Properly winterizing your colorizer will ensure your machine is ready for setup when spring mulch season arrives. Follow these simple steps to prepare your colorizer for the off season.
- Drain and inspect all lines on the colorizer – replace any lines that are damaged or worn.
- Replace colorant draw tube – even the smallest hole or crack in the draw tube or hose will affect the amount of colorant the pump is adding to the machine.
- Add antifreeze to the water pump (if equipped).
- Remove colorant lines from the grinding chamber on the machine and cap ports going into the machine and plug colorant lines (unless using them for dust control).
- Clean and disinfect water tank (if equipped).
- Change colorant pump hose:
- Color pump hoses are rated for 2 million cycles (500 hours of operation (30,000 cycles) at 50 RPM equals 1.5 million cycles).
- Replace hose lube in the color pump.
- Record all settings used for each color and each feed stock:
- Take pictures of feed stock.
- Take pictures of machine settings.
- Create a recipe book for all finished products.