Micron Herbi-4 CDA User manual

Instruction Manual
Publication Part Number: 8909 Revision: 2

3
CONTENTS Page
Description ...............................................................................................................................3
Safety ........................................................................................................................................4
Operator protection ...................................................................................................................4
Preparing for spraying...............................................................................................................5
Mixing, filling and calibration...................................................................................................6
Before spraying.......................................................................................................................10
To start spraying......................................................................................................................10
To stop spraying......................................................................................................................11
After spraying..........................................................................................................................12
Storage ....................................................................................................................................13
Parts List .................................................................................................................................14
HERBI 4 Extra........................................................................................................................26
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................27
DESCRIPTION
The HERBI 4 is a simple robust hand-held spinning disc Controlled Droplet
Application (CDA) sprayer powered by 4 torch (D-cell/R20) batteries, with one set of
good quality batteries giving over forty hours spraying time. It is designed to apply
herbicides in a 1.2m wide band at low volumes (10 to 30 litres/hectare). A governed
electric motor spins the atomiser disc at a constant 2,000 rpm to produce uniform
spray droplets of around 250 micron; large enough to minimise any risk of spray drift.
Liquid is fed by gravity through colour coded feed nozzles. The HERBI 4 can apply
herbicides to borders, pathways, ditches and larger areas by making a series of
consecutive spray passes. The weight of the machine ready to spray, with the
Micropak 5 litre backpack, is 7kgs.
Optional 5 litre
Micropak backpack Optional handle/
valve conversion
Optional shoulder
strap
On-off switch
Flow valve
Carrying handle/
battery case
Spray head
Feed nozzle
Atomiser disc

4
Specially designed Micron Micropak backpacks and a shoulder strap are available for
use with the HERBI 4. The sprayer can be supplied with a handle/valve conversion
as the HERBI 4 Extra (see page 14) which allows Micron spray bottles to be directly
fitted to the sprayer.
SAFETY
Using agrochemicals is a hazardous process. Operators should comply with all
relevant legislation and/or regulations governing the use of agrochemicals and should
use appropriate personal protective equipment (see ‘OPERATOR PROTECTION’).
Never use the HERBI 4 in potentially explosive atmospheres or spray flammable
liquid through it.
The HERBI 4 can be used with most conventional herbicides, as well as specific
CDA formulations (only available in some countries) to provide a closed transfer
system to improve operator safety.
Always read the product label carefully to discover:-
♦ approved applications
♦ maximum dose rates
♦ maximum number of treatments
♦ operator protection required
♦ necessary environmental protection measures
N.B. ‘Dose rate’ refers to the amount of chemical applied per hectare.
Never eat, drink, or smoke when working with agrochemicals. After using
agrochemicals or handling equipment wash your hands thoroughly. Keep people
(especially children) and animals out of areas being sprayed.
Always store agrochemicals safely to protect people and animals, and to safeguard
the environment (take special care to avoid water pollution). See ‘SPRAYING’
sections for guidelines on safe use of the HERBI 4 in operation.
OPERATOR PROTECTION
Always wear the protective clothing items listed on the product label for mixing and
filling. The minimum protective clothing required for spraying with the HERBI 4
is:
♦ rubber gloves
♦ boots/shoes and long trousers
♦ eye protection
♦ long sleeved shirt

5
Note:
a) Acoustic information: the sound pressure level at the operator’s ear should not
exceed 70 dB(A).
b) Vibration: the weighted RMS acceleration value at the hands when using this
machine should not exceed 2.5 m/sec
2
.
PREPARING FOR SPRAYING
The sprayer is delivered in a collapsed form. To
assemble ready for spraying:
1) Extend the sprayer and securely connect the feed tube to the flow valve.
Instructions on assembling Micron Micropak backpacks are contained in the tank.
The shoulder strap (if supplied) should be connected to the battery case end cap.
Remove the atomiser protective cover and check by hand that the atomiser disc
spins freely.
2) Remove the switch end piece as
shown on the label. 3) Insert four batteries (D-cell/R20)
negative, i.e. flat, end first.
N.B. Before spraying for the first time with the HERBI 4, the spray pattern produced
should be checked using only water (see ‘BEFORE SPRAYING’).

6
Always wear gloves when handling ag-
rochemicals and equipment. Always use the correct equipment when
mixing and measuring.
MIXING, FILLING AND CALIBRATION
Mixing and filling is generally the most hazardous process in the spraying operation.
Always follow the label instructions. Always use a filter (fitted in the Micron
Miropak backpacks) and use a funnel if filling a container with a small neck. Only
mix enough spray for the area to be treated thereby avoiding the need for disposal of
unused spray mix.
Always wash off any skin
contamination Always clean all equipment after use.
With the HERBI 4 herbicides are usually applied in around 20 litres total spray volume
per hectare, except for glyphosate which can be applied at volumes as low as 10 litres
per hectare. These are lower volumes than recommended for high volume application
with knapsack sprayers.

7
Do not use herbicide concentrations greater than the maximum recommended on the
label (unless specific training or recommendations have been given) if the label:
a) specifically prohibits use of ‘Reduced Volumes’ i.e. increased
concentrations;
b) has a statutory requirement for use of personal protective equipment when
using the diluted product at high volumes (N.B. this will appear in the
statutory box on the label);
or
c) carries one of the following hazard ratings: ‘very toxic’, ‘toxic’ or ‘corrosive’
or carries the warning ‘risk of serious damage to the eyes’ e.g. paraquat
(Gramoxone) which is classified as toxic should not therefore be used
through the HERBI 4 at concentrations greater than recommended on the
label.
Micron do not generally recommend using spray mixes of more than ten times the
maximum concentration recommended for high volume application with knapsack
sprayers. The safest product and lowest dose rate appropriate for the treatment
should be used at all times.
To prepare the spray mix first read the product label to determine the quantity of
product to be applied per hectare e.g. 2 litres of glyphosate per hectare. Then
determine the total spray volume to be applied per hectare with the Herbi 4 i.e. 10 or
20 litres per hectare. Calculate the ratio of product in water e.g. 2 litres glyphosate +
8 litres water = 10 litre mix = 1: 4. Use this ratio to prepare the correct dose for the
spray tank or bottle e.g. with a 5 litre backpack mix 1 litre glyphosate with 4 litre of
water.
Measure out the exact amount of
product. Half fill the tank with clean water.
Check for leaks. Add the measured
product.
Never use leaking equipment. Take care to avoid spillage when filling or lifting the
tank.

8
Fill the tank. Wipe the tank with a dry cloth
Mix well by gently shaking the tank. Place the tank on the operator‘s back.
Examples of mixing spray – for 1 hectare
a) glyphosate (360 g/l) 2 litres
add water: +8 litres
Total volume: 10 litres
i.e. 1 part glyphosate : 4 parts water
b) 2,4-D (500 g/l) 3 litres
add water: +17 litres
Total volume: 20 litres
i.e. 3 parts 2,4-D : 17 parts water

9
The table below indicates the relationship between total spray volume, flow rate and
walking speed for the HERBI 4 as per the following formula:
Flow rate (ml/min) = 6 x total spray volume (l/ha) x walking speed (m/s) x band width (m)
Total spray volume
(l/ha) Band width (m) Feed nozzle Flow rate (ml/min) Walking speed (m/s)
10 (i.e. glyphosate) 1.2 Blue 72 1
20 (i.e. other herbicides) 1.2 Blue
Yellow 72 144 0.5 1
Note: The flow rates in this table were measured with the spray head 65cm below the level of the liquid in
the tank, using water only. The flow rate will vary with differences in this height and the viscosity of the
spray mix (for very viscous spray mixes it may be necessary to use a larger feed nozzle).
CALIBRATION
Choose and fit the feed nozzle that is likely to be required. The actual flow rate
should be checked holding the HERBI 4 in the spraying position. Remove the feed
nozzle from the spray head by twisting and pulling out, then, once liquid has reached
the feed nozzle, allow the liquid to flow into a suitable container for one minute and
measure the volume dispensed. If the flow rate is not in the recommended flow rate
range of 60 to 150 ml/min change the feed nozzle and repeat the above procedure.
N.B. It is preferable to walk more slowly to achieve the required spray volume than
to use higher flow rates.
Example: Required spray volume rate = 20 l/ha; Flow rate measured = 100 ml/min
Walking speed (m/s) = =
Flow rate (ml/min)
6 x 1.2 x total spray volume (l/ha)
100
7.2 x 20 = 0.7
i.e. 0.7 m/s or 42 metres in one minute (0.7m x 60s)
Mark out a distance of 42 metres and practice walking it in one minute.
Blue Yellow Orange Red
Increased flow rate

10
ON
OFF
BEFORE SPRAYING
Check the wind speed and direction (below 5 kph) is safest. Take special care to
avoid drift by keeping the spray head as low as possible. Never spray into the wind
and avoid walking into the spray. Always keep the spray head at least 60cm from
any part of the body to avoid direct contamination by the spray.
Before spraying for the first time use water only to check the spray pattern produced.
Put some clean water in the tank and add a small amount of detergent. Check for
leaks. Switch on the sprayer and then open the flow valve. Spray on one spot, pref-
erably on clean dry concrete, for around 30 seconds with the spray head held about
20cm above the ground; a wet ring 1.2m wide should appear on the ground. Practice
using the sprayer by walking along a few metres and then stopping spraying (see ‘TO
STOP SPRAYING’).
N.B. To help aid the balance of the sprayer, while using the 2
1
/
2
L Bottle, a Shoulder
strap is provided.
TO START SPRAYING
Hold the spray head about 20cm above the ground or weed foliage. Switch on the
sprayer, check the atomiser disc starts spinning (never touch the atomiser disc when
spinning or hold the spray head too close to the operator) and then open the flow
valve. Start walking immediately the spray liquid reaches the feed nozzle. N.B. with
the HERBI 4 Extra both flow valves must be opened.
The HERBI 4 is normally held at an angle of around 35
o
to 40
o
to the ground with the
head inclined slightly away from the operator. Do not spray with the HERBI 4 held
on the shoulder, since spray may contaminate the operator. N.B. the machine will not
spray with the spray head above the level of liquid in the tank.
30 - 40
o
120 cm
20 cm

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It is best to hold the HERBI 4 to the side or the rear so that the operator does not have
to walk over the treated area.
TO STOP SPRAYING
Close the flow valve and then switch off the sprayer. When the atomiser disc has
stopped spinning raise the sprayer to an angle of 45
o
(see below). Never raise the
spray head until the atomiser disc has stopped spinning. Then open the flow valve
and drain any remaining liquid in the feed tube back into the tank (by raising the feed
tube above the level of liquid in the tank). Then close the flow valve.
For ease of transport the tank can be disconnected (use the flow valve to isolate any
liquid left in a backpack) and the sprayer collapsed (by removing the batteries).

12
AFTER SPRAYING
1. Dispose of any surplus spray mix according to the product approval. Store
products safely, locked up and out of the reach of children.
2. It is essential to clean the sprayer and tank thoroughly using water and detergent
after use. Never immerse the spray head in water or under a tap, since this will
destroy the electric motor. A water and detergent mix should be put in the tank,
swilled around, and then sprayed out onto the treated area of waste ground. The
sprayer and tank should be wiped down externally using a cloth. Periodically
remove the atomiser disc with a pair of pliers and clean with a soft brush.

13
3. After working with agrochemicals, or handling spraying equipment, always
thoroughly wash hands and exposed skin. All protective clothing should be
washed separately from other clothing and stored. Contaminated gloves should
be washed inside and out.
STORAGE
Before storing the HERBI 4 for long periods disassemble the sprayer by removing
the four screws in the battery case and clean all electrical contacts with a wire brush
or similar. Reassemble and with the sprayer in the collapsed position i.e. batteries
removed, store in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Batteries should be stored in
a dry cool place.
remove batteries
clean switch
contacts
clean terminals
check spring

14
HERBI 4 AND ACCESSORIES
2
1
3
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
54

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HERBI 4 AND ACCESSORIES - PARTS LIST
ITEM PART No. DESCRIPTION
1 5404A (page 22) MICROPACK 5L BACKPACK
2 5207A (page 24) MICROPACK 10 LITRE BACKPACK
3 5107C SHOULDER STRAP
4 4390 BOTTLE, 2.5L HDPE
5 4489 CAP, BOTTLE 2.5L
6 5353 WAD SEAL, BOTTLE 2.5L
7 5836 BOTTLE, PET 1L WITH CAP
8 HB4/018 (page 20) HANDLE VALVE CONVERSION ASSEMBLY
9 (page 14) HERBI 4 STANDARD COMPONENTS
10 5038 FEED NOZZLE BLUE
11 5041 FEED NOZZLE RED
12 5040 FEED NOZZLE ORANGE
13 5039 FEED NOZZLE YELLOW

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HERBI 4 STANDARD COMPONENTS
1
2
5
6
8
3
4
9
11
12
13
10
14
15
7
5
17
18
19
20 21
22
16
23
5
5
5
11
24
25
26
27
28
30
31
32
33
34
29

17
HERBI 4 STANDARD COMPONENTS - PARTS LIST
ITEM PART No. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 4993 TUBE 6MM ID X 9MM OD - PVC 1.2 m
2 7831 CABLE TIE 2
3 5446 EXTENSION TUBE 1
4 5376 BATTERY CASE END CAP 1
5 5399 SCREW, S/T NO.6X3/8" PZ PAN HD. B 7
6 4907 WING NUT 1
7 HB4_101 HERBI 4 ATOMISER HEAD ASSEMBLY 1
8 5029 SCREW M5 1
9 4368 WIRE, 1.0 MM, RED - PER METRE 1.25 m
10 4134 WIRE, 1.0 MM, BLACK (PER METRE) 1.3 m
11 5575 RING TERMINAL 2
12 4447 SPRING HOLDING PIN 1
13 4646 SCREW, S/T NO.6X3/8" PZ. FL.HD. AB 1
14 5363 BATTERY SPRING 1
15 5375 CENTRE CONNECTOR 1
16 5447 BATTERY CASE 1
17 5956 SCREW, M5X12 PT 1
18 5780 VALVE CLAMP 1
19 7465 SCREW SWITCH SLEEVE 1
20 7495 CONNECTOR, SCREW SWITCH 1
21 7464 SCREW SWITCH PLUG 1
22 8621 LABEL BATTERY 1
23 8673 LABEL HERBI 4 1

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HERBI 4 STANDARD COMPONENTS (continued)
1
2
5
6
8
3
4
9
11
12
13
10
14
15
7
5
17
18
19
20 21
22
16
23
5
5
5
11
24
25
26
27
28
30
31
32
33
34
29

19
HERBI 4 STANDARD COMPONENTS - PARTS LIST (continued)
ITEM PART No. DESCRIPTION QTY.
24 3512 AIR VENT TUBE - 0.15M 0.15 m
25 6125 MOTOR HOUSING 1
26 4457 SPRING 2
27 5442 MOTOR, HERBI & HANDY 1
28 7289 O RING, BS 121 VITON 1
29 5455 O RING, BS 121 VITON 1
30 5424 FRONT PLATE 1
31 5399 SCREW, S/T NO.6X3/8" PZ PAN HD. B 4
32 5022 DUMMY SHAFT 1
33 5021 ATOMISER DISC 1
34 4462 ATOMISER PROTECTIVE COVER 1

20
HERBI 4 VALVE HANDLE CONVERSION ASSEMBLY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
14
12
15
16
17
18
19
22
13
20
21