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Information : Press How can I increase performance of foam marker? Posted: 10/26/2009 Solution Steps
Verify that the 12V compressor is receiving proper voltage Low voltage can impede compressor performance. Clean out the entire foam system, especially if stored for an extended period of time Foam concentrate can cause the lines and tank to gum up, impeding foam performance. Add foam tank cleaner (part number N205701) in the tank and lines. Use according to label directions. If switching brands of foam concentrate, clean out the system tank and lines. (For best results, use John Deere Spraymaster ULTRAX foam concentrate.) Avoid using the foam system during cold ambient conditions Foam performance is adversely affected by ambient air temperature, especially below 5ºC (40ºF). If spraying is done during such conditions, use a foam marker antifreeze such as THERMO or John Deere Winterizer Fluid. Check lines for kinks Kinked foamer lines will adversely affect foamer performance. Inspect the foamer lines periodically for kinks or breaks. Pay particular attention to lines in areas where they rub against parts of the boom. If a broken line is located, a splice repair kit is available through parts. Check filters There are numerous filters in a foam system. The liquid side has a filter at or near the outlet of the tank. Check this filter periodically to ensure it is not plugged. Check the solution filter when the tank is empty to avoid spilling the foam solution. There are several air filters in a foam system. These filters are near the 12V compressor. Check regularly to ensure a constant source of clean air for making foam. If equipped with an engine-driven air compressor, periodically service the air drier. Use soft or distilled water Water quality greatly influences foam quality. If possible, use distilled water in the foam tank. If distilled water is not available, use John Deere Marking Foam Water Softener (N207804). Use in accordance with label instructions. Check foam generator Periodically inspect the foam generator will ensure it is making good foam. Check the condition of the rubber diaphragm and the foam screen. When checking foam generator, inspect fittings and hoses to ensure a good tight leak-proof connection. Check foam drops There is a mesh screen inside the foam drop that assists in making a properly sized dollop. Inspect the bottom edge of the foam drop for wear. The lip acts as a windscreen to prevent dollop drop until the dollop is the proper size. Foam is hard to see On sunny days, in some crop conditions, white foam dollops are difficult to see. For increased dollop visibility, there are three different dyes available (yellow/green, pink, and blue). Pink dye, for example, greatly increases foam visibility in corn stubble conditions. Foam falls through crop canopy In some narrow row conditions, a dollop that falls to the ground is difficult to see due to the heavy crop canopy. To help keep foam on top of the canopy, use striper sock (part number N207806). These force the dollops to be formed in "ribbons" and allow them to stay on top of the crop instead of falling through to the ground. Foam system winterization Proper maintenance of the foam system over the winter season will assure optimum performance at the beginning of the next season. Use John Deere Winterizer Fluid for proper protection during severe cold weather. When the next use season arrives, simply use the fluid in the next mix of foam concentrate. Affected Equipment 4700 Sprayer S/N: All equipped with Foam Marker Option 4710 Sprayer S/N: All equipped with Foam Marker Option 6700 Sprayer S/N: All equipped with Foam Marker Option |
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