Frequently Asked Questions

Strength & Durability

Q.		What is the LiquiJect "SpikeWheel™"?
A.		The LiquiJect™ SpikeWheel and spring arm assembly represent breakthrough technology that makes our product so effective. The SpikeWheel dish is made of a high-grade stainless steel. Each injector spike is machined from corrosion-resistant premium grade stainless steel and attached to the LiquiJect SpikeWheel for extra durability. The chrome cast alloy tip is added to each injector spike for longer wear life. The wheel is configured with 12 individually mounted 2" injector spikes which lay down a 6" x 6" spacing across two standard model widths (48" & 90"). The solid dish wheel design protects the connecting tubes and fittings, ensuring trouble free operation. The hub is stainless steel and all internal components are also made of corrosion-resistant materials. The specially engineered and independently mounted spring arms allow for the proper down pressure and tracking of each SpikeWheel. The wheel design and engineering allow for minimal disturbance while directing liquid to each point entering the turf.
Q.		How does the SpikeWheel technology work?
A.		The LiquiJect SpikeWheel contains a metering sleeve that only allows liquid products to be released while the injection point is in the soil. The metering sleeve regulates the amount of solution each spike receives so each holds the same precise amount - causing even product distribution.
Q.		What type of terrain is suitable for the LiquiJect applicator? What soil conditions has the SpikeWheel been used on?
A.		Tested for over ten years in a variety of applications and thousands of hours of operation, LiquiJect's SpikeWheels are proven in agricultural applications passing over thousands of acres with varied terrain and field conditions. Design of the LiquiJect applicator allows for operation on contoured landscape, mounded greens, hilly fairways, and poorly draining sports fields. The applicator offers unrivaled efficiency and effectiveness in precision placement of environmentally sensitive liquid materials. The design of the system allows for use on slopes up to 25%.
Q.		How do the spikes avoid damaging the sprinkler heads I have on my course?
A.		As a precaution, we ask that each sprinkler head be marked in advance of using the LiquiJect system so that maintenance personnel can avoid them. In the event a sprinkler head is rolled over, however, the individually-mounted spring arm attached to each SpikeWheel provides enough flexibility to avoid damage. The down pressure provided by the spring arm ensures that the injection spike is effective in penetrating the surface of the soil and residue such as the thatch, but still allows for upward movement when an obstruction is encountered.
Q.		How strong is the injector spike?
A.		Tested in over ten years of application and thousands of hours of operation, LiquiJect's SpikeWheels or sub-surface injection wheels are proven in agricultural applications, passing over thousands of acres with varied terrain and field conditions. Each injector spike is machined from corrosion-resistant premium grade stainless steel and attached to the LiquiJect SpikeWheel. The chrome cast alloy tip is added to each injector spike for longer wear life. The solid dish wheel design protects the connecting tubes and fittings, ensuring trouble free operation. The specially engineered and independently mounted spring arms allow for the proper down pressure and tracking of each SpikeWheel. The combined design features of the SpikeWheel and spring arm, allow for 400 pounds of down pressure to be applied before any potential damage to either the spike or the wheel dish will occur.
Q.		What happens if a spike or injection point breaks?
A.		Breakage can easily be overcome by removing the broken spike and bolting on a new one. Design features protect the injector spikes from many types of damage. However, a bent spike can often be simply straightened out with pressure, with no loss to performance.
Q.		How easy is it to replace a wheel, and what is the cost?
A.		The wheels are easily replaceable, if necessary. With the strength and design of the system, replacement should be a rare occurrence. A replacement dish with the injector spikes attached can be purchased for a small charge; refer to the LiquiJect price list or email us at sales@liquiject.com for pricing..
Q.		How long will the SpikeWheels last? The entire LiquiJect system?
A.		We conducted a variety of durability tests during the development process. One such test involved running a wheel for 750 miles in extremely dry and corrosive conditions. There was no measurable wear upon the completion of that particular test. Like all machinery, consistent maintenance is important to ensure a long life and high return on investment (ROI). As for the LiquiJect system, basic maintenance activities include flushing the system with clean water to remove any product after use, and replacing O-Ring seals as needed and outlined in the operating manual.
Q.		Will the LiquiJect system work well on my sensitive greens?
A.		Yes. It's ideal for golf course superintendents to assist in solving their hydrophobic problems on greens with LiquiJect's low disturbance application.
Speed
Q.		How fast can I travel when applying liquid solutions?
A.		The recommended rate of speed at which to apply liquid products is from 3 to 5 miles per hour. Speeds above 5 mph may create centrifugal forces, which press small amounts of liquids out from the wheels while they are above ground.
Q.		How much fluid actually gets in the ground, at the recommended speed?
A.		Each wheel has its own orifice distribution plate. The hole in the orifice plate determines the amount of material, which is metered from the manifold. The orifice plates come in a wide variety of sizes to match your application needs. The amount of liquid sent to each SpikeWheel is what is applied into the ground.
Application & Control
Q.		How do we control the liquid pressure?
A.		Each wheel has its own orifice distribution plate. The hole in the orifice plate determines the amount of material, which is metered from the manifold. The orifice plates come in a wide variety of sizes to match your application needs. The amount of liquid sent to each SpikeWheel is what is applied into the ground.
Q.		How do you prevent liquid from escaping when the Spike is not in the ground?
A.		An internal metering sleeve in the hub only allows injection of liquids to occur when the injector spike is in the six o'clock position (at the bottom of the rotation).
Q.		How deep will the injection points penetrate into the ground?
A.		The points on the wheel penetrate to a depth of approximately 2 inches, depending on soil conditions.
Q.		What kind of fertilizer solution can I use with the LiquiJect applicator?
A.		Most liquid fertilizer solutions can be applied with the LiquiJect system.
Q.		What application is this ideal for?
A.		The LiquiJect system is ideal for distribution of any liquids (or dry, flowable powders in a liquid solution) to areas where low disturbance is a priority. However, it is important to read individual product labels and follow recommended usage guidelines. The application can be on virtually any turf, even the sensitive areas of a golf course green. The LiquiJect sub-surface liquid injector is a superior tool to help derive optimal results from products.
Q.		How do I tell how much fertilizer is going to each wheel?
A.		The method to determine this is the same as for a colter injection fertilizer machine, and similar to boom sprayer calculations. Whatever amount is sent through the exit holes to the wheel is applied fully into the soil. See the calibration chart below: Row Spacing (inches) Exit hole recommendations based on the following GPA application rates 20 GPA 40 GPA 60 GPA 80 GPA 6" 34 48 59 68 (This is a reference tool to be used as a guideline only.) Useful Formulas
Q.		How many gallons per acre can I apply?
A.		You can apply from 1 to 4 gallons per 1000 square feet or 150 gallons per acre.
Q.		How is pressure achieved?
A.		The LiquiJect applicator achieves pressure through a PTO (Power Take Off) driven roller pump.
Q.		Is the LiquiJect system considered to be a high-pressure system during operation?
A.		No. The recommended pressure to use with the LiquiJect system on your turf is only 20-60 psi.
Q.		Will a rate control monitor work with the LiquiJect System?
A.		Precision monitoring systems are available for tracking application rates.
Company Credentials
Q.		How many LiquiJect machines are in use around the nation?
A.		There are thousands of SpikeWheels currently in use in the agriculture industry; the SpikeWheel design for agriculture inspired us to adapt it to non-agricultural uses. The latest model of the SpikeWheel was introduced to the agriculture market early in 2003, and we sold 1500 models by the end of the year. The LiquiJect 400 & 760 were introduced in mid-2003. Because we are selling new units every month, our "installed base" continues to climb among new customers.
Q.		Is this technology proven?
A.		The technology of the SpikeWheel was developed for the agricultural industry and has proven successful for over 10 years in this market.
Q.		How long has the company been around?
A.		With beginnings in the agricultural industry, the SpikeWheel technology used on the LiquiJect system has been used in the in the agricultural market since 1989.
Q.		Where are the LiquiJect products made?
A.		In the United States.
Miscellaneous
Q.		When will I see results after using this machine on my golf course or athletic field?
A.		You should see results in anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks, depending on existing conditions and the type of solutions or products applied.
Q.		When is the best time of year to use the system?
A.		The LiquiJect system can be used anytime of the year as long as temperatures are above freezing and labels for products being applied permit application. Always read and follow label directions. The condition for which the specific product is being applied will determine the time of year when the application should occur for optimal results to be achieved.
Q.		How many gallons does each tank hold?
A.		Model 400 - 30 gallons Model 760 - 100 gallons
Q.		How easy is it to attach this to our tractors?
A.		LiquiJect models 760 is sold as a stand-alone unit, which would attach in a similar manner as attaching a 3-point mower. Model 400 is only sold as a complete unit that includes the tractor.
Q.		If I have an existing tractor at my course what are the requirements this tractor needs to have in order for the LiquiJect applicator to perform at the capacity for which the system is designed?
A.		We recommend the tractor have the following features (other configurations may require custom adjustments or other considerations):        Drive Train System: 4-wheel drive        Hitch: Category 2 three-point        Hydraulics: Single rear remote        Weights: Front counter weight        PTO: Rear PTO 540 RPM        Horsepower: 30-40
Q.		What is the weight and size of each of the systems?
A.		See Product section for completed detail.
Q.		What is the price for each LiquiJect model?
A.		Our variety of model sizes and costs for the suite of LiquiJect products are designed to work with nearly any budget. Contact the LiquiJect office at info@liquiject.com or an authorized dealer to review purchase or lease options.