Hardi mercury User manual

67301503 (04/03)
mercury
Operator's Manual

HARDI
67301503 (04/03)
mercury
Operator's Manual
HARDI®reserves the right to make changes in design,
material, or specification without notice thereof.
HARDI®and other product names are registered trademarks
of HARDI®Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries.

mercury
3
HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Index
Description.................................................. 5
Zone concept........................................ 5
Basic description of the machine.......... 6
Frame........................................... 6
Tank.............................................. 6
Pump............................................ 6
Manifold system ........................... 6
Axial blower .................................. 6
Filters............................................ 6
Identification plate ........................ 6
Use of the sprayer ................................ 7
Recommendations ............................... 7
Safety instructions ..................................... 8
Operating the sprayer safely ................ 8
Handling chemical products safely....... 9
Local poison information center ........... 9
Mistblowing technique ........................ 10
Connecting the sprayer ............................11
Wheel jackstand ..................................11
Drawbars ............................................ 12
Swivel drawbar (standard) ......... 12
Turnable hitch drawbar............... 12
Adjusting the drawbar length .............. 13
P.T.O. shaft ......................................... 13
Installation of P.T.O. shaft........... 14
Wheel types........................................ 15
Axle types ........................................... 15
Suspension......................................... 16
Hydraulic system ................................ 17
Setting up.................................................. 18
Suction filter........................................ 18
Cleaning the Suction Filter ......... 18
Pressure filters ................................... 19
Fan ................................................... 19
Main tank............................................ 20
Clean water tank ................................ 21
Nozzles............................................... 21
Agitation.............................................. 22
Powder mixer ..................................... 22
Operating the sprayer .............................. 23
Plumbing diagram ...................................... 23
Diaphragm pumps .............................. 23
Manifold Valve and Pressure Valve .... 24
Pressure Manifold Valve............. 24
Pressure Regulator Valve........... 24
Hyd. controlled section valves............ 25
Axial blower units..................................... 26
Optional deflectors ............................. 26
V-L Deflector............................... 26
JET Deflector.............................. 26
Channel kit ................................. 26
Safety grills......................................... 27
Angling of the fan blades .................... 28
Air outlet width adjustment ................. 30
Gearbox oil change ............................ 31
Air flow and power consumption charts:
UNIT SF45 ................................. 32
UNIT SF65 ................................. 33
UNIT SF85 ................................. 34
Maintenance.............................................. 35
Lubrication.......................................... 35
P.T.O. shaft ................................. 35
Diaphragm pump........................ 35
Hyd. controlled section valves.... 35
Drawbar...................................... 36
Axles........................................... 36
Filters and fittings ....................... 36
Diaphragm pumps .............................. 37
Nozzles............................................... 37
Maintenance intervals ........................ 38
Cleaning - Basic concepts....................... 39
Cleaning procedures .......................... 39
The chemical product................. 39
Legislation .................................. 39
Cleaning and the soakaway ....... 39
The sprayer ................................ 39
Cleaning the sprayer .......................... 40
Unforeseen interruptions .................... 40
Off-season storage................................... 41
Off-season storage............................. 41
Preparation after off-season storage.. 42
Troubleshooting ....................................... 43
Technical data........................................... 46
Dimensions......................................... 46
Weights .............................................. 46
Wheels ............................................... 46
Diaphragm pumps .............................. 47
General specifications ............................. 48
Warranty Policy and Conditions ............. 50
Notes.......................................................... 52

4HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Dear Owner,
Thank you for purchasing a HARDI®product and welcome to the ever-increasing family of
HARDI®sprayer owners.
Our sprayers and accessories are rapidly becoming a familiar sight on North American farms.
We believe that this results from growers becoming increasingly conscious of crop protection
input costs and the vital need for cost effective spray application equipment.
Please take the time to thoroughly read the Operator’s Manual before using your equipment.
You will find many helpful hints as well as important safety and operation information.
Some of the features on your HARDI®MERCURY sprayer were suggested by growers. There is
no substitute for “on farm” experience and we invite your comments and suggestions.
Please address your correspondence to the Service Manager at one of these branches:
HARDI®MIDWEST
1500 West 76th St.
Davenport, Iowa 52806
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
HARDI®GREAT LAKES
290 Sovereign Rd.
London, Ontario N6M 1B3
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
HARDI®WEST COAST
5646 W. Barstow, Suite 101
Fresno, California 93722
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Sincerely,
Tom L. Kinzenbaw
President

mercury
5
HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
WORKING ZONE
MANIFOLD valves
Level indicators
Clean water tank
Pressure gauge
Suction filter
Pressure filters
Operating unit
Pump
APPLICATION ZONE
Nozzles
Blower unit
Tank lids
Powder mixer
Description
The trailed HARDI®MERCURY sprayers are divided into two different zones.
Working zone: with ease of use in mind; all the elements for regulating the fluid circuit are located
at the front of the machine.
Application zone: with operator safety in mind; all the parts that come into contact with chemical
products have been located at the rear of the machine.
Zone Concept

mercury
6HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Frame
The frame is manufactured with tensile steel channels providing great durability and resistance to
vibration damage.
Tank
The tanks are made from UV resistant Polyethylene and designed with smooth, rounded contours
to allow for efficient cleaning and draining. Tank capacity: 600 gallons (2300 liters).
Pump
Diaphragm pump: 363/7 HD, 540 RPM, PTO driven, 294 PSI (20 bar).
Manifold system
Total control of the fluid circuit is carried out by differently colored Manifold valves with pictorial
symbols that simplify their use.
Axial blower
The blower is designed with thick aluminium fan blades shaped like the wings of a plane. A cen-
trifugal clutch allows for smooth engagement and disengagement.
Different volume rates: 38,000 or 50,000 cfm (65,000 or 85,000 m3/hr).
Filters
Suction filter: traps impurities present in the liquid, protecting the sprayer’s components. Includes
an automatic shut-off valve that enables cleaning of the filter when the tank is full.
Pressure filters: permit a large volume rate and high pressure.
Identification plate
The identification plate is located on the front, right-hand side of the frame, indicating the model
and serial number.
The machine number is engraved on the frame, next to the identification plate.
Description
Basic description of the machine

mercury
7
HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Description
Recommendations
Although the sprayer has been applied with a strong and protective surface treatment on steel
parts, bolts etc. in the factories, it is recommended to apply a film of anticorrosion oil (e.g. CAS-
TROL RUSTILLO or SHELL ENSIS FLUID) on all metal parts in order to prevent chemicals and
fertilizers discoloring the enamel. Avoid oil on rubber parts, hoses and tires.
If this is done before the sprayer is put into operation for the first time, it will always be easy to
clean the sprayer and keep the enamel shiny for many years.
This treatment should be carried out every time the protective film is washed off.
Use of the sprayer
The HARDI®MERCURY sprayer is designed for the application of chemical crop protection prod-
ucts and liquid fertilizers.
The equipment can only be used for this purpose. Using the sprayer for any other purpose is not
permitted.
If no local law requires that the operator must be certified to use the spray equipment, it is strongly
recommended to be trained in correct plant protection and in safe handling of plant protection
chemicals to avoid unnecessary risk for persons and the environment when doing the spray job.

mercury
8HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
ALWAYS READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL BEFORE
USING EQUIPMENT
DO NOT REMOVE ANY SAFETY DEVICES OR
SHIELDS. NEVER SERVICE, CLEAN OR REPAIR A
MACHINE WHILE IT IS OPERATING
WARNING
ALWAYS WATCH FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IT MEANS ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION
This is the Safety-alert symbol.
When you see this symbol on your
machine or in this manual, be alert
to the potential for personal injury.
Follow recommended precautions
and safe operating practices.
Follow Safety Instructions
• Carefully read all the safety messages in this manual
and the safety labels fitted to the machine. Keep safety
labels in good condition. Replace missing or damaged
safety labels. Be sure that new equipment components
include any current safety labels. Replacement safety
labels are available from your authorized HARDI®
dealer.
• Learn how to operate the sprayer and how to use the
controls properly. Do not let anyone operate the ma-
chine without proper instructions.
• Keep your sprayer in proper working condition. Unau-
thorized modifications or use may impair the function
and/or safety and affect the machine’s life.
• If you do not understand any part of this manual and
need assistance, please contact your authorized
HARDI®dealer.
Operating The Sprayer Safely
1. Read the complete manual carefully and become
familiar with the operation of the equipment before
initial operation in each spraying season. Failure
to do so may result in possible over or under appli-
cation of spray solution which may drastically affect
crop production and lead to personal injury.
2. Before starting the engine on the tractor unit, be
sure all operating controls are in the off or neutral
position, including (but not limited to) the P.T.O. shaft
and/or spray controls. Be sure the tractor power
train is disengaged.
3. Operate spray and boom functions only when
seated in the operator’s seat.
4. One of the most frequent causes of personal injury
or death results from persons falling off or being
run over. Do not permit others to ride on or in. Only
one person should be working the machine when in
operation.
5. Before leaving the tractor seat, stop the engine,
put all controls in neutral, and put the transmission
control lever in the park position or neutral with the
brakes locked. Read the tractor operation manual for
added safety precautions.
6. P.T.O. driven equipment can cause serious injury.
Before working on or near the P.T.O. shaft, servicing
or cleaning the equipment, put P.T.O. lever in the
DISENGAGE position and stop the engine.
7. Keep hands, feet & clothing away from moving
parts.
8. Wear relatively tight and belted clothing to prevent
from being caught on some part of the machine.
9. Stay clear of the air inlet and outlet while the fan
is in use. Some objects (small stones, etc.) can be
expelled from the outlet or clothing can be sucked
into the inlet.
10. Always keep children away from your sprayer and/or
tractor unit.
11. Slow moving tractors and spray equipment can cre-
ate a hazard when on public roads. Avoid personal
injury or death resulting from any accidents by using
flashing lights. Local regulations may require instal-
lation of flashing warning lights.
Safety Instructions

mercury
9
HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Safety Instructions
12. Avoid injuries from high pressure fluids penetrating
the skin by relieving system pressure before discon-
necting hydraulics or other lines. Ensure all fittings
are tight before applying pressure to the system.
13. Understand service procedures before undertaking
any maintenance. Never lubricate, service, or adjust
the machine while it’s moving. Securely support any
components before working on them.
14. Keep all parts in good condition and properly
installed. Fix damaged parts immediately. Replace
worn or broken parts. Remove excessive buildup of
grease, oil or debris.
Handling Chemical Products Safely
1. Direct exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause
serious injury. These chemicals can include lubri-
cants, coolants, paints, adhesives and agricultural
chemicals. Material Safety Data Sheets (M.S.D.S.)
are available for all hazardous chemicals which
inform the user of specific details including: physical
and health hazards, safety procedures, and emer-
gency response techniques.
2. Protective clothing such as rubber gloves, goggles,
coveralls and respirator must be worn while han-
dling chemicals. All protective clothing should be
kept in excellent condition and cleaned regularly or
discarded.
3. If chemicals come in contact with any exposed skin
areas, wash immediately with clean water and de-
tergent. Never place nozzle tips or any other compo-
nents that have been exposed to chemicals to lips
to blow out obstructions. Use a soft brush to clean
spray nozzles.
4. Dedicate an area to fill, flush, calibrate and decon-
taminate sprayer where chemicals will not drift or
run off to contaminate people, animals, vegetation,
water supply, etc. Locate this area where there is
no chance of children coming in contact with this
residue.
5. Decontaminate equipment used in mixing, trans-
ferring and applying chemicals after use. Follow the
instructions on the chemical label for the correct
procedure required. Wash spray residue from out-
side of the sprayer to prevent corrosion.
6. Extreme care should be taken in measuring spray
products. Powders should be used in suitable sized
packages or weighed accurately. Liquids should be
poured into a suitable graduated container. Keep
chemical containers low when pouring. Wear a fil-
tered respirator and let the wind blow away from you
to avoid dust and/or splashes contacting the skin or
hair.
7. Store chemicals in a separate, plainly marked
locked building. Keep the chemical in its original
container with the label intact.
8. Dispose all empty containers after rinsing in ac-
cordance with local regulations & by-laws. Dispose
of all unused chemicals and left over fertilizer in an
approved manner.
9. Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher available at
all times when handling chemicals.
Local Poison Information Center
If you live anywhere in the United States, the following
toll free number will connect you to your Local Poison
Information Center.
PHONE NO. 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 2 2 - 1 2 2 2
If you live outside the United States, find the number for
the poison control center in your phone book and write
it in the space below:
PHONE NO. _______-_______-__________
Keep a list, in the space provided below, of all the
chemicals that you have in use.
1._________________________________________
2._________________________________________
3._________________________________________
4._________________________________________
5._________________________________________
6._________________________________________
7._________________________________________
8._________________________________________
9._________________________________________
10._________________________________________

mercury
10 HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
This book should be read in conjunction with
the “Mistblowing Technique” manual (#673706,
supplied with the equipment), to help you to
achieve the best results.
The safety and efficiency of this machine depend entirely on the care it receives. The first important
step is to read carefully and pay attention to this instruction book which contains essential in-
formation on the efficient use and servicing of this high-quality product.
Safety Instructions
Mistblowing
technique

mercury
11
HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Connecting the sprayer
Wheel jackstand
The HARDI®MERCURY sprayer is equipped with a wheel jackstand. When the sprayer is not at-
tached to the tractor, the wheel jackstand should be locked into Position 1 with the two pins (see
photo). The height of the machine can be adjusted by turning handle A.
When the sprayer is attached to the tractor, the wheel jackstand should be locked into Position 2
with two pins. This position is designed to fit snugly to the frame and avoid vibrating noises pro-
duced by the wheel.
Position 2
Sprayer attached
Holding posn.
Position 1
Sprayer unattached
A

mercury
12 HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Connecting the sprayer
Turnable hitch drawbar
The turnable hitch drawbar is connected to the tractor’s lower link arms. Before connecting the P.T.O.
shaft, make sure that the diameter of the connecting pins is the same diameter as the holes on
the tractor’s lower link arms. Also make sure that the snap locks are in place and that the tractor’s
wheels do not touch the sprayer when turning. This hitch type permits the greatest turning angles
and requires a P.T.O. shaft with CV joint on the sprayer side. The length of the drawbar is adjust-
able (see "Adjusting the drawbar length", page 13).
There are two types of drawbars available for the HARDI®MERCURY sprayer: the swivel drawbar,
and the turnable hitch drawbar.
Swivel drawbar (standard)
The swivel drawbar is attached close to the body of the tractor. Before connecting the P.T.O. shaft,
make sure that the drawbar is firmly attached and that the tractor’s wheels do not touch the sprayer
when turning.
A P.T.O. shaft with CV (Constant Velocity) joint is needed on the tractor’s side. It is possible to
adjust the length of the drawbar if necessary (see “Adjusting the drawbar length”, page 13).
Drawbars

mercury
13
HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Connecting the sprayer
B A
Adjusting the drawbar length
Steps to follow:
1. Place the wheel jackstand in the po-
sition indicated in the photo.
2. Loosen the two bolts A, located where
the drawbar is attached to the frame.
3. Remove bolt B.
4. Place the drawbar in the desired po-
sition.
5. Replace bolt B, making sure that it
passes through the holes in the frame
and the drawbar.
6. Tighten the two bolts A.
P.T.O. shaft
Operator safety
WARNING: ALWAYS STOP ENGINE BEFORE ATTACHINGTHETRANSMISSION SHAFT
TO TRACTOR P.T.O. MOST TRACTOR P.T.O. SHAFTS CAN BE ROTATED BY HAND TO
FACILITATE SPLINE ALIGNMENT WHEN ENGINE IS STOPPED.
When attaching the shaft, make sure that the snap lock is FULLY ENGAGED - push and pull shaft
until it locks.
WARNING: ROTATING TRANSMISSION SHAFTS WITHOUT PROTECTION GUARDS
ARE FATAL.
Always keep protection guards and chains intact and make sure that the guards cover all rotating
parts, including CV-joints at each end of the shaft.
Do not use without protection guard.
Do not touch or stand on the transmission shaft when it is rotating - safety distance: min 5’ (1.5
meters).
Prevent protection guards from rotating by attaching the chains, allowing sufficient slack for
turns.
Make sure that protection guards around the tractor P.T.O. and implement shaft are intact. Always
STOP ENGINE and remove the ignition key before carrying out maintenance or repairs to the
transmission shaft or implement.

mercury
14 HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Installation of P.T.O. shaft
WARNING: THE P.T.O. SHAFT ANGLEWILL CHANGEWHEN RAISING AND LOWERING
THE CLEVIS.TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE LOADING AND BINDING ONTHE P.T.O. SHAFT,
IT MAY BE ADVISABLE TO LEAVE THE P.T.O. SHAFT DISCONNECTED UNTIL THE
CLEVIS ADJUSTMENT IS COMPLETED.THENTHE P.T.O. SHAFT ADJUSTMENTS CAN
BE MADE.
Initial installation of the shaft is done as follows:
1. Attach sprayer to tractor and set sprayer in the position with shortest distance between the
tractor and sprayer pump P.T.O. shafts.
2. Stop the engine and remove ignition key.
3. If P.T.O. shaft must be shortened, the shaft is pulled apart. Fit the two shaft parts at tractor and
sprayer pump and measure how much it is necessary to shorten the shaft. Mark the protection
guards.
Note: The shaft must always have a minimum overlap of 1/3 the length.
4. The two parts are shortened equally. Use a saw, and file the profiles afterwards to remove
burrs.
5. Grease the profiles, and assemble male and female parts again.
6. Fit the shaft to tractor and sprayer pump.
Note: Female part towards tractor. Fit chains to prevent the
protection guards from rotating with the shaft.
7. To ensure long life of the P.T.O. shaft, try to avoid working
angles greater than 15°.
Min. 13/16” (20mm)
Connecting the sprayer

mercury
15
HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Wheel types
HARDI®MERCURY sprayers are equipped with 12.5L x 15” tires on 15” x 10” x 8 bolt rims.
Working pressure: 32 psi (2.2 bar)
The sprayer’s tires should always be at the correct pressure as they act as a suspension system
when the tank is full, making the whole assembly less rigid.
INFLATION
Inflation and checking of the tire must always be done when
the tire is cold.The sprayer’s wheels are IMPLEMENT type
and cannot exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) when fully loaded.
Connecting the sprayer
WHEELS (Tires & Rims)
Model Standard Optional
Mercury 600 12.5L x15" 14Lx16.1" (12 ply)
Axle types
HARDI®MERCURY sprayers are equipped with a fixed axle. Two different tread widths are pos-
sible by reversing the rims on the hubs:
Standard 53” between tire centers (Rims on with valve stem facing out)
Reverse 48” between tire centers (Rims on with valve stem facing in)
FIXED AXLE
The fixed axle is mounted in a housing bolted directly to the
frame. This gives five different settings to improve the stability of
the machine when necessary.
The standard position of the housing is the 3rd from the rear of
the sprayer (as indicated in the photo).

mercury
16 HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Suspension
The frames of HARDI
®
MERCURY sprayers can be fitted with a novel and exclusive torsion sus-
pension system that is capable of smoothing and absorbing irregularities in the terrain. This system
improves safety on long trips over rough terrain and reduces time spent on trips for filling, etc...
Suspension kit is added to the housing. Anchored to the frame by three bolts.
ACTIVE SUSPENSION
PASSIVE SUSPENSION
The suspension is ACTIVE when the machine is load-free, and it gets lower as the tank is filled.
When the tank of the sprayer reaches half-full, the suspension is PASSIVE, as the machine will
only tilt if there is a very pronounced unevenness in the terrain.
NOTE. Use of the suspension with the swivel drawbar is recommended for those machines which
frequently cover long distances over uneven terrain.
Connecting the mistblower

mercury
17
HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Connecting the sprayer
Connection requirements for HARDI®MERCURY sprayers are:
• Two single acting outlets (one for each hydraulically controlled section valve).
BE SURE TO HOOK UP HYDRAULIC LINES PROPERLY!
ENSURE HYDRAULIC LINES HAVE NOT BEEN DAMAGED DURING SHIP-
PING.
ESCAPING HYDRAULIC FLUID UNDER PRESSURE CAN PENETRATE THE
SKIN CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY. AVOID THIS HAZARD BY RELIEVING
PRESSURE BEFORE DISCONNECTING HYDRAULIC LINES.
ENSURE ALL CONNECTIONS ARE TIGHT BEFORE APPLYING PRESSURE,
SEARCH FOR LEAKS WITH A PIECE OF CARDBOARD, NOT YOUR HANDS!
ALWAYS SHUT TRACTOR OFF WHEN CONNECTING, SERVICING OR AD-
JUSTING ANY HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS.
Make sure that the hydraulic couplers are clean before connecting to the tractor's remote outlets.
IMPORTANT! Due to the variation in tractor hydraulic systems and capacities, care
should be exercised when initially operating the sprayer hydraulic section valves. It is
advisable to adjust the hydraulic flow down to the minimum rate before operating the sys-
tem. Adjust/increase the flow control after the system is bled of any air, if necessary.
Hydraulic system

mercury
18 HARDI®MERCURY OPERATOR'S MANUAL
The suction filter is located at the front of the sprayer near the pump. Its primary purpose is to
protect the pump from damage. It contains an automatic shut off valve to allow the operator to
clean and service the filter with a full tank.
Cleaning the Suction Filter
Turn the yellow handle counter-clockwise until it “pops out”. This closes an internal valve to prevent
the main tank from draining when cleaning the filter. Unscrew the large plastic nut and remove the
lid. Remove the filter for cleaning, being very careful not to damage the O-ring of the filter lid. This
would allow air to enter during suction and cause rattling of hoses and continual pressure variations.
To help prevent this, it is advisable to lubricate the o-ring with vegetable oil before closing the lid.
Finally, replace the yellow valve handle and lock into position to allow flow through the filter.
Setting up
Suction filter
Warning. The suction filter is one of the most important elements of the fluid circuit. The
ability of the pump to take in air correctly largely depends on how well the filter has been
cleaned and maintained. It is necessary to clean the filter after every working day in order
to keep the filter free of blockage.
Suction Filter
Inline Pressure Filter