foam markers for a sprayer

EVILBOWEVIL · Jan 2, 2010

building a sprayer boom at work and want to put foam markers on it. probaly will be 30 to 40 foot boom.
everybody seems to be proud of their foam markers
anybody built a set or used a store bought set under $500. seems like most on line are in the $800-$1200 range
thanks
Ron

Bob · Jan 2, 2010

I built a set years ago using an AC compressor to supply air to pressurize the suds solution in a surplus beer keg and to supply air to the foam units at the end of the boom.

The foam units are simple a piece of plastic pipe with plastic pot scrubbers stuffed in.

I used 4 surplus 12 Volt solenoid valves, 2 for each boom, one for air, one for suds mix. A couple of brass needle valves control the air flow and the suds solution flow.

The air and the suds mix meet in a little plastic "TEE" just before each of the foam units.

Darned thin worked pretty good. I haven't used it since I quit farming in '97, but still have the sprayer stored away.

Could snap a couple of photos in the next several days, if you'd like.

EVILBOWEVIL · Jan 2, 2010

thanks
the photo's would help a lot
Ron

Bob · Jan 2, 2010

I can take a few if you'd like. It's in a snowed-in polebarn and it's around twenty below, but I will be going over there in the next few days.

Remind me, if I forget, [email protected].

Anonymous-0 · Jan 2, 2010

Google search Richland foam markers, they make several low cost systems. They work good, I have several 12 volt markers for lawn care.

Jon Hagen · Jan 2, 2010

One tip that may be of use. I built a bubbler type sprayer foam marker like what Bob describes for my 75 ft pull type sprayer. I was able to eliminate having a dedicated compressor to power the foam marker by tapping into a port in the intake manifold of the turbocharged tractor. Manifold air pressure was plenty to generate lots of thick foam.
It worked great and eliminated some of the cost / complication of a seperate compressor.

Very few foam markers including mine still in use here. low cost GPS has made them obsolete

If you are OK with a used foam marker unit, should be many avalible for near scrap price, unless using GPS is just a "here" thing.

JoeBob-IN · Jan 2, 2010

My first advice would be to not use foam and switch to a gps unit. Initial cost isn't much more than a decent foam unit and the ease and accuracy is much much easier. Second piece of advice is ask me to send you the foam marker system off our sprayer.

Kevin Schmidt · Jan 2, 2010

Duplicate what a friend has on a 230 spracoupe, just a tank with an air pump blowing into the bottom. Foam hook ups out the top, simplist I have seen

Ditto on the GPS comments, got a bar/mapping system this year, A+ to raven envisio

Also ditto on finding lots of foam marker systems on the flat racks at farm/ consignment sales for a dime a dozen

IaGary · Jan 2, 2010

Let me check. I made old sprayer I bought into a nurse tank and stripped it to the tank.

I saved all the booms, nozzle bodys, monitor, and so on.

Can't remember if it had a marker or not. I will have to look.

Gary

EVILBOWEVIL · Jan 3, 2010

thanks for all the advice and help
I prefer a GPS system due to also being usefull when scattering fert, however my supervisor won't OK the $1000 price.
He has turned down requests for a sprayer for the last 5 years.
Finally getting one due to getting a "de-icing unit" with a new truck this was "needed" for board approval of the new pickup.
Mounting the "de-icing" unit on a Toro Workman and adding valves and a shop made boom for spraying athletic fields. Still will be able to use it for de-icing even tho we probably never will.
Planning on building a 30'-40' boom out of aluminum sq tube. needs to be less than 6' 8" wide by 7' tall in transport mode.
Figure we can have built in jack stands to hold the empty sprayer for storage when the Toro Workman is needed to scatter fert or top dress fields.
Working on it along with getting grounds equipment ready for next mowing season and pushing snow as needed.
Thanks for all the advice and help
Ron

EVILBOWEVIL · Jan 3, 2010

I would like to get your foam markers. Won't be able to pay for them. Can get a letter accepting the donation to the school system for tax purpose to you.

Thanks

Ron_Selzer at fc.pickerington.k12.oh.us

JMS/.MN · Jan 3, 2010

Re: jack stand- I built a 300 gal 3ph sprayer, put adjustable stands on the front, left and right...just pipe inside of a pipe, multiple holes drilled to adjust for height. But, in the rear center I mounted a Bulldog jack- perfect for adjusting pitch to hook up to the quick-hitch easily.

EVILBOWEVIL · Jan 3, 2010

Toro Workman has a hydraulic dump bed on it. Sprayer is bolted down to it. Plan is to have steel square tube inside of steel square tube with foot pads. drop the two back ones, raise the bed, insert front two in square tube that supports tank. unbolt the sprayer drop the bed most of the way back down and drive away.
trying to keep it simple and build it out of common stock
Thanks
Ron

foam markers for a sprayer

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