Smithco Turf Spraying Guide - Manual (Page 13)

1. Manual
Requires that the pressure side hose come up the operator station into either a single or multiple
(usually three-section) boom control. There is a main on/off, pressure adjustment (with return to
agitation for unused flow) and individual boom on/off controllers. It is inexpensive and easy to
maintain and repair. Major negative is that since hoses and therefore chemicals are at the operator
station, if a hose bursts, the operator will be exposed to that chemical.
2. Raven 203
This is a basic electronic control that eliminates the
hoses from coming to the front of the sprayer. It
includes a central control box at the operator’s station
that has a master on/off switch, individual switches to
turn boom sections on/off. A pressure adjustment
switch and pressure gauge. The master and boom
section switches control solenoids located at the rear of
the sprayer and the pressure adjust switch controls a
motorized ball or “butterfly” valve to allow more or less
flow (read pressure) to reach the boom. The leftover flow is return as bypass agitation. It is
simple, effective and well accepted in the industry. A major negative is the solenoids which,
if not properly maintained, can readily corrode, causing the sprayer to either not turn on or
off. Some companies and end users will substitute electric ball valves in this application.
They are substantially more reliable and expensive. An important point to remember is
that although we offer solenoids as standard, we can supply a sprayer with electric ball
valves, at an increase in cost.
3. Raven SCS 440 Computer
Probably the most popular and well know computer controller
used in the turf industry or perhaps the last 10 years. Toro also
uses it and private labeled it the Toro Pro-Control System. It has
achieved a negative image due to its early moisture sensitivity and
loss of memory problems. Although much improved, it is still
basically the same technology as the original models.
4. Micro-Trak 3000 Computer
Used by John Deere primarily, it is a good, competent controller that never
gained much use in Turf. Mostly noted for its “Delta” increase capabilities,
which allow an increase in flow rate by a user’s settable amount. This is a
flow based control system.
10