must be put on a lift or jack to gain access.

Electrical System – The electrical system of many vehicles is becoming more complex. Many vehicles have computer controlled electrical systems making wiring electrical components more complex and time consuming.

None of these issues is a show stopper. They are factors for you or your equipment provider to consider in selecting, laying out, installing and budgeting for equipment installation.

Andrew Greess is President, Quality Equipment & Spray, a leading manufacturer of high-quality pest control spray equipment. You can reach Greess at Andrew@qspray.com or follow him at www.SprayEquipmentBlog.com or on Twitter.

5 Easy Tips to Boost Productivity & Reduce Downtime in Pest Control Spray Equipment

2009-10-15T14:20:06-07:00

A significant number of pest control spray equipment breakdowns are completely avoidable. Do you want to reduce equipment repair expenses, downtime and missed appointments? A few simple concepts can do wonders for your pest control technician productivity.

1. Under Pressure. Pressure is good. Without it, most power and manual pest control sprayers won't work. The problem is too much pressure, which decreases sprayer life.

Here is an interesting observation. When we build a new gas-powered pest spray rig, we install it, test it and send it out at 75-100 PSI. When spray rigs come into our shop for service, they are often set at 150 PSI or higher.

The pressure isn't magically increased by a pressure fairy. Pest control technicians turn up the pressure to finish their jobs faster. Higher pressure shortens the life of pump, hoses, fittings, guns, etc. Chemical spills will be more serious if a component bursts at a higher rather than lower pressure. High pressure can also affect spray droplet size and cause unintended consequences such as spray drift.

Make sure techs are operating pest control power sprayers at recommended pressure. Train technicians to release pressure of all power and manual compressed air sprayers at the end of each stop to extend the life of your equipment and reduce breakdowns and downtime.

2. Filter Your Results. The most common cause of avoidable pest control spray equipment repairs is clogged filters. The most commonly ignored advice to Pest Management Professionals is to clean your filter.

When pest control spray technicians come to our repair facility, it almost doesn't matter what they tell us their equipment problem is. The first thing our mechanics do is to check the filter. A dirty filter causes so many downstream problems it is not feasible to list them all here. Be sure technicians are cleaning filters. Be sure supervisors are spot checking to make sure it is being done.

3. Clean it Out. Debris in tanks of pest control power sprayer or compressed air sprayers wreaks havoc on effective pest control operations. Rinse your system with clean water periodically to remove old chemical buildup, debris, etc. Chemical buildup & debris can clog your filter, starve your pump, damage spray tips, and clog other components as well. When in doubt, rinse it out. Be sure to follow all labels and laws when cleaning out spray tanks.

4. Don't Ignore Problems. Here are a couple of indisputable smart systems truths. Small pest sprayer problems will become big problems. Small problems are fixed quickly and cheaply. Big problems are expensive productivity killers. Water anywhere it is not supposed to be is a problem.

We are constantly amazed by the number of major repairs that could have been quickly, easily and inexpensively resolved had the equipment been brought in sooner. Train your technicians to let you know when they find equipment issues. It will save you lots of time and money.

5. Preventative Maintenance. Pest control spray equipment requires service. Harsh chemicals, long operating hours, temperature extremes, rough treatment all take their toll. Don't wait for your equipment to fail. It will cost more and take longer to fix.

Many breakdowns occur during your busy season when equipment is being used hard. This is also your equipment repair shop's busy season, so repairs could take longer. Schedule preventative maintenance during slow periods to reduce the impact on your schedule.

Spray equipment breakdowns can wreak havoc on your schedule, impact your customers and hurt company profitability. In a challenging economy, these are problems you do not need. With a little extra training and planning much downtime and repair expenses can be avoided.

Spray Equipment - Take Care of Your Backpack

2009-10-02T18:11:54-07:00

Just updated our pest control spray equipment problems page.

A customer brought in a Birchmeier Backpack for service. These units are the best in the business. Unfortunately, this unit was so choked with debris, and so abused that it was not worth repairing. We have photos to show you some of the issues. Click here.

If the Client had instructed his pest control technician to periodically clean out the backpack, the unit could have been serviceed at modest cost. This is true for most pest control equipment.

Are You In the Market for New Pest Management Equipment?

2009-09-23T14:57:41-07:00

The array of new Pest Management Equipment is almost overwhelming. Technology is advancing so quickly that products that were unimaginable a year ago are now not only available, but affordable. Below we share some tips to consider in evaluating new PMP smart systems.

Now, here are some ideas to consider when evaluating new PMP equipment.

1. Can the benefits of the new equipment be financially quantified?

- Will sales increase from:

o Add on sales to existing customers

o Acquisition of new customers

o Ability to raise prices

- Will expenses by reduced by:

o Decrease in product or product delivery cost

o Decrease in service time

o Increase in technician productivity

2. Be sure to consider all implementation costs and issues. Some of these items are obvious; so not so obvious.

- Equipment Related Questions

o What is the warranty and what does it cover?

o Are replacement and repair parts readily available and what is the cost?

o How long will it take to receive repair parts (i.e., how long will the equipment be down?)

o Can service be performed in house or must the unit be serviced by others?

o What is expected reliability given normal operating conditions of temperature extremes, hard use, bouncing vehicle, etc.

o Will there be installation costs?

o Are there any on-going vendor support, subscription or maintenance fees?

o What is the expected life of the equipment?

- People Related Questions

o Will one tech be trained or all technicians be trained?

o How much training is required?

o Who will provide the training and where will it be conducted?

o Can technicians troubleshoot problems with the equipment?

- Vehicle Related Questions

o Is there enough space on the vehicle to store/install the equipment?

o How will the equipment be packed and secured to prevent damage and theft?

o Will additional documentation be required on the truck (e.g., MSDS/Label, OSHA, etc.)?

If the costs involved in the product are significant, consider asking the vendor for names of other PMPs using the equipment. Obviously, you will only get the names of satisfied customers, but you might still gain some good insight on the product.

Considering these questions in advance of the purchase will assist you in calculating total ownership costs. You will be able to make a more informed decision. See our article Spray Equipment Cost: Purchase Price is Tip of Iceberg for more information. Please email me with your evaluations of new products.

Andrew Greess is the President of Quality Equipment & Spray, which designs and builds custom spray equipment solutions. Andrew can be reached at andrew@qspray.com or visit www.qspray.com.

How Cool is That? Ford Transit for Pest Control.

2009-09-18T06:01:49-07:00

DEARBORN, Mich - Ford has introduced the new Transit Connect, developed for small business owners such as pest control operators.

“Transit Connect was developed to bring small-business owners a new vehicle choice, offering significantly improved fuel economy, generous and accessible cargo space with the agility and maneuverability to deliver the goods in tight quarters,” said Rob Stevens, chief nameplate engineer.

Some of this vehicle's features include: Low operating and ownership costs; a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine; 135.3 cubic feet of cargo space; a payload capacity up to 1,600 pounds; available Ford Work Solutions technologies; and various cargo management systems. Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial vehicle platform.

The vehicle seems to be specially made for pest control with lots of space for signage and great access. Quality Equipment & Spray just put the first pest control spray rig in a Ford Connect this week. Check out our website for photos of this new vehicle and its pest control sprayer.

Get Maximum Results While Protecting your Investment with Hand Sprayers

2009-09-17T18:03:45-07:00

Many Parks & Recreation Departments use some type of manual hand sprayers for weed control, pest control, degreasing, or other maintenance activities. Are you doing everything possible to ensure you and your employees are getting maximum results and value from your Department’s hand sprayer investment? Here are some suggestions.

Start with the right equipment.

Select a quality product that can stand up to long hours, harsh chemicals and rough treatment. Pay particular attention to the pump mechanism and the spray wand, which are the critical components. Make sure that device is rebuildable and that replacement parts are available. Many home store backpacks do not meet these criteria.

Train your technicians in correct operating procedures.

Check It Out – Have your technicians do a quick check of their equipment before leaving their starting point (shop, office, maintenance facility, etc.). This can be as simple as a quick visual inspection then pressurizing the unit and a quick spray to ensure proper operation. If you don’t want to discharge the product, have your techs team up and spray into each other’s sprayer. My philosophy is if you are going to have a problem, have it somewhere you can do something about it, rather than out in the field.

Take it Easy – Make sure technicians are not over-pressurizing sprayers. Over-pressurizing will cause parts to fail, lead to non-productive downtime, and increased repair expenses. If your backpack isn't spraying, don't pump it up more. You will break it. It is easy to turn a $3.00 o-ring replacement into a $50 repair. I like the following analogy for this situation. While in France, I went to a nice restaurant. The waiter didn't understand English, so I yelled louder. Don't overpressure sprayers!

Take the Pressure Off – You will get longer life and fewer problems from your manual spray equipment if your technicians relieve the pressure in their unit. Certainly the pressure should be released at the end of the day, and optimally at the end of each stop. Leaving your sprayer under pressure for extended periods will reduce the life of components such as hoses, gaskets, o-rings, etc. We find that backpack sprayers in particular can achieve must longer life by practicing this simple action. Just like your body, which needs recreation or relaxation to relieve the stress of the workday, your sprayer needs relief or something will blow. Relieving pressure will also reduce the risk of wands bursting in freezing temperatures.

It’s a Spray Wand not a Crowbar – Our repair shop sees many spray wands and tips that are damaged from opening gates, being dragged on the ground and other inappropriate uses.

Tip Cleaning – Follow manufacturer directions for cleaning tips. This usually includes using a soft bristle brush and mild cleaner. Wire brushes, pins, pocketknives, etc. will destroy tips.

Freezing – From our Department of the Totally Obvious, do not expose your sprayer to freezing temperatures. It will cost you time and money. Users in moderate climates, where freezing is not a regular occurrence, need to be particularly sensitive to this issue.

Check that Filter – Make sure technicians are checking and cleaning filters to prevent clogged tips, and debris that can damage sprayers. You will probably need to show them where the filter is located.

Keep It Clean – Chemical and debris build up in sprayers. Eventually this debris will cause problems. Rinse sprayers out with clean water. Run clean water through hoses, wands and tips.

You may be surprised at what you find in the unit. Aside from chemical buildup, our repair techs most commonly find labels and caps from herbicide and pesticide bottles in our customers’ sprayers.

Report It - Make sure technicians are comfortable reporting problems. Too many times we see techs working with equipment that needs service. Instead of asking for help, they push the equipment past the breaking point, turning a small repair into a major rebuild.

Be Prepared – Don’t Wait for Problems

Preventative Maintenance = Money in the Bank. Don’t wait for your sprayer to fail and cause you to lose productive time. Perform the required preventative maintenance (PM). Keep moving parts properly lubricated. The main challenge to good PM is that it requires possessing, finding and reading the owner’s manual.

Emergency Repair Kit – Some parts, such as o-rings, check valves and gaskets can be easily replaced in the field. Prepare a small emergency repair kit for each technician so that they can perform a simple repair and continue their route.

Eyes Open – Despite the best training, technicians don’t always follow Department procedures. Conduct ride-alongs to observe employees equipment use in the field. Conduct truck inspections to ensure equipment is properly maintained.

Proper storage – Make sure trucks are set up to provide a secure place for your sprayer. We often see damage caused by sprayers bouncing around, or being placed where they are stepped on or damaged by other loose equipment.

Tracking – Track equipment failures to see which parts are failing, which replacement parts need to be stocked or which equipment is not appropriate for your service program. Track failures by technician to identify training opportunities.

Summary

Hand sprayers and backpacks are critical to your Department’s success. Invest the time to train employees and properly maintain your equipment. Follow up to ensure it gets done. This will keep employees productive and on schedule, your parks looking great, and repair expenses to a minimum. Please share your equipment knowledge and horror stories at www.sprayequipmentblog.com.

Andrew Greess is the President of Quality Equipment & Spray, which designs and builds custom spray equipment solutions. Andrew can be reached at andrew@qspray.com or visit www.qspray.com.

Website Upgrades

2009-08-28T21:22:44-07:00

Great news! Completed some great new upgrades to our webiste, Qspray.com.

You can now search all our spray equipment by a variety of search methods.

Search spray equipment by application (e.g., pest, weed, termite control).

Search spray equipment by vehicle (skid, truck, trailer mount sprayers).

Search spray equipment by power source (gas, electric, hand powered sprayers).