Water Spray System
The purpose of the water spray system is to wash the dust created by the cutting operation out of the air within the cutter housing and lower conveyor enclosure. By eliminating the dust, the spray system prevents a possible health and traffic hazard, makes operation of the machine easier and safer because of better visibility, and reduces required machine servicing. It is obvious that the water spray system should be used anytime the machine is cutting.
The four interconnected water tanks at the rear of the machine have a total capacity of about 1000 gallons. Water for the spray system flows from the tanks to the belt-driven centrifugal water pump, from the pump through two filters, and then to the spray nozzles located in the top of the cutter door and lower conveyor cover.
The spray system pump has a magnetic clutch that is engaged or disengaged by the spray bar switch on the control panel. The spray bar switch also controls a solenoid valve located near the spray bars. When the clutch disengages, the valve closes so water will not drain out the spray nozzles. The valve opens at the same time the clutch engages.
A spray system pressure gauge is mounted in the forward control console so the operator can check that the pump is operating. Two other pressure gauges, one on each side of the filters, indicate the condition of the filter elements. The pressure to each of the two spray bars is shown by a pressure gauge located just downstream from a gate valve that can be used to adjust the pressure.
NOTE: IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT THE WATER SPRAY SYSTEM FUNCTION PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES. IF IT DOES NOT, LARGE AMOUNTS OF DUST WILL LEAVE THE CUTTER AREA AND BE DRAWN INTO THE RADIATORS AND OIL COOLERS, CAUSING OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINES AND HYDRAULIC OIL.
Optional High Pressure Water System
The optional high pressure (up to 1000 PSI) water system is intended for machine cleanup. Control system hydraulic oil pressure is used to turn a small hydraulic motor that is coupled to the piston-type high pressure water pump. A manually operated valve turns the hydraulic oil pressure to the motor on or off, thus turning the water on or off. A quick disconnect coupling half at the water pump provides a fast and convenient way to connect the hose and spray gun into the system.
Cold Weather Precautions
Anytime the machine is parked outside for a length of time in freezing temperatures, the water should be drained from the tanks, pumps, filters and hoses to avoid damage from freezing water. See page 5-32 for procedures.