Posted 2/8/2007 11:09 (#101289) Subject: Top-Air and Demco Sprayers
West Michigan
Is there anything to watch out for with these sprayers? We are looking for a 500 gallon 40-45' boom sprayer. Our local dealer is Demco, but it looks like a lot of these sprayers use the same parts. Thanks for the advise.
Posted 2/8/2007 11:30 (#101297 - in reply to #101289) Subject: RE: Top-Air and Demco Sprayers
Embarrass WI
No experience with TopAir, but local experience leads me to think that perhaps Demco boom pivots and mounts may be weak.
Most all sprayers use the same parts, whatever you end up with take the solenoid boom valves off and throw 'em away. Replace them with electric ball valves. Might just be the best $500 you ever spend.
Posted 2/8/2007 12:57 (#101354 - in reply to #101297) Subject: Why the hate for solenoids?
Just curious if there is a lot of trouble with them or what? That is all we have ever had and have never had much of a problem with them.
The old 45' Demco booms are fine as long as you're satisfied with spraying 6-7 mph. If you feel the need to go 10 mph you will spend a lot of time welding on the boom.
Posted 2/8/2007 17:38 (#101448 - in reply to #101354) Subject: RE: Why the hate for solenoids?
Embarrass WI
My experience has been different than yours. When I had them, I was fussing with them all the time. Learned how to clamp a ViseGrip on so I could finish a field. Maybe you are that much more tolerant than me?
I don't understand why all sprayer mfgs don't use ball valves, there is only maybe $100 difference in a 3-set of valves and the ball valves are infinitely less trouble.
Posted 2/8/2007 22:51 (#101611 - in reply to #101501) Subject: Re: Top-Air and Demco Sprayers
NC KS
I fought them solenoid valves for years. The final icing on the cake was spraying atrazine on wheat stubble and nozzles weren't patterning right. The end of the story is, a solenoid valve was just partially opening. I fought them things sticking on me if the sprayer set for a little while. Ball valves have been working without a hitch. I have no idea how old my current ones are as they came on the used sprayer.
Posted 2/8/2007 23:17 (#101621 - in reply to #101611) Subject: Partially Opening
Thats what our only problem was. It was caused by not having enough juice because the wires to the power outlet that the control box was hooked to were too small.
It was kind of aggrevating though. The last boom section that was turned on was the one that wouldn't open all the way, it didn't matter what order they were turned on it was always the last section.
Put long enough big wires in and hooked directly to the battery, end of problem.
Posted 2/8/2007 21:19 (#101562 - in reply to #101289) Subject: RE: Top-Air and Demco Sprayers
Auxvasse, MO
I have a set of Top-air 60 foot x fold 3 point mounted sprayer I have had them three years no problems with so far. I would go for 60 foot or wider booms you just have to make less trips across the field. Another thing to go for is hydraulic fold come in real handy going between small fields.
Top-Air and Demco Sprayers
