HARDI, Setting new standards in the spraying industry
"CLICK" on any of the photos below to enlarge (approx 3072 px X 2048 px )
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1- The Hardi North America test facility provides the capability to test all functions of the completed sprayer. The main building measures 90’ wide and 204’ long for a total of over 18,000 ft2 under roof. An energy efficient in-floor heating system provides comfortable working conditions and helps to ensure that a comprehensive test is completed on each sprayer.
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2 - The 18,000+ ft2 provides enough space to comfortably unfold any Hardi boom. 74 – 175 watt light fixtures provide excellent lighting and ensure that there are no dark spots in the building.
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3 - The Test Facility has been designed so that 2 large sprayers can be tested at the same time without interfering with each other.
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4 - Hydraulic power for testing the sprayers is supplied by a remote power pack. Each test station has a 40 HP motor driving its hydraulic pump so that there is no loss of performance if both stations are operating. The hydraulic reservoir is automatically refilled by nearby bulk oil tank. Antifreeze for winterizing the sprayers after they have been tested is also stored here.
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5 - A trench contains the hydraulic lines, antifreeze line, and electrical lines that are required to operate the test stands. The grating is removable in 3’ sections so that the lines can be serviced if necessary.
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6 - The hydraulic, electrical, and antifreeze lines terminate near each test station. They are connected to the test stands through hoses and wiring in a protective sleeve.
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7 - The hoses and wiring connect to a quick attach plate with flush face hydraulic couplers, allowing for a quick and clean connection to the test stand.
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8 - The test stand is built on a Toyota forklift. A custom designed bracket has been installed instead of the standard mast. The test stand is mobile so that sprayers can be brought to and from the test facility and tested without ever having to be unhooked. The control box is mounted on an adjustable arm and can be operated from several positions. PTO RPM can be monitored for shaft driven pumps and GPM can be monitored for hydraulically driven pumps to ensure proper operation.
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9 - The water used for the test procedure is stored in a 3000 gallon underground tank. 100-200 gallons of water is metered into the tank for sight gauge calibration. Any water remaining in the tank after the test is completed is filtered and returned to the underground storage system for reuse.
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10 - The test stand has been designed to simulate the rear end of a tractor. All connections can be made to the test stand similar to the way they would be made on a tractor. The sprayer is tested near the maximum pressure allowed by the fluid system. Every function of the fluid system is checked for proper operation and leaks.
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11 - The spray boom is adjusted for level and for straightness. The hydraulics are charged and operated to ensure proper function. Boom stops and transport brackets are adjusted so that the boom folds in and out of the transport position with ease. All electronically controlled functions are tested for proper operation.
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12 - Folding mechanisms are adjusted for proper function. Breakaway spring tension is set and breakaway section is tested for proper operation. Hoses on fold joints are checked for proper routing and interference.
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13 - The complete spray application system is tested. All connections are checked for leaks. Nozzles are checked for proper operation. Boom sections are checked for proper sequence and plumbing.
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14 - After all functions have been tested and passed and all the adjustments have been made, the completed sprayer is prepared for shipment. Controls are wrapped in a protective plastic bag, the PTO shaft is bagged and attached to the sprayer, and the control boxes and manuals are placed in a sealed box. The unit is now ready for delivery to the Hardi dealer.
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15 - The complete unit is taken out of the test facility to await shipment. The test stand unhooks from the tested machine, hooks onto the next machine to be tested and the process begins again.
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