Farmers Friend Pyroweeder User guide

   
↑ Pictured: Pyroweeder 30 with optional Flame Blade
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Pyroweeder 30
Tank-mounted Valve
Pyroweeder 30
Handle-mounted Valve
Pyroweeder 48
Tank-mounted Valve
Pyroweeder 48
Handle-mounted Valve
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FOR YOUR SAFETY
1. Protect your feet—always wear shoes when
operating the Pyroweeder.
2. Take safety precautions around children, pets,
and small animals.
3. Keep hands and feet away from burners while
the machine is operating. Flame may not be
visible in bright sunlight. The burner flames are
most visible when the Pyroweeder is operated
during lower light conditions, such as at dawn or
dusk.
4. Close the propane-tank valve when not in use.
5. Be prepared to promptly ignite the propane
upon opening the control valve for use. Do not
allow prolonged propane flow to un-ignited
burners. If excessive unburned propane flow
occurs, close the control valve and wait for
the propane to dissipate before attempting to
ignite the burners.
6. Keep the propane tank upright while operating
the Pyroweeder. It is recommended that you
use at least two bungee cords to secure the
tank against the tank brace.
Safety
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
1. Read all safety instructions before first use.
2. The Pyroweeder is intended for agricultural
weed management only.
3. Propane is extremely flammable. Before each
use, inspect hoses, valves, and connections for
damage or leaks.
4. Carbon monoxide gas is a poison—it can kill.
Since it is colorless and odorless, it is especially
dangerous. Incomplete propane combustion will
produce carbon monoxide; you can recognize
incomplete combustion by a yellow flame. On
the other hand, complete combustion produces
a blue flame. To operate the Pyroweeder safely,
adjust the pressure and control valve to avoid
a yellow flame—make it blue. Symptoms of
carbon monoxide poisoning include headache,
weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion, and fatigue. If you have reason to
believe that you or anyone else has carbon
monoxide poisoning, move to fresh air and seek
immediate emergency medical care.
5. Prevent wildfires by complying with local
burn bans.
6. Practice fire safety—do not use on dry
grass, leaves, or brush, or during high fire-risk
conditions.
7. Do not operate in high-wind conditions.
8. Do not operate indoors or in an enclosed space.
9. Do not allow a child to operate the Pyroweeder.
10. Do not operate the Pyroweeder if your
coordination, balance, or judgment are impaired
by any medication, alcohol, or drug.
11. Do not store propane tanks indoors. Store
propane in a cool, well-ventilated outdoor
location.
12. Do not allow the Pyroweeder to tilt back onto
its handle while it is operating.
Rev. 20191205
The Flame Weeder, Refined

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D
 
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Tools and
Parts Needed
A -lb propane tank
Optional*
B ⁄" wrench or socket or adjustable wrench
C ⁄" wrench or socket
D ⁄" wrench or socket
*The included Pyroweeder Wrench can be used to assemble the Pyroweeder.
Thread Galling
Stainless-steel nuts and bolts are especially prone to a frustrating problem—thread
galling. As the nut is tightened on the bolt, friction between the contacting surfaces
may cause portions of the threads to break down and “cold weld” together. In the
most severe cases of thread galling, the nut and bolt will be completely jammed and
can only be separated by breaking the bolt or cutting the nut.
Thread galling can be minimized by using a thread lubricant when tightening thread-
ed stainless-steel fasteners. Don't force a nut that resists tightening before it is under
tension; loosen and try lubricating the threads again before proceeding.
Thread galling is not caused by defective parts. Thread galling on stainless steel fas-
teners can be minimized, but it cannot be completely prevented.
We have included a small pouch of thread lubricant; we encourage you to use thread
lubricant on all threads as you assemble your Pyroweeder.
I just want to say a personal “Thank You” for purchasing our
Pyroweeder. Our team has worked hard to develop a better
flame weeder on the market, and I’m excited to share it with
you!
I grew up on a small farm so I know firsthand how hard each
of you works at what you do; market gardening is not for
the faint of heart! I also know how important it is to have the
right tools for the job. Our goal at Farmers Friend is to make
well-designed, high-quality tools to improve your eciency,
profitability, and quality of life.
I see us all on the same team. You are growing the food and
flowers to make our world a healthier, happier place to live,
and we are developing the tools to make your work more
productive and enjoyable. Your success is our success! Keep
up the good work you are doing and we will remain focused
on supporting you with quality tools.
From the whole team here at Farmers Friend, I want to wish
you happy and safe flame weeding. May your days be filled
with more veggies and flowers and less weeds! Thank you
again for your trust in us.
Jonathan Dysinger
Owner & Chief Innovator
PS Don’t hesitate to contact us with ideas on how we can
make your work more enjoyable.

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OP
AA AB
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 
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This kit includes:
A  ×Bungee Cords
B  ×Handle
C  ×Tank Brace
D  ×Long Bar
E  ×Short Bar
F  ×Tool Bar (pre-assembled)
G  ×Angled Lower Handle Tie
H  ×Straight Lower Handle Tie
I  ×Striker
J  ×Wheels
K  ×Burner Ties
L  ×Hook-and-Loop Strap
M  ×Burner Assembly (handle-mounted valve pictured)
N  ×Pyroweeder Wrench
O  ×⁄"- Nuts
P  ×⁄"- Wing Nuts
Q  ×Thread Lubricant
R  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
S  ×⁄"-, 3/4" Carriage Bolts
T  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolts
U  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
V  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Hex Bolt
W  ×⁄" Lock Washers
X  ×⁄" Washers
Y  ×⁄" Washers
Z  ×⁄" Oversize Washers
AA  ×⁄"- Locknuts
AB  ×⁄"- Nuts

 
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STEP 1
Upper Handle Assembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Handle
•  ×Short Bar
•  ×Long Bar
•  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Oversize Washers
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
. Attach the concave ends of the rectangu-
lar bars to the handle as shown. (Attach
the longer bar to the angled handle tie.)
. Tighten the bolts just enough so that the
bars are firmly attached. Do not over
tighten.
STEP 2
Handle Assembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Upper Handle Assembly
(from Step )
•  ×Straight Lower Handle Tie
•  ×Angled Lower Handle Tie
•  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Oversize Washers
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
. Attach the Straight Lower Handle Tie
and the Angled Lower Handle Tie to the
square ends of the rectangular bars as
shown. (Attach the straight handle tie to
the short bar and the angled handle tie to
the long bar.)
. Tighten the bolts just enough so that the
bars are firmly attached. Do not over
tighten.
Handle
1⁄4"- Nut
1⁄4" Oversize Washer
Short Bar
1⁄4"-, 1⁄2" Carriage Bolt
Long Bar
Angled Lower Handle Tie
1⁄4"-, 1⁄2" Carriage Bolt
Long Bar
Short Bar
Straight Lower Handle Tie
1⁄4" Oversize Washer
1⁄4"- Nut

 
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STEP 3
Tool Bar and Handle Assembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Handle Assembly (from Step )
•  ×Tool Bar
•  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Washers
•  ×⁄"- Locknuts
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
. Attach the Tool Bar and Handle Assembly
as shown below.
. Tighten the locknut far enough so that the
handle tie is lightly pressing against the
End Plate of the Tool Bar, but not so tight
that the handle can not swivel.
. Repeat this step on the opposite side of
the Tool Bar.
STEP 4
Tool Cart
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tool Bar and Handle Assembly
(from Step )
•  ×Wheels
. Remove the ⁄" locknut and one washer
from the axle bolt.
. Mount the wheel onto the axle bolt and
replace the washer and locknut as shown.
. Tighten the locknut just enough so that
the washers are lightly pressed against
the wheel. Do not over tighten.
. Repeat this step on the opposite side of
the Tool Bar.
Handle Assembly
Tool Bar and Handle Assembly
Wheel
5⁄8" Washer
5⁄8" Locknut
1⁄4" Washer
1⁄4"- Nut
End Plate
1⁄4"- Locknut
1⁄4"-, " Carriage Bolt
Angled Handle Tie
Tool Bar

↑ Pictured: Five-burner, Pyroweeder 30 model
 
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STEP 5
Tank Brace Assembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tank Brace
•  ×Burner Ties
•  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Washers
•  ×⁄"- Locknuts
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
. Attach the Burner Ties to the Tank Brace
as shown.
. Tighten the locknuts just enough so
that the Burner Ties are lightly pressing
against the Tank Brace and can still
swivel.
STEP 6
Flame Weeder Implement
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tank Brace Assembly (from Step )
•  ×Burner Assembly (Regulator and
Control Valve not shown)
•  ×⁄" Lock Washers
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
•  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
. Attach the Burner Assembly to the
Burner Ties as shown.
. Adjust the angle so that the burners point
forward and downward at about a 45º
angle. Tighten the nuts until the burners
hold their position.
1⁄4" Washer
1⁄4"- Nut
1⁄4"-, " Carriage Bolt
Tank Brace
Tank Brace Assembly
Burner Tie
1⁄4" Lock Washer
1⁄4"- Nut
Burner Assembly
Burner
1⁄4"-, " Carriage Bolt
1⁄4"- Locknut
Burner Tie

 
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STEP 7
Attaching Flame Weeder Implement
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tool Cart (from Step )
•  ×Flame Weeder Implement
(from Step )
•  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
•  ×⁄" Washers
. Attach the Flame Weeder Implement to
the front of the Tool Bar as shown.
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tool Cart (from Step )
•  ×Valve Assembly (Flame Weeder
Implement, from Step )
•  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Oversize Washers
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
•  ×⁄"- Wing Nuts
•  ×Pyroweeder Wrench
. Attach the Valve Assembly to the Handle
Assembly as shown, placing the Pyroweeder
Wrench under the ⁄"- Wing Nuts.
. You may occasionally need to adjust or tighten nuts
as you work with your Pyroweeder. The Pyroweeder
Wrench is attached near the handle so that it is
available at any time. For in-field adjustments,
loosen the wing nuts and temporarily remove the
Pyroweeder Wrench.
STEP 8
Attaching Valve Assembly
HANDLEMOUNTED VALVE VERSION
3⁄8"- Nut
3⁄8" Washer
Tool Bar (Tool Cart)
Tank Brace
(Flame Weeder Implement)
3⁄8"-, " Carriage Bolt
1⁄4"- Wing Nut
1⁄4"- Nut
1⁄4" Oversize Washer
Pyroweeder Wrench
Valve Assembly
Control Valve
Handle Assembly
(Tool Cart)
1⁄4"-, 3⁄4" Carriage Bolt
Attaching
wrench without a
handle-mounted valve.
1⁄4"-, 3⁄4" Hex Bolt

↑ Pictured: Handle-mounted valve
C
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A
D
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 
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STEP 9
Attaching Propane Tank and Regulator
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Bungee Cords
•  ×Regulator (Flame Weeder Implement,
from Step )
•  ×-lb Propane Tank (not included)
•  ×Hook-and-Loop Strap
. Strap the 20-lb propane tank (not in-
cluded) to the tank brace as shown. One
bungee is insucient to securely hold the
tank—use two bungees.
. Attach the Regulator to the propane tank
valve as shown. Hand tighten the connec-
tor. The Regulator assembly attaches to the
propane tank valve with a left-hand thread.
Tighten with a counterclockwise turn.
. Towards the lower end of the short bar,
wrap the hoses and the bar with the
Hook-and-Loop Strap so that the hoses
are held neatly in place.
. Propane pressure can be adjusted using
the black knob on the Regulator. Try 20
psi to start.
Adjustments
°
° +
Expandable from "–"
(Wide Cart Model from "–")
Swap and invert axle
assemblies to
increase cart height.
See p. 16 for additional axle positions.
A Burner Angle
B Burner Height
C Handle Angle
D Cart Height
E Track Width
°

↑ Pictured: Flame Blade 30
Lower ground clearance
Higher ground clearance
 
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Attaching the Flame Blade Accessory
Tools Needed:⁄" socket or wrench and a Phillips screwdriver
. Remove the ⁄"- nuts Aand ⁄" oversize
washers Bfrom the ⁄"- carriage bolts
Cprotruding through the bottom panel D
of the flame blade.
. Open up space at back of the two pan-
els—clam shell style—as shown, pivoting
on the front screws E.
. Insert the Pyroweeder burners Fthrough
the cutouts Gin the top and bottom
panels as shown. Keep about " of the
burner outside of the flame blade. H
. Close the two panels around the burners
so that the carriage bolts Care again
protruding through the bottom panel D.
. Re-attach the nuts Aand washers B
to the carriage bolts Cand tighten just
enough so that the flame blade is securely
attached to the burners.
. Tighten the front screws E.
About " out
It is important that you ignite the propane flowing
into the flame blade as soon as possible after you
open the control valve. Propane can accumulate in
and around the blade and will produce a startling
pop if you are slow to ignite it. A torch or lighter
work best.
CAUTION
Positioner Installation Location
Axle Positions
Below is shown the possible axle positions. Axle position adjustment allows for change in
height and front-to-back balance of the Pyroweeder. Swap left and right axles for some
of the illustrated positions. (Ships in position L2 .) Try positions L1 or H1 when using the
Flame Blade. In positions L3 and H3 the Pyroweeder will tend to be more front heavy
which some may prefer.
OPTIONAL FLAME BLADE CONFIGURATION
Reduce wheel track to 30 ⁄" (outside to outside) by
mounting the axle on the bottom of the main bar.
Narrower Wheel Track
C
D
B
L1
L1
L2
L2
L3
L3
H1
H1
H2
H2
H3
H3
A
H
E
F
G


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Attaching Auxiliary Tank Braces
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Auxiliary Tank Braces
•  ×⁄"-,  ⁄" Carriage Bolts
TOOLS NEEDED
• ⁄" wrench or Pyroweeder wrench
. Remove the four ⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
that attach the axle bars to the Main Bar of
the Tool Cart. Save the nuts and washers
to re-attach the the axle bars. The Axle
Bars are temporarily detached at this point.
. Place the two Auxiliary Tank Braces on the
front side of the Main Bar as shown.
. Attach the Auxiliary Tank Braces using the
four ⁄"-,  ⁄" Carriage Bolts (replacing
the bolts that you removed). Use the nuts
and washers saved earlier to re-attach the
Axle Bars and the Auxiliary Tank Braces.
. Tighten the four nuts just enough so that
the Auxiliary Tank Braces are secure and
the Axle Bars remain fixed in alignment
with the Main Bar.
Attaching Two-Tank Adapter
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Two-Tank Adapter
•  ×⁄"-,  ⁄" Carriage Bolts
TOOLS NEEDED
• ⁄" wrench or Pyroweeder wrench
. Remove the two ⁄"-,  ⁄" Carriage
Bolts connecting the straight-side bar to
the lower handle tie. Replace them with
the supplied ⁄"-,  ⁄" Carriage Bolts,
connecting the Two-Tank Adapter to the
Pyroweeder as shown.
OPTIONAL TWOTANK BRACES OPTIONAL TWOTANK ADAPTER
Auxiliary Tank Brace
Axle Bar
Main Bar
(Tool Bar)
⁄"- Nut
⁄" Oversize Washer
⁄"-,  ⁄" Carriage Bolt
⁄"-,  ⁄" Carriage Bolt
Two-Tank Adapter
⁄"- Nut
⁄" Washer

 
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Basic Operating Instructions
. We recommend that you try  psi as a
starting propane pressure; later you may
find that you can achieve acceptable
results with a lower pressure.
. To light your Pyroweeder, start with both
the tank valve and control valve com-
pletely closed. Open the tank valve first,
then open the control valve just enough
to hear the propane gas escaping. Then
use your striker to light one of the outside
burners. Once one burner is lit, open the
valve up and lower the burners until the
burner heads are almost touching the
ground. This should disperse the flame
enough to light the other burners.
. Try to flame when the weeds are less
than " tall. Larger annual weeds and all
perennial weeds may require multiple
passes over time in order to achieve a
complete kill. Grass is also harder to kill
than broadleaf weeds.
. Flaming when the weeds are wet will re-
quire you to walk a little slower. The water
has to evaporate o the leaves before the
flame will kill the weeds. Dusk is an ideal
time to flame since there is less chance of
dew (and it is easier to see your flame).
. Your goal with flaming is not to actually
incinerate the weeds, but just to expand
the water in the weeds’ cells enough to
burst the cell walls. According to Eliot
Coleman, this only takes a second at º
F to do (usually accomplished at a slow
walking speed). The only visible indication
of “kill” is a slight wilting. To test if you
have achieved kill, lightly press a leaf
between two fingers. If the leaf surface
shows a dark green fingerprint, you have
accomplished your goal. The weeds will
appear obviously dead within a few hours.
. In order to have the cleanest seedbed for
your crops, prepare your beds for seeding
at least  days ahead of planting. Irrigate
and use floating row cover (during the
cooler months) to encourage weed seed
germination. Flame your beds once or
twice (or more) before seeding. If you are
careful, you can seed your crop and let it
germinate. Then, just before emergence,
flame one final time and have your crop
sprout up into a weed-free bed (see Eliot
Coleman’s New Organic Grower pp. &
 for a more detailed explanation). One
little trick for carrots is to seed some beet
seeds with your carrots. When the beets
emerge, it is time to flame.
. Because of the high output of the burn-
ers, the propane tank will freeze up if you
burn for extended periods. After about
a half hour of burning, you may notice
the pressure beginning to drop and ice
forming on the tank. Extinguish the flame
and allow the tank to thaw out before
resuming operation. Tip: Have a second
tank on hand and just replace the tank if
you have a lot of flaming to do. Once the
second tank begins to freeze up, your first
should be thawed and ready to use again.
. Although there are screens in the pres-
sure regulator and also in the manifold,
there is still the possibility that one of your
burners could get plugged with some
type of foreign matter. A bread bag twisty
tie is the perfect size to unclog the orifice
(take o the plastic and just use the bare
wire). If you still have problems with the
burner, use an ⁄" socket with an exten-
sion to unscrew the pipe cap inside the
obstructed burner and clean it out from
the inside.
. Remember that flaming is not weed
specific. It will kill beneficial plants as
easily as it does weeds!
. Be very careful not to flame poison oak,
poison ivy, or any other poisonous plant.
The vapor or smoke from these can cause
irritation to skin and lungs.
Although a lot of information on flame weeding is available from
other sources, we are summarizing the main points here for your
convenience and reference:

 Dry Prong Rd., Williamsport, TN  | [e-mail] | () -