Sprayer PTO roller pump question

[Flyindutchman]

Just joined this forum today and looking forward to interacting with other members and hopefully learning a few things. I recently purchased a new Fimco 60 gal. 3-point sprayer. It was a package deal and came with a Hypro cast iron 6 roller pump. The primary use for this will be spraying 5-6 acres of food plots where we deer hunt. I occasionally will be spraying roundup as well as other herbicides and liquid fertilizers such as plot start & plot boost. I guess I should have done a little more research because I'm finding out that cast iron pumps don't last long when using roundup. Any of you fine folks out there using this setup that can tell me how long can I expect this pump to last. I do plan on cleaning it after every use and then flushing it with vegetable oil. Thanks in advance!

 

[Peter 315]

http://www.hypro-pump.net/Hypro-Roller-Pump-Brochure.pdf

 

[teg]

...I do plan on cleaning it after every use and then flushing it with vegetable oil...

If you take care of it, it will last a long time but cleaning it is a heck of a job - and you've already contributed to TBN... I didn't think about vegetable oil!!!! I just use motor oil... looks bad in the tank afterwards. Welcome to TBN!

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To the TBN forum Ducthman. We are glad that you joined.

 

[majorwager]

Agree with longevity w/ maintenance. I use 4 way fitting at pump with upward street elbow and threaded plugs and shut-off valve at supply. Pour half gallon soapy water to flush, I then add clear mineral oil, circulate and done till next application. Add mineral oil w/o disconnecting hoses, remove plug, add mineral oil. Think motor oil would stain tank lining? Could over-kill, add pipe thread to GHT adapter to 4 way, flush w/ pressure, then soapy water, mineral oil. Years later, replacement roller kits are available.

 

[Oldoak]

Agree with longevity w/ maintenance. I use 4 way fitting at pump with upward street elbow and threaded plugs and shut-off valve at supply. Pour half gallon soapy water to flush, I then add clear mineral oil, circulate and done till next application. Add mineral oil w/o disconnecting hoses, remove plug, add mineral oil. Think motor oil would stain tank lining? Could over-kill, add pipe thread to GHT adapter to 4 way, flush w/ pressure, then soapy water, mineral oil. Years later, replacement roller kits are available.

I follow a similar procedure as you. However I use undiluted horticultural/dormant tree spray oil instead of mineral oil.

 

[majorwager]

That certainly trumps the RECONSTITUTED Cod Liver oil which is my back- up choice.

 

[3Ts]

I hadn't thought of using mineral oil so maybe that will make it last longer than mine did. I bought mine to use only with pesticides, I knew about roundup affects. I always flushed my pump well and then the last cycle thru was with biodegradable antifreeze. I went for about 15 years then had to do 8 acres of herbicide (roundup). Made sure I did the usual flush and a second time to be sure I got it clean, but wasn't good enough. Sat for a year or two then got ready to use it again and found it was not operable - meaning, I can not turn the shaft by hand. I also tried a wrench, but that didn't work either. Right now it's just sitting and on my list to disassemble to see if it is repairable. It turned out to be a one use application.

 

[teg]

...I went for about 15 years then had to do 8 acres...

Mine was frozen solid, took it apart so I could clean and oil it... works fine. If you got 15 years out of it, I think you got your money's worth

I would open it up and see how it looks inside... then look for a rebuild kit.

 

[Flyindutchman]

Just figured that something biodegradable would be a better option over motor oil. This is my first sprayer w/roller pump so I'm a rookie!