Prevent down time on the Enviromist
I occasionally hear of problems with the Enviromist. I checked with our dealer and learned that most owner?s have finally learned how to take care of their Enviromist, after a few trips in. It takes longer when the owner?s manual is never read.
I met an owner last week that admitted to not rinsing the system out at the end of each day because they are always in a hurry. But they may have to find the time later to send a driver and truck into town twice when they are in a hurry. Pay me now or pay me later fits.
I know all Enviromist rigs will benefit from having a bottle of liquid dishwashing detergent added to a full tank of clean water and allowed to sit and spray, cleaning all the tubes. Even if you may use it yet. This is recommended prior to winter storage. I?m not sure when that will occur because of ryegrass and thistles.
They mentioned the importance of a good bath under the hood, of the bristles, etc. You may have to refer to the book or ask your dealer about preventing moisture from getting in the motor over the winter by putting a few drops of WD-40 into a white tube. Storing the unit off the ground makes sense too. Don?t let rats chew the cover or tubes, etc.
The think the Enviromist is a great tool, but it requires and deserves a certain amount of maintenance.
I am impressed with how much equipment I see stored on pallets and even on heavy duty shelving. We didn?t have the loaders and forks to do this with 20 years ago. Implements to dig and lift rootballs provided this.
Other spray tanks and pto pumps should be thoroughly cleaned before winter storage. Remove all strainer screens and nozzles and wash them in kerosene with a soft, appropriately-sized brush. Flush with 1 to 2 full tanks of clean water. Flush with the nozzles removed. Store in a dry place out of the weather. After the pump and nozzles have been cleaned, store them in light motor oil or antifreeze solution.
Another authority suggests that pumps with internal rubber parts can be protected by putting a tablespoon of radiator rust inhibitor in each port before storage. Rotate a few turns by hand to coat interior surfaces. Pumps with no internal rubber parts can be protected as above by using motor oil. Preparing sprayers properly for storage at the end of the spraying season will be worthwhile when next season begins with no surprises.