Farmers Friend Pyroweeder User guide

a s s e m b l y a n d i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l
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with Tool Cart

1(931) 583-0397 | [e-mail]
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 ames are most
visible when the Pyroweeder is operated during
lower light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
4. Close the propane-tank valve when not in use.
5. Be prepared to promptly ignite the propane
upon opening the operating valve for use. Do
not allow prolonged propane ow to un-ignited
burners. If there has been excess unburned
propane ow, 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.
with Tool Cart
Safety
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
1. Read all safety instructions before rst use.
2. The Pyroweeder is intended for agricultural weed
management only.
3. Propane is extremely ammable. 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 ame. On
the other hand, complete combustion produces
a blue ame. To operate the Pyroweeder safely,
adjust the pressure and control valve to avoid a
yellow ame—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 wildres by complying with local
burn bans.
6. Practice re safety—do not use on dry grass,
leaves, or brush, or during high re-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.

A
B
C
D
2 3Well-designed, quality tools and equipment | farmersfriendllc.com [phone] | [e-mail]
Toolsand
PartsN eeded
A -lb propane tank
B ⁄" wrench or socket or adjustable wrench
C ⁄" wrench or socket
D ⁄" wrench or socket
E ⁄" socket with extension (optional,not shown)
Thread Galling
Stainless steel nuts and bolts are especially prone to a frustrating problem—thread galling.
As the nut is tightened on the bolt, the 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 they can only be separated
by breaking the bolt or cutting the nut.
Thread galling can be minimized by using a thread lubricant when tightening threaded
stainless steel fasteners. Don't force a nut that is resisting tightening before it is under ten-
sion; back it o and try lubricating the threads again before proceeding.
Thread galling is not caused by defective parts. Thread galling on stainless steel fasteners
can be minimized, but it cannot be completely prevented.
We have included a small pouch of thread lubricant; we encourage you to use thread lubri-
cant 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 the
best ame weeder on the market, and I’m excited to share
it with you!
I grew up on a small farm so I know rsthand 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. My goal at Farmer’s Friend is to make
well-designed, high-quality tools to improve your eciency,
protability, and quality of life.
I see us all on the same team. You are growing the food and
owers 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 Farmer’s Friend, I want to wish
you happy and safe ame weeding. May your days be lled
with more veggies and owers 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.

I
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N O P
QRS
TUV W
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F
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4 5Well-designed, quality tools and equipment | farmersfriendllc.com [phone] | [e-mail]
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
N  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
O  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolts
P  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
Q  ×⁄" Washers
R  ×⁄" Oversize Washers
S  ×⁄" Washers
T  ×⁄"- Knobs
U  ×⁄"- Knobs
V  ×⁄"- Locknuts
W  ×⁄"- Nuts
X  ×Thread Lubricant
(not shown)

6 7Well-designed, quality tools and equipment | farmersfriendllc.com [phone] | [e-mail]
STEP 1
UpperH andleA ssembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Handle
•  ×Short Bar
•  ×Long Bar
•  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Oversize Washers
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
1. Attach the concave ends of the rectangular
bars to the handle as shown. (Attach the
longer bar to the angled handle tie.)
2. Tighten the bolts just enough so that the bars
are rmly attached—do not over tighten.
STEP 2
HandleA ssembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Upper Handle Assembly
(from Step )
•  ×Straight Handle Lower Tie
•  ×Angled Handle Lower Tie
•  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Oversize Washers
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
1. 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.)
2. Tighten the bolts just enough so that the bars
are rmly attached—do not over tighten.
Handle
⁄"- Nut
⁄" Oversize Washer
Short Bar
⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolt
Long Bar
Angled Lower Handle Tie
⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolt
Long Bar
Short Bar
Straight Lower Handle Tie
⁄" Oversize Washer
⁄"- Nut

8 9Well-designed, quality tools and equipment | farmersfriendllc.com [phone] | [e-mail]
STEP 3
ToolBarandH andleA ssembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Handle Assembly (from Step )
•  ×Tool Bar
•  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Washers
•  ×⁄"- Locknuts
•  ×⁄"- Knobs
1. Attach the Handle Assembly to the Tool Bar
as shown below.
2. 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.
3. Repeat this step on the opposite side of the
Tool Bar.
STEP 4
ToolC art
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tool Bar and Handle Assembly
(from Step )
•  ×Wheels
1. Remove the ⁄" locknut and one washer
from the axle bolt.
2. Mount the wheel onto the axle bolt and
replace the washer and locknut as shown.
3. Tighten the locknut just enough so that
the washers are lightly pressed against the
wheel. Do not over tighten.
4. Repeat this step on the opposite side of the
Tool Bar.
Handle Assembly
Tool Bar and Handle Assembly
Wheel
⁄" Washer
⁄" Locknut
⁄" Washer
⁄"- Knob
End Plate
⁄"- Locknut
⁄"-, " Carriage Bolt
Angled Handle Tie
Tool Bar

10 11Well-designed, quality tools and equipment | farmersfriendllc.com [phone] | [e-mail]
STEP 5
TankB raceA ssembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tank Brace
•  ×Burner Ties
•  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Washers
•  ×⁄"- Locknuts
•  ×⁄"- Knobs
1. Attach the burner ties to the tank brace
as shown.
2. Tighten the locknuts just enough so that the
Burner Ties are lightly pressing against the
Tank Brace and can still swivel.
STEP 6
FlameWeederImplement
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tank Brace Assembly (from Step )
•  ×Burner Assembly (Hoses, Valve
Assembly and Regulator Not Shown)
•  ×⁄" Washers
•  ×⁄"- Nuts
•  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
1. Attach the Burner Assembly to the burner
ties as shown.
2. 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.
⁄" Washer
⁄"- Knob
⁄"-, " Carriage Bolt
Tank Brace
Tank Brace Assembly
Burner Tie
⁄" Washer
⁄"- Nut
Burner Assembly
Burner
⁄"-, " Carriage Bolt
⁄"- Locknut
Burner Tie

12 13Well-designed, quality tools and equipment | farmersfriendllc.com [phone] | [e-mail]
STEP 7
AttachingFlameWeederImplement
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tool Cart (from Step )
•  ×Flame Weeder Implement
(from Step )
•  ×⁄"-, " Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄"- Knobs
•  ×⁄" Washers
1. Attach the ame weeder implement to the
front of the tool bar as shown.
STEP 8
AttachingV alveA ssembly
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Tool Cart (from Step )
•  ×Valve Assembly (Flame Weeder
Implement, from Step )
•  ×⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolts
•  ×⁄" Oversized Washers
•  ×⁄"- Knobs
1. Attach the valve assembly to the Handle
Assembly as shown.
⁄"- Knob
⁄" Washer
Tool Bar
(Tool Cart)
Tank Brace
(Flame Weeder Implement)
⁄"-, " Carriage Bolt
⁄"- Knobs
⁄" Oversize Washer
Valve Assembly
Control Valve
Handle Assembly (Tool Cart)
⁄"-, ⁄" Carriage Bolt

C
B
A
D
E
14 15Well-designed, quality tools and equipment | farmersfriendllc.com [phone] | [e-mail]
STEP 9
AttachingP ropaneT ankandR egulator
PARTS NEEDED
•  ×Bungee Cords
•  ×Regulator (Flame Weeder Implement,
from Step )
•  ×-lb Propane Tank (not included)
•  ×Hook and Loop Strap
1. Strap the 20-lb propane tank (not included)
to the tank brace as shown. One bungee is
insucient to securely hold the tank—use
two bungees.
2. Attach the regulator to the propane tank
valve as shown. Hand tighten the connector.
3. 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.
4. Propane pressure can be adjusted using the
black knob on the regulator. Try 20–25 psi to
start with.
AdjustmentO ptions
35º
50º
90º +
Expandable from 31"–38"
Swap and invert axle assemblies to
increase cart height.
A Burner Angle
B Burner Height
C Handle Angle
D Cart Height
E Track Width

16 17Well-designed, quality tools and equipment | farmersfriendllc.com [phone] | [e-mail]
BasicO peratingInstructions
1. The Pyroweeder is equipped with a high-
capacity Quick Connect Coupler (QCC) that
connects the regulator to the propane tank
valve; it has a red plastic coupling nut. The
QCC is equipped with an excess ow check
valve. This safety feature may be acciden-
tally activated—severely limiting propane
ow—if proper startup procedures are not
followed. When this happens, close the tank
valve, bleed o all pressure, and then close
the control valve (the one near the handle)
before re-opening the tank valve.
2. We recommend that you try 20–25 psi as
a starting propane pressure; later, you may
nd that you can achieve acceptable results
with a lower pressure.
3. To light your Pyroweeder, start with both
the tank valve and control valve completely
closed. To avoid accidentally activating the
excess ow check valve, open the tank
valve rst. 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 ame
enough to light the other burners.
4. Try to ame when the weeds are less
than 2" 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.
5. Flaming when the weeds are wet will require
you to walk a little slower. The water has to
evaporate o the leaves before the ame
will kill the weeds. Dusk is an ideal time to
ame since there is less chance of dew (and
it is easier to see your ame).
6. Your goal with aming 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 160º 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 ngers. If the leaf
surface shows a dark green ngerprint, you
have accomplished your goal. The weeds will
appear obviously dead within a few hours.
7. In order to have the cleanest seedbed for
your crops, prepare your beds for seeding at
least 10 days ahead of time. Irrigate and use
oating 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; just before
emergence, you can ame one nal time and
have your crop come up into a weed-free
bed (see Eliot Coleman’s New Organic Grower
pp.168 & 169 for a more detailed explana-
tion). One little trick for carrots is to seed
some beet seeds with your carrots. When the
beets emerge, it is time to ame.
8. Because of the high output of the burners,
you will eventually freeze up your propane
tank if you burn for extended periods. After
about a half-hour you may notice the pres-
sure beginning to drop and ice forming on
the tank. Extinguish the ame 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 aming
to do. Once the second tank begins to freeze
up, your rst one should be thawed out.
9. Although there are screens in the pressure
regulator and also in the manifold, there is
still the unlikely 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 orice (take
o the plastic and just use the bare wire). If
you still have problems with the burner, you
can use an ⁄" socket with an extension to
unscrew the pipe cap inside the obstructed
burner and clean it out from the inside.
10. Remember that aming is not weed spe-
cic. It will kill benecial plants as easily as it
does weeds!
11. Be very careful not to ame poison oak,
poison ivy, or any other poisonous plant.
The vapor or smoke from these can cause
irritation to skin and lungs.
Although there is lots of information on ame weeding available
from other sources, we are summarizing the main points here for
your convenience and reference:

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