
10
FIELD OPERATION
When the reel is on the ground, the hydraulics should be in the FLOAT POSITION to enable the
hydraulic cylinder to float. This allows the lift arms and reel to pivot and follow the contours of the
ground and eliminates having “down pressure” on the reel frame.
Before beginning to spray, approximate the amount of moisture that needs to be applied. Adjust
the valve trips to the desired setting for application and windrow shape and determine the ground
speed required. To operate the machine, drive along side the windrow that is being treated with
the PTO on at approximately 800-900 PTO rpm. With the pressure set correctly, the high
pressure gauge should read between 2300-2500 PSI. During operation, the pressure on the high
pressure gauge should not vary more that 50 PSI. If you want to stop spraying while in the field
or while turning around, shut off the PTO.
The machine is designed to straddle the windrow while the tractor drives along side of it. While
operating in the field, it is not advised to turn while the reel is in the down position. You don’t
have to raise the reel completely, while turning around in the field, only lift the reel 1-2 ft off of the
ground.
During some operating conditions, you may be required to use perimeter nozzle to reduce the
effects of evaporation or wind on the outside surface of the windrow. To operate the perimeter
nozzles, either for daytime operation or for just wetting the outside of the windrow, begin with the
machine spraying at 2500 PSI. Slowly open the brass needle valve located on the left side of the
pump manifold by turning it counter clockwise until the 100-PSI gauge reaches approximately 75
PSI. The perimeter tips should then be on when the PTO is on. Because the low-pressure
perimeter nozzles are taking pressure away from the high pressure side, readjust the high
pressure relief located above the strainer to bring the pressure back up to around 2500 PSI by
turning clockwise. Depending upon your valve trip setting, you may also be required to increase
the RPM at which the pump is running, NOT TO EXCEED 900 PTO RPM. Whenever you switch
from operating with perimeter nozzles, to without and back again, you will need to adjust the high
pressure relief valve to prevent over pressuring of the system.
Keep an eye on the level of the fluid in the tank. It is much easier and less time consuming to stop
before running the tank dry and refill, than it is to run out and have to prime the pump again. If you
stop before you run out of solution to refill, it is possible to disconnect the quick coupling and use
the tank suction line as a fill line.
Before disconnecting the quick coupler, close the 2” ball valve on the trailer. Disconnect the
coupler and connect to the fill source. Harvest Tec recommends that you have an inline screen on
your fill source. Open the ball valve and begin filling. When filling is completed, shut off the fill
source and close the 2” ball valve. Reconnect the quick connect and open the 2” ball valve. This
should allow the pump to begin without priming. If you are filling directly from a well or riser, fill
from top of the tank to prevent wate