Brine in the spreader: flushing, antifreeze and draining

Ficon states that a system that is not flushed builds up deposits and corrosion that can reduce pump performance, and that liquid left standing for a long time can freeze and damage the spreader.

The procedures below are from Ficon's user manuals for the combination spreaders with pre-wetting and for the FC 500-2000 brine spreader. The guide Winter maintenance: dry salt, pre-wetted salt or brine? explains how pre-wetted salt and brine are used in winter maintenance.

Pre-wetting on the FC 550-1100 and FC 600-1000TR

The hopper on the FC 550-1100 and FC 600-1000TR has integrated tanks for the liquid systems, which can be ordered as extras. Ficon states that only water or de-icing fluid may be used in the pre-wetting system.

• Empty the liquid tank using the red handle after each use, and empty the filter
• Clean the filter regularly
• If the liquid is left in the tank for a long time, it can freeze and damage the spreader

Flushing out the liquid system

For the combination spreaders, Ficon describes the flushing in eight steps, condensed here:

• Disconnect the hose to the spray boom at the quick coupling at the rear of the vehicle
• Run the pump until the tank is empty, or pump the brine back to the storage tank, and switch off the pump
• Take the filter apart, and push the flushing hose with the cone into the pump inlet in the filter housing
• Pour water and motorhome antifreeze (RV antifreeze) into a barrel, and put the other end of the hose in the barrel
• Start the pump, and reconnect the quick coupling to the hose reel or spray boom
• Let the pump run until clear fluid flows out of each nozzle

If you skip the steps

Ficon states that the steps are important. If they are skipped, the pump and the entire liquid system can be damaged, and if the damage occurs because the steps were skipped, the warranty no longer applies.

FC 500-2000: daily flushing

The older production model of the FC 500-2000 brine spreader has a separate tank for flushing and cleaning the spray system with antifreeze after use, while the newer one is flushed via an antifreeze inlet. Ficon states that the liquid system must be flushed after every day of use. Without flushing, deposits and corrosion build up that can reduce pump performance.

The user manual distinguishes between an older and a newer production model by serial number, and the flushing is done differently:

• Older model — check that the flushing tank is filled with antifreeze and that the handles are in the normal operating position. Switch on manual spraying with the maximum rate in the controller, turn the handles as shown in the table in the user manual, and wait 20–30 seconds while the pump system is flushed internally. Switch off the spraying and return the handles
• Older model — follow the handle sequence in the user manual; otherwise, brine from the main tank can be pumped into the flushing tank. Daily flushing is also a condition of the warranty
• Newer model — connect a hose to the quick coupling (the antifreeze inlet) and turn the two valve handles down to the flushing position. Use pressurised tap water or a bucket of antifreeze mixture; the pumps on the machine can be used for suction. Turn the handles back to the normal position after flushing

Empty the tank before it is left standing

Residual liquid is drained through the outlet under the technical housing. Connect a hose, turn the handle inside the housing and empty the brine back into the storage tank, a bucket or a barrel. Ficon warns against leaving liquid in the tank for a long time, and the spreader must always be emptied before it is removed from the vehicle.

According to the user manual, the spreader should be flushed, emptied and cleaned after each use to prevent deposits and corrosion. Ficon also recommends dielectric grease on all electrical connections to protect against corrosion.

Calibration and operating hours

On the FC 500-2000, the spraying width depends on the pump pressure. Ficon states that you need to run the pumps, see how far it sprays to the left and right, and update the value in the controller if necessary. The user has to find an average value or calibrate for the pressure used most often. The hand sprayer is calibrated at four points.

In the controller, Info → Service shows operating hours and service.

The mixture

If you mix your own brine, Ficon states that it has the best melting capacity at a 23.3% solution. The concentration can be measured with a refractometer.

Parts and service

You can order nozzles, filters and other parts through spare parts. Sigurd Stave Maskin AS has mobile service technicians in Oslo and Bergen, and you can reach the workshop during the day on +47 969 13 856.