Small spray rig for ZD21

[JRP]

Spraying has worked well for me for weed control, but with no foam marker system sometimes it is hard to see where I have sprayed. Also, with lots of trees it is hard to get good coverage with a 20' boom. This is my solution:

This sprayer rack I made fits into the ROPS holes on my ZD21 mower. The boom fits onto two little brackets that bolt to the back of the ZD. Two screws drop down to hold the boom in place.

Things I like about this include:
1. No tools mounting. I can install or remove it in 17 seconds. It is secure enough that I trailer the mower at highway speeds without problems.
2. Spray while you mow safes time.
3. Spray while you mow means you can easily see where you have not sprayed.
4. It stays on the mower all the time.
5. Very maneuverable.


Opportunities for improvement or disadvantages in the design:
1. I need a switch mounted on the steering control so I can turn off the pump at the end of the row at the turnaround. Right now I have to reach over my shoulder which is not convenient and requires I let go of the control. 2. During turns the inside radius gets more spray than the outside radius.
3. The rigid boom will bend if you back into something or turn sharp next to a dirt bank. See the bend. I got two big extension springs to add to the boom to make it flex under stress, but they are not installed yet.
4. To add engine oil or open the hood you have to remove the spray tank and frame. 14 seconds x 2, but the tank can be heavy when full.
5. I welded the pump frame so the pump suction hose end is about 1/2" lower than the other end. If I could build it again I would increase this angle amount to about 2".

For my use this has been a very successful attachment. I hope the idea helps you also.

 

[art]

There are different nozzles available that will mean the boom can be narrower and still cover the same width. An electric solenoid for the pump would cover your control location problem.

 

[JRP]

I don't quite agree.

I worked with Wylie sprayers to get optimal tips. I spray 24D and don't want to buy my neighbors trees, So I use only size 3 XR Teejet at 20 psi or size 1.5 XR teejet at 30 psi. This gives minimal drift.

The pump is electric. It makes sense to turn the pump ON/OFF with a switch instead of adding a solenoid and have the pump pressure up to 60 and then turn OFF. The pressure letdown when the solenoid opens would make a nice killer puff of 24D.

 

[JRP]

art,

I see you are a dealer. Many times I have told our local dealers about TBN. They seem not interested. It seems like TBN would result in educated customers that ask a lot less questions and come in asking for what they really need. They also could find out what they need to do different without coming in and blaming the dealer or manufacturer.

From your side of the story, what do you think about TBN? Do you tell your customers about TBN?

 

[art]

I have many customers that are here as well have gained them from here and it doesn't bother me that they are here! I consider every sale a challange to give the customer all that they can get and for many that have come here they might get confused here rather then in my office when I'm talking options or choices. This is a good education sourse on compact tractors.


It looks like you did use no-drip nozzles which is good fo rnot covering twice. Rather then working out the springs unless you are going to a lot wider boom I'd just connect with rubber to give some flex and not add to much weight. For checking the oil, I'd think you might have time having to add oil to the engine just as a function as I don't find to many who need to add after a eight hour day of use.