How to Maintain Your Spray Foam Rig

By Kevin Malone

When you buy a new car, you're required to schedule maintenance such as regular oil changes, filter changes, and fluid top-offs to keep the engine running the way it should. If you do not keep up with maintenance and repairs, the car may not function as well as you would like, and you might have to replace it sooner than expected. 

This is also true with spray foam equipment. Even the best spray foam rigs need regular upkeep to maintain peak performance. The seamless performance of a brand new Graco Reactor 3 system may fool you into thinking it will always run perfectly. However, you need to schedule routine maintenance to ensure it continues to deliver top performance.

You purchased the best spray foam rig. So, how do you ensure that it will remain in top condition? Start by downloading the correct product manuals and discussing maintenance needs with our experts. You can get excellent post-sales help and top recommendations for replacement parts.

Let us take a closer look at tips contractors follow to maintain the best spray foam rigs.

Consult User Manuals

Since every maintenance schedule is unique to the type of equipment and how often you use it, we advise every client to download a copy of the correct product manual. Since we predominantly recommend Graco and PMC products, this list of Graco and PMC product manuals will provide much of the information you need. To be fully informed, you should download the operation and repair manuals. This ensures that you operate your equipment correctly, preventing many mishaps and identifying the parts you need for repairs. Our Graco repair manuals cover:

  • Air-driven, electric, and hydraulic spray foam machines from Graco, including the most popular models like the E-20 and H-40.
  • Air-driven, electric, and hydraulic spray foam machines from PMC, which include the PH, GH, PA, and PMCA series.
  • The most popular spray foam guns from Graco such as the Graco Fusion, Fusion CS, Probler P2, GX7, and D-Gun.
  • PMC's award-winning spray foam guns, which include the AP-3, AP-2, PX-7, and SP-1 Manual.

If your make or model is not listed, please give us a call. Our industry experts are familiar with many products, and we are continuously improving our list of client resources. If you bought equipment from us, we know how to operate and maintain it. Just ask us, and we will point you in the right direction.

Get Expert Help for Newly Released Equipment

When it comes to new models like the PMC Extreme Spray foam gun or the Graco Reactor 3, it is best to ask our experts for maintenance tips. New products undergo rigorous testing before being released to the public, but it takes a while to establish their reputation. Sometimes, known quirks that can easily be corrected may arise, but it takes time for other users to become familiar with them. 

In the early stages of a product's release, speaking with a qualified representative will give you complete information about operation and maintenance. Then, as more information becomes available, it will be even easier to know what replacement parts you need and which maintenance procedures to follow.

General Maintenance Guidelines

There are basic maintenance rules you should follow that do involve consulting a maintenance manual. This will help you keep even a used spray foam rig in top condition for as long as possible.

  • Routinely lubricate any required parts such as pressure relief and circulation valves.
  • Use a desiccant dryer to prevent ISO crystallization caused by accumulated moisture in the material drum.
  • Check control modules, motors, and fans for dust buildup and gently clean them to keep them operating in top condition.
  • For spray foam guns, clean the valve screens and mix chamber ports after every use.
  • Perform a daily check during spray foam machine startup, including:
    • Checking the nut/wet cup to ensure it is ? full of its compatible solvent
    • Remove any debris in the fluid inlet strainers
    • Check the ISO lubricant
    • Top off if levels are low
    • Replace if lubricant is dark, gel-like, or diluted with ISO
    • Ensure proper ventilation.
  • After each use, follow your spray foam machine's directions for proper system depressurization.

If you have a hydraulic system, you should follow additional maintenance steps that include:

  • Daily inspection for leaks in hydraulic and fluid lines.
  • Checking hydraulic fluid levels weekly.
  • Clean dust buildup that accumulates on hydraulic oil coolers.

Not Sure What to Fix (or when to maintain)? No Problem!

When you upgrade to a new spray foam machine from a top manufacturer like PMC or Graco, you will find user-friendly troubleshooting is built into the machine's interface. Most modern SPF machines will display error codes that point to the source of the problem so you can easily find and fix the problem.

Depending on your model, you will receive notifications when standard maintenance is due. This can be an invaluable resource when you have multiple jobs scheduled back-to-back.

The Best Spray Foam Rigs at Intech Equipment & Supply

Intech Equipment and Supply is proud to offer an extensive selection of spray foam machines, accessories, and replacement parts from trusted brands. If you need to upgrade to the best spray foam rig for your business, we are here to help. We also offer flexible in-house payment plans. For more information, check out our financing calculator.

Do you want to learn more about the best spray foam rigs available and get troubleshooting and maintenance advice? Contact us and speak to one of our industry experts.

About Kevin Malone
Kevin Malone is a leading expert in the spray foam insulation industry with 34 years of experience in spray foam fluid handling and a passion for innovation. He currently offers his extensive knowledge to Intech Equipment and Supply customers by supporting them in selecting quality spray foam equipment to optimize their business. Learn more about Kevin here.

ABOUT INTECH

Intech Equipment & Supply was founded in 1995, and has since grown to become the leader in spray foam equipment, mobile spray foam rigs, and parts supplier. With locations all across North America we are available when you need us most.


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