Introduction
Thank you for purchasing The Weed Zapper manufactured by Old School Manufacturing, LLC, also referred to herein as OSM. We hope you will get many years of productive service from it. This product is designed to be hitched to a tractor of proper size with an enclosed cab.
The main purpose of this Operator’s Manual is to provide a means of describing proper operation and general maintenance of the machine. All machine operators should read and understand this manual prior to equipment operation. This manual is considered a part of your machine and should always remain with the machine. Do not allow anyone to operate or maintain this equipment without fully reading and comprehending this manual. Failure to follow the recommended procedures may result in equipment damage, personal injury or even death.
Information in this manual is designed to help operators obtain the best results and safe operation from their investment. The life of any machine depends greatly on the care it is given, and we suggest that this manual should be read, understood and referred to regularly. If for any reason you do not understand the instructions and safety requirements, please contact your authorized dealer and/or OSM. Instructional videos on proper operation, installation procedures and maintenance of The Weed Zapper are available on the website at http://theweedzapper.com. The intent of this manual is to provide guidelines to cover general use and to assist in avoiding accidents and injuries.
The requirements for safety cannot be emphasized enough in this publication. We urge you to make safety your top priority when using and maintaining the equipment. We strongly advise that anyone allowed to operate this equipment be thoroughly trained and tested to prove they understand the fundamentals of safe operation.
Some photographs, diagrams or illustrations in this manual may show doors, guards and shields opened or removed to aid in clarity and understanding of a procedure. All guards, shields and safety devices must be in their proper position prior to operation.
The user is responsible for inspecting the machine and for having parts repaired or replaced when continued use of the product would cause damage or excessive wear to various parts. It is the user’s responsibility to deliver the machine to an OSM authorized dealer or the manufacturer for service.
There may be times when circumstances occur that are not covered in the manual. At those times it is best to use common sense and contact your authorized dealer or OSM.
Intended Use
The Weed Zapper is an agricultural field implement that delivers an eradicating electrical charge to unwanted weeds, grasses and unwanted foliage of any kind commonly found in growing crops. It’s not to be considered as a one-tool-does-it-all piece of equipment. However, when used properly and as recommended by OSM, it is a very effective and efficient means of weed and grass control in crops for harvesting.
The Weed Zapper is a completely organic alternative to weed control as it utilizes high voltage electricity applied directly to unwanted weeds and grass. The use of the implement or any of its components, including the generator, for any other purpose other than the intended use must not take place. One should observe and follow all safety recommendations and exercise caution while using this machine.
Downloading Operator’s Manual Updates
OSM is always looking for ways to improve their machines and the safety measures for the operator. Therefore, they have implemented a method for the operator to download updates to the operator’s manual as they become available. It is the operator’s responsibility to visit the website on a regular basis to check for notifications of updates to the operator’s manual.
2. Select “Free Support”
3. Select “Operator’s Manual Updates”
4. Click on the link shown with the most recent date. On the opening page/cover of the
manual it should show a range of serial numbers that manual applies to. Download the
most current edition that applies to your model of machine.
5. Operators may save an electronic copy or print an updated operator’s manual.
LIABILITY RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE: OLD SCHOOL MANUFACTURING, HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS “COMPANY”, MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE CONDITION OF THE EQUIPMENT, ITS MERCHANTABILITY, ITS DESIGN, ITS CAPACITY, ITS PERFORMANCE, ITS MATERIAL, ITS WORKMANSHIP, ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR THAT IT WILL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF ANY LAWS, RULES, SPECIFICATIONS, OR OTHER AGREEMENTS. COMPANY FURTHER DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR LOSS, DAMAGE, OR INJURY TO BUYER OR THIRD PARTIES (INCLUDING DEATH) AS A RESULT OF ANY DEFECTS, LATENT OR OTHERWISE IN THE EQUIPMENT. AS TO COMPANY, BUYER IS PURCHASING THE EQUIPMENT “AS IS”.
COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE IN ANY EVENT TO BUYER FOR ANY LOSS, DELAY, OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER RESULTING FROM DEFECTS IN, OR INEFFICIENCY OF, EQUIPMENT HEREBY SOLD OR ACCIDENTAL BREAKAGE THEREOF. FINALLY, COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY REASON OF BUYER’S USE OF THE EQUIPMENT AND ANY SUBSEQUENT INJURY THAT OCCURS DUE TO BUYER’S USE OF THE EQUIPMENT. BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY FOR THE DEATH OF OR INJURY TO ANY PERSON OR PROPERTY OF ANOTHER, AND FOR ALL OTHER RISKS AND LIABILITIES ARISING FROM THE USE, OPERATION, CONDITION, POSSESSION, OR STORAGE OF THE EQUIPMENT.
INDEMNIFICATION: BUYER SHALL INDEMNIFY COMPANY AGAINST, AND HOLD HARMLESS COMPANY, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “INDEMNIFIED PARTIES”), FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, ACTIONS, SUITS, PROCEEDINGS, COSTS, EXPENSES, DAMAGES, AND LIABILITIES, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES (INCLUDING CLAIMS BROUGHT BY THIRD PARTIES), ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, OR RESULTING FROM THE EQUIPMENT OR THIS AGREEMENT. BUYER SHALL FURTHER INDEMNIFY COMPANY, AND HOLD COMPANY HARMLESS FROM ALL LOSS AND DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT. BUYER RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT INCLUDED IN THIS INDEMNITY CLAUSE, BUT NOT BY WAY OF LIMITATION, IS BUYER’S ASSUMPTION OF ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURY, INCLUDING, DEATH AND DISABILITY OF WORKMEN AND OTHER PERSONS CAUSED BY THE OPERATION, USE, CONTROL, HANDLING, OR TRANSPORTATION OF THE EQUIPMENT.
GOVERNING LAW: THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL MATTERS CONCERNING ITS INTERPRETATION, PERFORMANCE, OR ENFORCEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI. ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF THE AGREEMENT OR THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES HERETO MUST BE BROUGHT IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN PETTIS COUNTY, MISSOURI.
FUNDAMENTALS OF OPERATION
The key to efficient and successful weed control is to understand the fundamentals of The Weed Zapper. When you know how your machine operates, you can make the necessary adjustments and changes in operation to achieve successful control of weeds. There are basically four major areas that should be discussed in the general theory of operation: 1. Basic principles of electricity 2. How the equipment eradicates weeds 3. Overview of operation 4. Safety
We all know that electricity cannot be seen but its effects certainly can be seen and experienced. The effects can be very beneficial and we all know it is a very useful tool. For the purpose of illustration, some characteristics of electricity can be compared to that of water. Electricity is composed of extremely tiny electrons that flow through various types of conductors much like water flows through a pipe or hose. When referring to flow generally three areas are discussed: 1. flow rate 2. potential (sometimes referred to as pressure) 3. loss of pressure due to friction. With electricity, the rate of flow is measured in amperes and the potential or pressure is measured in volts. Loss of pressure/potential, resulting from an increased resistance to the rate of flow, is measured in ohms. For electricity to flow, a “pump” (voltage source) and a “pipe” (conductor) must be present. The Weed Zapper produces a high voltage electrical current and uses weeds to conduct this current when they contact the discharge electrode. The conduction of electrical current through the stem of the plant causes a rapid heating and expansion of liquid material in the weed. This in turn causes the plant’s cell walls to rupture and effectively destroy the life of the plant.
There are several factors which affect weed control with The Weed Zapper. The degree of contact between the discharge electrode and the weeds will affect the level of effectiveness in controlling the weeds. Another factor is the species of the weed and its ability to conduct the electricity. Weed control and eradication is most successful when contact is made between the discharge electrode and the main stem of the plant including as many branches as possible. Therefore, a single-stemmed weed is usually easier to control than a species with multiple stems, such as various grasses. Younger weeds are generally easier to kill than more mature weeds because the conductivity of younger plants is usually better due to the amount of moisture in the stem. Sparsely populated weeds are easier to kill than those densely populated. Therefore, it is advisable to treat each field more than one time during a single season (three times is not uncommon) as weeds are easier to treat when they are young and scattered than when they are mature and densely populated. A general guideline used to determine when a zapper treatment is needed is when the weeds are 4 to 6 inches (10.1 to 15.2 cm) greater in height than the crop plant canopy.
The Weed Zapper applicator boom is hydraulically controlled for height adjustment. For the best and most optimum results, the applicator boom height and discharge electrode should be adjusted to pass just over the top of the crop plant canopy. If the boom is too low, the crop plant canopy themselves will become conductors and the plant’s growth can be stunted or destroyed. For example, on a sugar beet plant, individual leaves will
be destroyed on contact and if enough leaves are destroyed, a reduction in yield or plant death can occur. However, if the applicator boom and discharge electrode are too high, providing excessive crop clearance, the result can be many weed plants missed that are only slightly higher than the crop plant canopy. For best results, the operator must keep the applicator boom and discharge electrode at the optimum height. The Weed Zapper’s electrical components and output are controlled automatically via a combination of an automated relay panel interfaced with a control monitor and associated electronics.
There are three foliage or WEED types available for selection: 1. Short/Low Weeds (12” or less in height). 2. Broadleaf Weeds (18” or more in height for any single-stem type plant). 3. Grass (only used for 2nd Pass application). The monitor is designed to be mounted within easy reach and view of the operator for safety reasons and ease of operation.
The high working voltage is produced by utilizing a 5-step power amplification process. This high voltage is then conducted to the discharge electrode through high voltage cables.
It is essential that these cables be protected from damage. The terminal end connections and cable insulation should not be tampered with or altered in any way.
The Weed Zapper has a comprehensive safety system designed to provide safety for the operator during use. This system should stop the power output should any one or more of the following conditions occur:
1. Operator is not seated on the seat switch placed on the operator’s seat on the tractor.
2. Forward motion of the tractor is stopped. Recommended forward speed range is 1.5 MPH to 6 MPH (2.4 KPH to 9.6 KPH).
3. Applicator boom wings are lifted causing grounding coulters to lose contact with the ground.
4. Overheating of the transformer or generator (may occur from excessive load current for long durations).
5. Generator RPM drops below the acceptable level (1500 RPM or less).
These safety measures and features reduce the danger to the operator and/or bystander and reduce the possibility of damage to the equipment. Read this manual carefully and understand the principles of operation that make The Weed Zapper function properly. Only when the machine is properly used can it be an effective tool for which it was designed. If any of the safety measures and protocols should fail during machine operation, the machine should be considered unsafe, and you should contact your dealer or OSM immediately.
BEFORE OPERATION CHECKLIST
TRACTOR HORSEPOWER REQUIREMENTS
All Weed Zapper Annihilator models may be operated with any tractor with 65 PTO HP or greater. However, to achieve 100% of the system’s output potential, the following listed HP specifications are required. Model 6R30 requires a tractor with HP capable of developing a minimum of 110,000 watts (145 PTO HP) from a 1000 RPM PTO shaft at normal operating speeds. The model 8R30 requires a tractor with HP capable of developing a minimum of 125,000 watts (165 PTO HP) from a 1000 RPM PTO shaft at normal operating speeds. The model 12R30 requires a tractor with HP capable of developing a minimum of 155,000 watts (210 PTO HP) from a 1000 RPM PTO shaft at normal operating speeds. The model 16R30 requires a tractor with HP capable of developing a minimum of 215,000 watts (290 PTO HP) from a 1000 RPM PTO shaft at normal operating speeds.
Tractor Weights: Install proper front-end weights on tractor, in addition to applicator boom, to provide adequate steering and stability.
Lift Links: Adjust tractor lift links so that both links are at minimum, equal lengths.
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