so...about a year ago, I was running into frustration cutting lots of brush with a chainsaw, and then spraying the stumps with a handsprayer...many suggested a brushcutter/clearing saw...I liked that idea, but couldn't figure out a good way to carry the sprayer along (backpack sprayer is too big). setting the brushcutter down to spray meant repeated bending over (might as well use the chainsaw I have)...cutting a bunch, and then going back, meant covering ground twice and missing some stumps.
many months of internet searching revealed only two (low quality) pictures of a brushcutter with an integrated sprayer, and no mention of where to find such a kit, or how to build it. I also found out that the smallest quality backpack sprayer was 3 gals (still too big). The most interesting find was that several companies make a backpack powered brushcutter (which would be the cat's pajamas for my application)...not available in the US. :bang:
the concept percolated...I knew what I wanted, but finding the parts to build it was problematic. somehow I stumbled upon a plastic parts supplier while looking for a small chemical tank. they ended up having all the cool plumbing parts that I couldn't source locally. between them, a couple local places, and one specialty online part, I had what I needed to build a prototype.
for the record...I HATE PROTOTYPING. the wiring went smoothly, but getting the plumbing to perform right was frustrating. (guess that's why I'm an EE and not an ME)
I used a Stihl KM 130 as the brushcutter platform. Like everything these days, I had to prioritize cost vs utility vs risk. I did find out that you can get the parts to put bike handles on a kombi. I was able to recycle some of my old tac-gear...which was nice.
It's been several weeks waiting for parts, and getting things right. I have one or two more things to try before I begin abuse testing, but it's 85% there.
you put the shoulder harness on first, then the vest
you hook the brushcutter to the harness, and then make your electrical and plumbing connections
the nozzle sits behind the limit stop, and off to the left a bit
the battery and pump are carried along the spine, and the tank is on the off hand side...it disconnects for refilling
things not shown include an integrated battery charger & quick connect, battery (% of charge) tester, electrical lockout switch, pelican case to carry the sprayer parts (also recycled from my gi joe days), and quick disconnect drains (to purge the plumbing)
I mounted 90% of the sprayer parts so they could be easily disconnected from the brushcutter...which helps in maintenance...and you don't have to drag all that stuff around unless you need it.
still working on details (procedures)...like how to avoid having to hold the nozzle over your head to purge air, and exactly where is the best place to put the check valve. (I'd really like a pump with an integrated check valve...scratch that...I'd really like a backpack powered brushcutter with battery start
)
thoughts, ideas, and comments are welcome.
to give advice you must first give me rep. :msp_wink:
cheers!
many months of internet searching revealed only two (low quality) pictures of a brushcutter with an integrated sprayer, and no mention of where to find such a kit, or how to build it. I also found out that the smallest quality backpack sprayer was 3 gals (still too big). The most interesting find was that several companies make a backpack powered brushcutter (which would be the cat's pajamas for my application)...not available in the US. :bang:
the concept percolated...I knew what I wanted, but finding the parts to build it was problematic. somehow I stumbled upon a plastic parts supplier while looking for a small chemical tank. they ended up having all the cool plumbing parts that I couldn't source locally. between them, a couple local places, and one specialty online part, I had what I needed to build a prototype.
for the record...I HATE PROTOTYPING. the wiring went smoothly, but getting the plumbing to perform right was frustrating. (guess that's why I'm an EE and not an ME)
I used a Stihl KM 130 as the brushcutter platform. Like everything these days, I had to prioritize cost vs utility vs risk. I did find out that you can get the parts to put bike handles on a kombi. I was able to recycle some of my old tac-gear...which was nice.
It's been several weeks waiting for parts, and getting things right. I have one or two more things to try before I begin abuse testing, but it's 85% there.
you put the shoulder harness on first, then the vest
you hook the brushcutter to the harness, and then make your electrical and plumbing connections
the nozzle sits behind the limit stop, and off to the left a bit
the battery and pump are carried along the spine, and the tank is on the off hand side...it disconnects for refilling
things not shown include an integrated battery charger & quick connect, battery (% of charge) tester, electrical lockout switch, pelican case to carry the sprayer parts (also recycled from my gi joe days), and quick disconnect drains (to purge the plumbing)
I mounted 90% of the sprayer parts so they could be easily disconnected from the brushcutter...which helps in maintenance...and you don't have to drag all that stuff around unless you need it.
still working on details (procedures)...like how to avoid having to hold the nozzle over your head to purge air, and exactly where is the best place to put the check valve. (I'd really like a pump with an integrated check valve...scratch that...I'd really like a backpack powered brushcutter with battery start
)thoughts, ideas, and comments are welcome.
to give advice you must first give me rep. :msp_wink:
cheers!
