Monday, March 26, 2012

Pest Control Equipment Storage Ideas


Pest Control equipment Storage is a function of vehicle, pest control methodology, tools, employee training (e.g., specialized vs. universal technician, etc.).  There may be a best solution for a particular company, but I don’t believe there is a best solution for the industry.

That said, here are a couple of considerations:

Put the most commonly used items pest control equipment and supplies in the easiest access locations.
Ensure heavy items are located near the side or rear of the truck to prevent back injuries from awkward lifting.
Ensure baits, glue boards, respirators, etc. are stored separately from pesticides so odors are not transferred.
Ensure all equipment is secured, even if it is not in a toolbox.  If not secured, equipment such as B&G Sprayers, backpack sprayers, ladders, etc. can be damaged or become airborne in the event of an accident.
Toolboxes: 
-           Consider drilling holes in the bottom of the box to allow the box to be cleaned out with water
-          Inspect the connection points of the toolbox to ensure the box is securely fashioned to the vehicle
Standardize equipment, storage methods  and locations wherever possible. Standardization makes everything easier, for example training, service, spare parts, repairs, inspections, etc.
Get ideas from others:
Ask employees what they like/dislike
Ask equipment suppliers for advice
At industry  trade shows and conferences, spend time walking the parking lot to see the solutions that others have identified.

What ideas do you have?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Monday, March 12, 2012

Landscapers / Golf Superintendents, Great article, How to Select The Right Spray Equipment, Parks & Rec Business Mag http://bit.ly/wFOTzg

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Power Spray Equipment Problems

Power sprayer users sometimes put up with problems that ought to be repaired.  Here are some truisms when it comes to pest control sprayers & weed control spray rigs:
1.  Spray equipment problems always get worse
2.  The longer you wait to fix a spray equipment problem the more money & time it will cost
3.  Water anywhere it is not supposed to be is a problem
4.  Spray equipment problems will not go away by themselves.

Here is a photo of a power sprayer reel that was recently brought to our shop.  This was so great, I had to share it.Fix Hose Reel Swivel Leaks Promptly

When you have a leak, tend to it promptly.  If you don't, it will get worse and cause problems like downtime, chemical spills, missed appointments, etc.

Do you similar stories or photos?  Please share.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Professional pest control companies need to trust who they purchase equipment from

Which is why many turn to Quality Equipment and Spray of Phoenix for their pest and weed control equipment. They are definitely a company you can trust.

www.qspray.com



power sprayers az.jpg

Professional pest control companies need to trust who they purchase equipment from

Which is why many turn to Quality Equipment and Spray for their pest and weed control equipment. They are definitely a company you can trust.

www.qspray.com



power sprayers az.jpg

Pest Control Sprayers - Key Issues

A new customer brought his Pest Control Sprayer in and told us his Shurflo pump needed service.   He had bought his rig sight unseen and wasn’t familiar with it.  The pump was fine; there were lots of other problems. 

1.  His friend had done the wiring.  There was no fuse in the line.  Customer was lucky the pump was not fried.  A section of wiring was bad and this caused the pump issue.                     Js640_bad sprayer design


2.  This photo shows the filter.  The manufacturer used a plastic fitting in front of the ball valve.  A little exposure to the AZ sun and this fitting would have cracked when the valve was turned.  Possible outcome – 50 gallon chemical spill.
3. The reel was not properly plumbed.  Cox hose reels require some slack in the line feeding the reel so the hose reel swivel can properly  swivel.  Without slack, the o-rings in the swivel will wear out much more quickly, causing a leak and downtime.
4. The lack of slack in the input to the reel will put torque on the elbow fitting coming out of the pump.  This fitting could crack, creating a spill and downtime.
5.  Whoever built this sprayer, hard plumbed the fittings into the pump.  We use special Shurflo wingnut fittings going into and out of the pump.  They cost a little more but because they can be hand turned on and off they make maintenance much easier and quicker compared to this example.

Js640_no swivel
Bottom line:  when purchasing pest control spray equipment, know what you are getting or at least who you are dealing with.  Only let friends do work if they are qualified to do it properly and safely.