Permagreen P.G. Mag AutoPilot

[SpreadNSpray]

How many times have you wished you had a free hand when spraying with the P.G. Magnum? Wish no more. I have a locking spray lever that will keep the sprayer on with the push of a button. This can also be used the same as the stock lever with out pushing the button. You will be able to spray, drive and operate other controls with out stopping. This has saved me lots of time in the field. P.M. me if you have questions or would like to order one. The P.G. Mag AutoPilot is $23.50 + $6.95 shipping.

[rcreech]

Awesome!

That is slick!

I am sending you a PM.

[TLS]

Cool.....cruise control!


ON edit.... Is that 905.3hrs???

[rcreech]

Spread,

Have you tried one on the "gas" side?

I think it would be nice to have the "lock" on both sides.

When I am in larger acreages, I have found that my hand cramps pretty bad.

This would allow you to take your hands off and you wouldn't have to squeeze the trigger the whole time.

Just wondering. After spraying a commercial lawn at 20+ acres in a day, your hands actually hurt for a couple days.

[SpreadNSpray]

Cool.....cruise control!


ON edit.... Is that 905.3hrs???

Yes. 905.3 on the machine. The AutoPilot in the picture is brand new.

[TLS]

Cool, the way people talk around here, these PG's self destruct after 400hrs.

What model/year? Any other mods? Parts replacement?

[rcreech]

Cool, the way people talk around here, these PG's self destruct after 400hrs.

What model/year? Any other mods? Parts replacement?

People on here bash PG's all the time....but remember most of them have never even ran a PG!

Grandpa taught me along time ago:

"Believe half of what you see...and none of what you hear".

The PG Magnum is an awsome machine!

[SpreadNSpray]

Spread,

Have you tried one on the "gas" side?

I think it would be nice to have the "lock" on both sides.

When I am in larger acreages, I have found that my hand cramps pretty bad.

This would allow you to take your hands off and you wouldn't have to squeeze the trigger the whole time.

Just wondering. After spraying a commercial lawn at 20+ acres in a day, your hands actually hurt for a couple days.


The AutoPilot it is NOT for use on the throttle side for safety reasons. You would need an automatic safety shut off to stop the machine if the operator fell. Just like a commercial mower. Sprayer side only for now.

[SpreadNSpray]

Cool, the way people talk around here, these PG's self destruct after 400hrs.

What model/year? Any other mods? Parts replacement?


That one is a 2006. It has been run and maintained by a full time employee for 2 years. During the lawn season it's pressure washed on Tuesday and Thursdays. the oil is changed every 4 weeks along with other normal maintenance. At the end of the year every wear part is replaced. Like belts, cables, pulleys, plugs.
As far as other mods... I have one more that is not fully tested yet.

[pieperlc]

Nice invention! I have the ultra and the one thing that made me not want to upgrade to a magnum was the fact you had to hold the spray lever. With the ultra, it's just flip a switch and go. I bet perma green will be contacting you soon!

[rcreech]

The AutoPilot it is NOT for use on the throttle side for safety reasons. You would need an automatic safety shut off to stop the machine if the operator fell. Just like a commercial mower. Sprayer side only for now.

I understand where you are coming from....but I would only use while on large areas where you drive straight for 3-4 minutes and turn around and drive straight for 3-4 minutes etc. I don't let out on when I turn anyway.

It seriously hurts the ol' hands a little when in the throttle for such long periods. Because the only rest they get in between filling which only takes about 4-5 minutes and you are back at it.

If you come up with something on the throttle, let me know. You are really onto something here I think! Very good idea!

Thanks,
RC

[SpreadNSpray]

It seriously hurts the ol' hands a little when in the throttle for such long periods. Because the only rest they get in between filling which only takes about 4-5 minutes and you are back at it.
Thanks,
RC
I hear ya. Iv'e got a stop where I do 5, 3 acre lots in a row. The hand gets tired. I Couldn't imagine doing that like the old days when I was pulling a hose!

[MStine315]

Ross, I'll tell you one modification you can work on. A better on/off for the hopper lever. That's one of my top pet peeves with the Magnum is having to hold the lever in the "on" position so it doesn't wiggle shut. My kingdom for an Ultra SE!

[The Ranger]

I wish we had those when we owned our PG. We could have auto piloted them right into a lake or better yet as we passed a junk yard.

[SpreadNSpray]

I wish we had those when we owned our PG. We could have auto piloted them right into a lake or better yet as we passed a junk yard.

Thats funny stuff :laugh: The Magnums have been good for us.

[TLS]

The Magnums have been good for us.
The MAGNUM part is on emphasis for a reason. Too many times I believe the PG gets a bad rap from 5-10 year old (older technology) machines.

I'm ready to go with a new Magnum I believe....very soon.

[rcreech]

The MAGNUM part is on emphasis for a reason. Too many times I believe the PG gets a bad rap from 5-10 year old (older technology) machines.

I'm ready to go with a new Magnum I believe....very soon.

Exactly!

That is always my beef with the ANTI PG guys. They talk about their PG's being junk but have never owned a Magnum.

Instead of call the Magnum a PG....we need to just start calling it a Magnum and leave it at that!

[turf hokie]

If they are that good, I'll trade you guys 3 ultras for 2 magnums.....I have had it with mine.

[TLS]

If they are that good, I'll trade you guys 3 ultras for 2 magnums.....I have had it with mine.

I'm not following you here.

Do you have Magnums or Ultras?

And what specifically are the problems your having with them.

I'll assume since you mentioned multiples, that they're both not being owner driven?

[RigglePLC]

Great idea Spreadnspray,
Should help a lot of situations where the lawn is big.

An idea I have thought about--could you build a gas pedal? That would free the hands and have a more natural driving position. If you fell off--it would stop. Of course you still need to shift with your foot.

I was amazed. After two weeks of storage at about 32 degrees, my Ultra started with one pull of the rope today. I did some minor rewireing. Replaced the main hot wire to starter with heavier 10 guage wire. Also made sure there were no splices or connections down front where most of the fertilizer goes. Should protect from corrosion.

[The Ranger]

I owned 6 centuries and 6 magmums. They both have there own set of maintenance, design and mechanical problems that all could have been prevented before they were released, but there is no mechanical engineer on staff at PG. That is why there are design and mechanical problems with their units. Two yrs ago we switched to Z spray and could not be happier. Little more money, but much more machine. And no problems!!! We have over 800 hrs on one Z and haven't even replaced the belt yet. The only problem was the battery cable came lose. That is a machine built for commercial use.

[TLS]

I think there is a difference between the intended usage.

I plan to treat 10-20 acres. That should be 2-3 partial days per round.

Guys having problems are likely using them 20-30 hours per week.


We need to take into consideration the usage of these units.

[turf hokie]

TLS
I have the ultra, have not upgraded to the magnum yet. My machines are going into their 4th year of year of service and average about 700 hours each.

I am the first to admit that we are not the gentlest on the machines. However, I run the machines as well as my guys. We all have one we prefer for whatever reason and that is the one that each person generally runs.

I have had the normal wear and tears and not complained too loudly. I have always said the machines have their place in my business or I would not continue to own them. I have replaced just about everything on mine and upgraded everything that need to be upgraded.

So consider that the 700 hour average is not accurate considering that we have replaced all 3 engines in the past 18 months, all electrical has been upgraded according to pg, (hotwired etc,) we pull start since the electric start lasts about a week. The pumps get replaced 2x per season on average b/c they just don't hold up.

My problem now is that they (all 3 within 4 weeks of each other) stopped spraying out of both nozzles. I can get one or the other to spray but not both at the same time. Now before you start running thru all the check lists we have done that. New nozzles, new pumps, bypassed the ball valve that switch from from hi to low volume nozzle, checked all connections, increased RPM like PG suggested, pressure tested all lines for leaks, and I am sure some others as well.

Nobody can tell me why or how this problem occurred or how to fix it. I am ready to strip the whole spray system and set it up like my z - spray.

The z machine is going into its 3rd season and has over 400 hours on it with nary a problem. I replaced the pump once but that was an operator error on my part that caused the problem.

I dont want to compare z to pg that is done enough, they are different machines and again both have a place in my business.

However, why is it that I cant get my pg's up and running? I can deal with breakdowns b/c I expect them, just have a way to fix it.

Therefore, with all the good things I hear about the magnums I wish pg had a trade in program, you know like the car dealers, give me x amount for my used vehicle and put my in a new shiny vehicle.

Unless somebody wants a few used, almost working pg ultras in exchange for a couple of new completely working magnums:)

[RigglePLC]

I have about a week until I get busy. About 800 hours on my Ultra. I will try to help, if I can.

What is output in ounces per minute from the bottle fill valve on the lower left of the tank? Motor off--and then motor on, at wide open throttle?

Buy or borrow a voltmeter. At the pump switch terminal screw, what is voltage with motor off? Voltage with motor on, at wide open throttle?

Myself, I have been told to "Never disconnect the voltage regulator, because it changes AC current of about 32 volts, to DC current at a voltage that will not damage the battery."
Mine puts out 16 volts at wide open throttle.

A new battery--garden tractor or motorcycle type may solve the problem.

[SpreadNSpray]

Great idea Spreadnspray,
Should help a lot of situations where the lawn is big.

An idea I have thought about--could you build a gas pedal? That would free the hands and have a more natural driving position. If you fell off--it would stop. Of course you still need to shift with your foot.

I was amazed. After two weeks of storage at about 32 degrees, my Ultra started with one pull of the rope today. I did some minor rewireing. Replaced the main hot wire to starter with heavier 10 guage wire. Also made sure there were no splices or connections down front where most of the fertilizer goes. Should protect from corrosion.

Thanks riggle.
The Autopilot will be nice on large lawns, but was actually made for small areas. The problem for us was spraying the perimeter of lawns and landscape beds while trying to move the deflector gard up and down and operate the 3rd hole adjustment. Also spraying and switching between trim and wide nozzles. The With the AutoPilot you can set the sprayer on and operate all the other controls with your left hand.
Just like you can do with your Ultra with the constant on spray switch.

[MStine315]

My auto pilot came today. Looks to be very well built. Can't wait to try it out.

[rcreech]

Got the auto pilot earlier in the week for me PG!

Thanks.... Spread and Spray!

This is the slickest think I have seen in a while!


If you own a PG and do larger areas...this is a no brainer!

Beats the heck out of the wire tie I was trying to use!

[heritage]

TLS
I have the ultra, have not upgraded to the magnum yet. My machines are going into their 4th year of year of service and average about 700 hours each.

I am the first to admit that we are not the gentlest on the machines. However, I run the machines as well as my guys. We all have one we prefer for whatever reason and that is the one that each person generally runs.

I have had the normal wear and tears and not complained too loudly. I have always said the machines have their place in my business or I would not continue to own them. I have replaced just about everything on mine and upgraded everything that need to be upgraded.

So consider that the 700 hour average is not accurate considering that we have replaced all 3 engines in the past 18 months, all electrical has been upgraded according to pg, (hotwired etc,) we pull start since the electric start lasts about a week. The pumps get replaced 2x per season on average b/c they just don't hold up.

My problem now is that they (all 3 within 4 weeks of each other) stopped spraying out of both nozzles. I can get one or the other to spray but not both at the same time. Now before you start running thru all the check lists we have done that. New nozzles, new pumps, bypassed the ball valve that switch from from hi to low volume nozzle, checked all connections, increased RPM like PG suggested, pressure tested all lines for leaks, and I am sure some others as well.

Nobody can tell me why or how this problem occurred or how to fix it. I am ready to strip the whole spray system and set it up like my z - spray.

The z machine is going into its 3rd season and has over 400 hours on it with nary a problem. I replaced the pump once but that was an operator error on my part that caused the problem.

I dont want to compare z to pg that is done enough, they are different machines and again both have a place in my business.

However, why is it that I cant get my pg's up and running? I can deal with breakdowns b/c I expect them, just have a way to fix it.

Therefore, with all the good things I hear about the magnums I wish pg had a trade in program, you know like the car dealers, give me x amount for my used vehicle and put my in a new shiny vehicle.

Unless somebody wants a few used, almost working pg ultras in exchange for a couple of new completely working magnums:)

T Hokie,

Have you changed the in tank check valve to a 20 psi body?

Also see if the ultra, has the two pins on the check valve in tank, as the Centri did. (pins are what the quick caps twist and lock onto with the spray nozzles)

What I have found works really well, is I use a Solo Jet Stream Nozzle(looks like a round black grape, cut in half, with a pen sized hole in center), held in place with a quick cap and gasket from tee-jet (same ones as your spray nozzles also) and Leave out the swirl plate that would change the steam into a cone spray pattern.

I have found this causes a correct amount of back pressure, regarless if some sediment gets between the rubber check valve and it's seat.

Since doing this.......Zero, spray nozzle one sided spray issues, in 100's of hours since. I don't even clean the check valve anymore, and the stream makes for better agitation within the tank.

Only reason I thought this over anything else for your situation First, is they all "Singled Out" about the same time frame. This make me think, perhaps it was caused by what you may have sprayed the app. prior to issue.

If that quick/cheap fix does not fix on the ultra, then you need to look at the Batteryoutput, and then if you sprayed something that damaged the internals of your new pumps.

Hope this helps.

I still LOVE my Centuri, and when she is retired, I will get the Magnum.

Happy Almost Spring!

Pete

[turf hokie]

Thanks Pete,

That is about the only thing I have not tried. I had only been spraying eliminate and acclaim out of the machines so I did not think that was a cause for the problem. I will look into your fix tomorrow and let you know what I came up with.

Bryan

[pieperlc]

I know you said you went through all the checklists, but my ultra would only spray out of one nozzle at a time and not both. My electric start wouldn't work either. I found that one of the fuses on the front of the machine under the hood blew. Replaced the fuse and haven't had a problem since. It was really strange, but it worked.

On edit:
I don't know why the fuse blew, something had to short out, but it hasn't blew since.

[turf hokie]

Now that I have seriously hijacked this thread.

Sorry for the hijack, when I buy a Magnum I will get one of the auto pilots.

As far as the fuse. Been there done that. I truly believe I am well beyond the simple fix with these machines. If I dont get it figured out within the next week or two we will probably strip the whole spray system and start from scratch.

I appreciate everyone's help, I will be going over these again this week. I will update as to what the solution is and what the problem was. I hope anyway.

[RigglePLC]

Two symptoms--poor spraying pressure and non-functioning electric start. This suggests an electrical problem. (as in not enough.)

Possibly bypassing the voltage regulator has resulted in excess voltage going to the batteries. So the batteries burn up and fail in about a week. And therefore the electric start and the pump cannot function. Maybe you only have 10 volts to work with. The stator on the Briggs which produces the electrical power to charge the battery, probably is not strong enough to operate the pump continuously without help from the battery. Test the voltage. With the motor not running anything less than about 12.7 volts is too weak. With the motor started--anything above 16 volts is too high and it will ruin the battery and the pump. Install a motor cycle or lawn tractor battery, even if only tempoary. See if that restores the electric start and if pump output goes up to 80 ounces per minute. You will have to build a bracket for the new battery, (if you decide to install it permanently). And you will have to restore the voltage regulator into the circuit, to protect the new battery. You may have to use a battery charger on the battery occasionally, as continuous spraying may draw too much current, and run down the battery.

The fuses. I had trouble with mine due to corrosion. Fuse holder broke off when I removed the fuse. I discarded it and spliced the wire--risky of course.

Check the pressure regulator valve. (Supposed to be set at 10 psi). Peek inside the tank. Fluid should flow through it back into the tank when the pump is on, but no valves are open. If the valves are open and nozzles are flowing--no solution should come back into tank.

I use mainly Eliminate, also.

Good luck--hope this helps. Anybody agree or disagree? Anyone else had similar problems? Different answers?

[RigglePLC]

http://www.carcare.org/Electrical/voltage_regulator.shtml

Above is a summary of voltage regulator info. for cars.

[SpreadNSpray]

Now that I have seriously hijacked this thread.

Sorry for the hijack, when I buy a Magnum I will get one of the auto pilots.

As far as the fuse. Been there done that. I truly believe I am well beyond the simple fix with these machines. If I dont get it figured out within the next week or two we will probably strip the whole spray system and start from scratch.

I appreciate everyone's help, I will be going over these again this week. I will update as to what the solution is and what the problem was. I hope anyway.


No prob. Good luck with your Ultras.